Navigating Grief, Mental Fitness & Resilience with Suzi Evans

In this deeply moving episode of The Hidden Why, I speak with Suzi Evans, a woman whose life was forever changed by personal tragedy—and who has since turned her pain into purpose.

After losing her son Murray to suicide in 2018, Suzi began a journey of healing, diving into positive psychology and building strategies to strengthen mental fitness. Just as she was finding her feet, her husband Mick was suddenly struck by Guillain-Barré Syndrome, leaving him paralysed and hospitalised for six months.

Instead of giving in to despair, Suzi found strength, meaning, and a new mission. She created the Workbench for the Mind, a practical mental fitness program helping others navigate life’s toughest moments.

In this episode, we explore:

• Turning grief into meaningful contribution
• The difference between mental health and mental illness
• Daily tools for building resilience and mental fitness
• Creating space for self-care and emotional healing

Suzi’s story is a powerful reminder of human resilience and what’s possible when we lean into pain with courage, compassion, and intention. If you or someone you know is navigating loss, burnout, or mental health challenges, this conversation is one worth hearing.

Learn more about Suzi’s work at: www.suzievans.com

Grab a copy of Suzi’s book here – Grief

Trigger Warning: This episode contains open discussions about suicide and mental health.

Further Reading and Resources 

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Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

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Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.