In this episode of The Broken Pack: Stories of Sibling Loss, Dr. Dean talks with Susan Kellam, journalist, surviving sibling, and author of Brilliant Disguise. Susan lost her brother Robert to suicide and has spent decades untangling the shared childhood trauma that shaped them both in very different ways.

Hear Susan's story of growing up as Little K to Robert's Big K, and how being his sister defined her before she ever defined herself. Learn how writing a rock and roll memoir unexpectedly became the vehicle for processing her brother's death, her childhood, and the warning signs no one recognized at the time. Be inspired by Susan's willingness to sit with the hard truths of sibling loss, childhood trauma, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and her belief that understanding your story is worth the years it takes.

Connect with Susan Kellam:

Website: https://www.susan-kellam.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellam400/
Book: Brilliant Disguise: A Memoir

Content Warning: Information presented in this episode may be upsetting to some people. It contains talk of suicide.

Resources:

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, support is available.

In the US:

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
SAMHSA's National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or text your 5-digit ZIP code to 435748 (HELP4U)
For more immediate crisis, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room
Warmlines by state: https://warmline.org/warmdir.html
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/

International:

Warmline directory for trained peer support in 20+ countries: https://tinyurl.com/mr3ctvea (some may be hotlines)

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If you would like more information or to share your own sibling loss story, please contact Dr. Angela Dean at contact@thebrokenpack.com or go to our website, thebrokenpack.com.

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Thank you!
Angela M. Dean, PsyD, FT, GTMR

Credits:
The Broken Pack: Stories of Sibling Loss is produced by Not Done Here Media

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