W E L C O M E  T O  T H E  G R I E F  G I R L 
My name is Kristi Hugstad, and I am on a mission to abolish the stigma of mental illness and suicide. I have first-hand experience with clinical depression, substance abuse and suicide. My husband, Bill, completed suicide by running in front of a train in Dana Point where we lived just 5 short years ago. Because of this life shattering experience, my passion for prevention has emerged. I don’t want anyone to experience the pain and heartbreak I felt after my husband’s suicide. My story may have ended differently if I had recognized the warning signs and risk factors of depression and suicide. But I was too late and I was unaware.

Suicide prevention must start with our teens. Teen suicide isn’t a new phenomenon, but unfortunately, it has become a tragic, disturbing epidemic in the United States – one that has the potential to claim the lives of America’s youth. 

My latest book, "Beneath The Surface: A Teen's Guide to Reaching Out When You or Your Friend Is in Crisis" is an educational suicide prevention tool for teens, parents, teachers, and anyone working with our youth. It includes issues our teens face today;  bullying, substance abuse, self-harm, technology addiction, peer, academic, parental, and self pressures, eating disorders, anxiety, depression and suicide. PRE-ORDER NOW!
T H E  L A T E S T  W I T H  K R I S T I 
Love, Loss, Grief and Mental Illness | Now Aired
Any opportunity I can get to share my story, to hopefully then save lives, makes all the pain I have gone through worth it. It was my honor to share my story of love and loss with the great team and audience  at @thedoctorstv ... because of them, I relived some of the most painful memories of my life to in-turn help those who are suffering. Today and everyday I ask each and everyone of you, abolish the stigma of mental illness and start the conversation. 

SEE THE REST OF THE SEGMENT HERE
THE LATEST EPISODE
It was a honor to have Scott Sargeant on my show today. I am so proud of him to have the courage to face and share his truth! He'll have a big impact in the fight to abolish the stigma of mental illness. His story is so compelling and has a powerful message of hope! He seemed to have everything going for him and most men would give anything to have been in his shoes before the suicide attempt.... But depression knows no face. It does not discriminate. ​
B O O K S  B Y  K R I S T I  H U G S T A D 
WHAT I WISH I'D KNOWN
Finding Your Way Through The Tunnel of Grief
​​Kristi Hugstad’s life wasn’t just on track, it was a dream:​ a loving marriage, two beautiful homes and a thriving fitness business she built with her husband Bill.

​Until, one day, it all went off the rails. What I Wish I’d Known shares Kristi’s tragic, painful, heart-rending and infinitely hopeful story of love, loss and the strength it takes to start over again. For anyone experiencing loss, Kristi’s words are a beacon of light on life’s darkest waters.
"I would recommend this book to anyone who is going through any type of loss, not just that of a loved one, but loss of a job, a marriage, any type of loss. I think this book can be impactful in more ways than one." Review by Insights into Books
B U Y  W H A T  I  W I S H  I' D  K N O W N  A T  Y O U R  F A V O R I T E  B O O K  S T O R E 
PRE-ORDER NOW
Beneath The Surface
Sometimes the thoughts we leave unsaid are the most dangerous. 
Beneath The Surface draws from Kristi’s compassion for others, but also provides many useful tips, activities, practices and suggestions for getting out from behind the darkness, for creating a life story of positive change and personal growth, and for engaging others in your journey. Her words are supported by research evidence and provide a wealth of solid advice, but they are more than just words.

​Unlike many strictly academic reviews of research or self-help books that read like manuals, Kristi writes from the heart. She brilliantly weaves together current research, her own personal experiences, and first hand stories from youth. When you read this book, you feel like you are communicating directly with Kristi. You feel that she cares about you, and I believe she truly does. She cares deeply about all young people and about humankind. Not only will you learn about how to change, you will be inspired to change. 
RETURNING TO JOY
Inspirational Thought Anchors for Your Journey Through Grief 
To grieve is to love. This book is dedicated to the beautiful souls who loved freely – despite knowing that loss is an inevitable part of life. May these words help you find joy, inspiration and the courage to move forward in your journey. As you do, I know that all the grief you feel – all that unspent love – will find a new and beautiful place to go. 
COMING WINTER 2019!
T H E  G R I E F  G I R L  P O D C A S T  -  T H E  L A T E S T  E P I S O D E 
 L I V I N G  A F T E R  L O S S
 ​Latest Entry

Break The Stigma - Mental Health Awareness Month

By Kristi Hugstad
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month – a time in which we can offer life-saving information to those suffering from mental illness.

Whether you or a family member are experiencing mental health issues, you can play a big role in helping those around you who may be by helping to end the stigma surrounding mental illness. Here’s how: 
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#BreakTheStigma | A month isn’t enough time to change the way society has stigmatized mental illness, but we can all make a difference in our respective circles – circles that undoubtedly include someone who’s suffering.

"You can't calm the storm. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass”
G R I E F  I S  N O T  T H E  E N E M Y  -  G R I E F  I S  T H E  T E A C H E R

Grief Counseling like no other

Grief Recovery Specialist. Offering an action plan for moving beyond death, divorce, and other losses.