Show notes
This week, I’m joined by Nicola Guilfoyle, a 40-year-old mum of three from Clonmel who’s lived through more than most - addiction in the family, the loss of her mother, brother, and father, and her own struggles with grief, mental health, and struggling with her weight.We talk about childhood trauma, losing her brother just weeks before giving birth, and saying goodbye to her dad - her best friend - after he died from sepsis.Nicola shares what it’s like to raise a child with autism, lose nearly 13 stone, and train for two marathons - all while navigating deep loss. This episode is about bereavement, autism, addiction, weight loss, and finding your way through the darkest days.This week’s sponsor is AutismCare — an Irish organisation offering neuroaffirming assessments and lifelong supports, co-designed with Autistic individuals. Their team is grounded in lived experience, compassion, and genuine inclusion. You can visit them at autismcare.ie.Timestamps00:00 – Intro: grief, addiction, autism 01:15 – Brother’s addiction 03:15 – Mum’s cancer diagnosis 06:30 – Christmas family conflict 09:25 – Brother’s death 14:00 – Autism diagnosis journey 19:30 – Dad’s sudden illness 25:50 – Coping with loss 30:10 – Marathon training 32:00 – Weight loss + sobrietySupportIf you're struggling with grief, addiction, mental health, or family trauma, here are some trusted Irish support services you can contact:- **Pieta House** – Support for suicide, self-harm, and bereavement 📞 1800 247 247 (24/7) 🌐 [www.pieta.ie](https://www.pieta.ie)- **HSE Drugs & Alcohol Helpline** – Free, confidential advice and support 📞 1800 459 459 📧 [email protected] 🌐 [www.drugs.ie](https://www.drugs.ie)- **Samaritans Ireland** – 24/7 emotional support for anyone in distress 📞 116 123 (Free) 🌐 [www.samaritans.ie](https://www.samaritans.ie)- **Aware** – Support for depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder 📞 1800 80 48 48 🌐 [www.aware.ie](https://www.aware.ie)- **Family Carers Ireland** – Support for people caring for loved ones 📞 1800 24 07 24 🌐 [www.familycarers.ie](https://www.familycarers.ie)Please don’t hesitate to reach out. Help is always available. ❤️ConnectYou can follow Nicola here: orangenic_life_fun_foodInstagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbitsContact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.