Finding strength in vulnerability with guests Gary Hollender and Sheri Lux

Mind Beyond the Mission

Laryssa Lamrock and guest co-host Staff Sergeant (Ret’d) Gary Hollender are joined by Sheri Lux. Sheri opens up about losing her husband Mike, a Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer, who died by suicide in 2017.

Sheri shares her journey of healing and self-discovery, providing insights into the unique challenges faced by RCMP Families, the power found in community support, and the importance vulnerability played in healing and processing such a profound loss. Gary discusses his own experiences in the RCMP and they emphasize the need for more open conversations about mental health in the military and Veteran community.

Sheri Lux is an author, entrepreneur, mental health advocate and ambassador for Wounded Warriors Canada. Her memoir Finding My Fire is available for purchase online.

Key topics

• The importance of community support in times of crisis
• Insights into the unique experiences of first responder Families
• The role the arts can play in healing and processing trauma
• How vulnerability can serve as a source of strength
• The impacts mental health challenges can have on Family dynamics
• The importance of open conversations around mental health in the community

Resources

• Suicide prevention for Veterans and Family members
• Military and RCMP Veterans and suicide prevention — a toolkit of practical information and guidance
• Looking after yourself and others — a toolkit of practical information and guidance on suicide prevention for Veteran Families
• A guide for people and Families struggling with suicide — St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton
• 9-8-8 — Suicide Crisis Helpline
• Finding My Fire by Sheri Lux

Laryssa Lamrock et son coanimateur invité, le sergent d'état-major (à la retraite) Gary Hollender, sont rejoints par Sheri Lux. Sheri parle ouvertement de la perte de son mari Mike, un agent de la Gendarmerie royale du Canada (GRC), qui est décédé par suicide en 2017.

Sheri partage son parcours vers la guérison et la découverte de soi, offrant un aperçu des défis uniques auxquels font face les familles de la GRC, du pouvoir du soutien communautaire et de l'importance de la vulnérabilité dans le processus de guérison et d'acceptation d'une perte aussi profonde. Gary parle de sa propre expérience au sein de la GRC et ils soulignent la nécessité d'avoir des conversations plus ouvertes sur la santé mentale dans la communauté policière, des forces armées et des vétérans.

Sheri Lux est auteure, entrepreneure, militante pour la santé mentale et ambassadrice de Wounded Warriors Canada.