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 7 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!
DONATE "BENEATH THE SURFACE" TODAY
It is time to take matters into our own hands. Our children are dying. Everyday there is news of a school shooting, suicide attempts or suicide completion. Our youth are overwhelmed, scared, and exhausted from the daily stressors of addiction, bullying, peer and academic pressure, leading to self-harm, PTSD, eating disorders, depression and often suicide. Our teens don’t know how to manage these situations and feeling, often holding them in until they consume their very being.  
Schools seem to only react. Holding assemblies and workshops AFTER an incident. These workshops and conversations NEED to be part of the daily curriculum. A safe place needs to be created at each school where students know that talking about mental health, depression and suicide is healthy. Because of budget limitations at schools and specialty organizations, the resources are not available, the conversations are not starting.
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We all need to work together to provide the tools and resources presented in my latest book, “Beneath The Surface”, to start the conversation, to teach the warning signs and risk factors of depression and suicide to all teens and the staff serving them.
We'd love to hear about your donation. Please share a picture through email kristi@thegriefgirl.com or on social @TheGreifGirl so we can spread the great news. Reach out if you would like to make a larger donation.
T H E  L A T E S T  W I T H  K R I S T I 
Kristi Hugstad discusses how to deal with grief and disbelief.
Sending thoughts of love and healing to the families of the 9 beautiful souls who lost their lives in the California helicopter crash this past week. Today on CBS I addressed how to cope with the loss of a legend and how to talk to your kids about the tragedy.
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 
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 NEXT
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 F E  A F T E R  L O S S  -  T H E  L A T E S T  P O S T
REAL LIFE ISN'T A MOVIE. BUT FOR MANY, THIS MOVIE IS REAL LIFE
By Kristi Hugstad
Honey Boy brings the LaBeouf’s past trauma frankly and wrenchingly into the spotlight. As a mental health professional and certified grief counselor, I have seen firsthand how childhood wounds can fester and grow, urging their victims toward unhealthy coping mechanisms and preventing them from experiencing healthy, fulfilling relationships.
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Honey Boy is a testament to the ongoing tragedy of shame and stigma – and a beacon of hope for those of us endeavoring to fight against it.

"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.