Vic Armstrong
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Hueman Group Media
Strong Talk: Grieving Is More Than Sadness With April Simpkins
Strong Talk: Grieving Is More Than Sadness With April Simpkins
Strong Talk: Grieving Is More Than Sadness With April Simpkins
Wednesday 18th February 2026
Explore April Simpkins' journey through grief and joy, advocating mental health and honouring her daughter's legacy.
44 minutes
Inspiring
Hopeful
Informative
Compassionate
Healing
About this podcast
Author:
Vic Armstrong
Overview:
Categories:
Body & Mind
Sobriety Toolkit
Healing Relationships
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
33 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Grief Beyond Sadness: April Simpkins' Journey
Episode Overview
- Grief can coexist with positive emotions like joy.
- Creative expression aids in managing mental health challenges.
- Open conversations about mental health are crucial.
- Workplace environments should support mental wellness.
- Lived experiences are powerful tools for advocacy.
"You can still be sad and find something funny. Joy and happiness are two very different things."
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? This episode of Strong Talk takes you on a journey through the multifaceted experience of grief with April Simpkins, a devoted mental health advocate. April shares her poignant story of losing her daughter, Cheslie Kryst, to suicide, revealing how grief can be more than just sadness—it can coexist with joy and serve as a catalyst for action.
Host Vic Armstrong engages April in a candid conversation about the importance of mental health awareness, especially in communities where such topics are often shrouded in silence. April discusses her personal healing journey and the founding of The Chesley C. Kryst Foundation, which ties creativity to mental health support. Through this foundation, she aims to honour her daughter's legacy by promoting artistic expression as a tool for managing mental health challenges.
This episode is packed with heartfelt anecdotes and practical advice, making it an invaluable resource for anyone grappling with grief or supporting someone who is. You'll also hear about April's work in advocating for mental health in the workplace and her belief in the power of lived experiences to break down stigmas. Her insights offer a fresh perspective on how we can all contribute to a more compassionate understanding of mental health.
As you listen, you'll find yourself reflecting on your own experiences and how they shape your approach to life's challenges. Are you ready to embrace both joy and sadness as part of your journey?