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At Samaritans, we want to meet our loss survivors wherever they may be in their grief journeys. Those of us who are further along in our journeys have courageously navigated our pain and trauma for years, but we may be wondering what comes next. How can we find meaning in our loss? Will we ever be at peace? This virtual presentation introduces Soul Exhaustion, a concept developed by Sarah Gaer to explore the profound effects of trauma, grief, and adverse life experiences on the human spirit. For those grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide, Soul Exhaustion provides a framework to acknowledge the depth of that loss beyond traditional grief models. Suicide grief is uniquely complex, often leaving people searching for meaning, struggling with unanswered questions, and feeling disconnected. Understanding Soul Exhaustion helps us recognize these challenges and find ways to care for ourselves and others through Soul Care—a non-religious, a non-clinical, evidence-informed approach to restoring a sense of self, connection, and resilience.
Sarah Gaer
Author & Speaker
Sissi O’Shaughnessy
Senior Director of Suicide Grief Support
Sissi O’Shaughnessy is Senior Director of Suicide Grief Support at Samaritans where she oversees SafePlace grief support group meetings, Survivor to Survivor visit, and the launch of a LOSS Team – an effort to connect loss survivors with peer support immediately following a suicide. She is also a suicide loss survivor and the founder of the Mo Foundation, honoring her late husband. Sissi previously worked as a Community Education and Outreach trainer with Samaritans, where she provided workshops to schools and other communities on suicide prevention, including teaching about warning signs, risk factors, and how to best support someone who is struggling with suicidal ideation.
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Sarah Gaer is a mental health professional with over 25 years of experience in trauma, addiction, and suicide prevention. She holds a master’s in clinical psychology from Antioch University and is a Suicide Prevention Specialist who has trained over 1,000 people and led crisis response following significant incidents. A recognized speaker on Soul Exhaustion and mental health, Sarah also works in Law Enforcement mental health and the H.O.P.E. Certification program, advancing evidence-based practices in mental health promotion. Her leadership and published works in suicide prevention provide resilience, guidance, and hope for those seeking healing and renewal in their lives.