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 life of America’s youth. 

Through my latest book, "R U OK? teen Depression & Suicide" an educational suicide prevention tool for teens, parents and educators dealing with mental illnesses, depression, addiction and suicide, my latest blogs, school visits and media appearances, I will START THE CONVERSATION and hopefully save lives.
T H E  L A T E S T  W I T H  K R I S T I 
On Tuesday morning, we woke to news that designer Kate Spade had complete suicide by hanging herself – with a scarf. By Friday morning, the news was covering Anthony Bourdain’s suicide by hanging. As I combed the articles and updates for suicide resources, I found most of them lacking. In many cases, the juicy, morbid details took center stage over the more important topic of discussion – where to get help.
Love, Loss, Grief and Mental Illness
Any opportunity I can get to share my story, to hopefully then save a life, 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. This episode will air early fall 2018. Stay tuned!
Anonymous $1 million donation helps suicide-prevention author spread advice to teens

The Orange County Register got wind of my suicide prevention campaign where $1 Million dollars were donated to buy copies of my latest book, “R U OK? Teen Depression & Suicide”
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 
"R U OK?" Teen Depression & Suicide
Sometimes the thoughts we leave unsaid are the most dangerous. 
R U OK? is an educational suicide prevention tool for teens, parents and educators dealing with mental illnesses, depression, addiction and suicide. It addresses topics like cyberbullying, technology addiction, substance abuse, gender confusion and suicidal ideation. Asking the words R U OK? offers struggling teens the opportunity to ask for help.

With influences such as 2017’s most tweeted about show 13 Reasons Why, talking to teens about depression and mental illness is absolutely critical. R U OK? provides the knowledge and tools to productively tackle the conversation that could just save a life. 

"There is so much to this book, yet the book is short enough to read in a couple of sittings. If you have any inkling a teen might be in trouble please read this book yourself. It may help you save a life. And if your teen has a friend they are concerned about buy this book for your teen..."Review on Amazon
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 FALL 2018!
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

STOP THE SILENCE - Stop Teen Suicide

By Kristi Hugstad
In the last two weeks, two teens completed suicide in South Orange County. Today, two families are left with inexplicable heartbreak, while friends, peers and communities are left reeling and wondering, “what can we do?”
Picture
Enough is enough! It's time to take a stand & save lives.

"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.