If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts or complicated grief, please know that support is available. You can call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for free, 24/7 help.

In Episode 2 of She Diaries, Alexandra Wyman shares what came after the unimaginable—and challenges the idea that doing everything “right” protects you from pain. She followed the checklist: Find great love, check. Get married, check. Have kids, check. Live a happy, successful life.

But in 2020, Alexandra’s world broke apart when her husband, Shawn, died by suicide.

What followed was grief, confusion, and a slow reckoning with the life she thought she had—and the one she was suddenly left with. In this conversation, Alexandra opens up about widowhood, motherhood, anger, guilt, and the deep isolation that comes when grieving doesn’t fit the mold of what society expects.

Out of her experience came The Suicide Club—a book Alexandra wrote because it didn’t exist when she needed it most. It’s raw, practical, and filled with hard-won wisdom for those navigating suicide loss. She wrote it for the people who feel like they’re the only ones.

Alexandra also created ForwardToJoy.com, a space for grief support, healing resources, and real conversations about what it means to rebuild. Through speaking, writing, and advocacy, she helps others find community and a path forward—even when it doesn’t look anything like what they planned.

Listen to this She Diaries episode by hitting play above or find She Diaries on your favorite podcast app: