Family Flowers Only with Evan Gearns

This week I sit down with Evan Gearns, who shares the heartbreaking story of loosing his brother Andrew to suicide following a struggle with addiction and his mental health.

Evan speaks openly about Andrew’s life, the circumstances surrounding his death while in custody, and his family’s difficult search for answers afterwards.

He also shares how the loss of his brother changed the course of his own life, leading him down a path of addiction and to an incredibly dark place himself.

But this is also a story of recovery and hope. Evan talks about finally reaching out for help, the support that helped him turn his life around, and where he is today, nine months clean and rebuilding his life.

A powerful conversation about brotherhood, grief, addiction, survival and finding your way back.

CONTENT WARNING & SUPPORT

This episode discusses drug addiction, mental health difficulties, suicidal thoughts and suicide. Please listen with care.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or self-harm, Pieta provides a 24-hour crisis service. Call 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444.

Samaritans can be contacted free, 24 hours a day, on 116 123.

If you have been bereaved by suicide, HUGG provides dedicated suicide-bereavement support and peer-support groups. Call 01 513 4048 or visit HUGG.ie.

For support with drug or alcohol use, the HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline is a free and confidential service. Call 1800 459 459, Monday to Friday, 9.30am–5.30pm.

Coolmine provides drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services, including community, day and residential programmes. Visit Coolmine.ie for information about accessing support.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 112 or 999 or attend your nearest Emergency Department.