Diana Ward
Mental Health Professional and Author
Behavioral Health, Addiction, Suicide Prevention
Mental Health Professional Who
Lost Her Son to Suicide
Diana Ward is the Author of the best selling book Behind the Smile: The Heartbreaking Journey of Raising a Son With Addiction and Mental Illness.
She is a Mental Health Professional who is actively speaking on topics of mental health, addiction, suicide prevention and motherhood to community groups of all ages.
She brings an impactful message that will leave you feeling immensely empowered and educated as you navigate the difficult waters of helping someone with mental health struggles.
Diana Ward is the author of Behind The Smile: The Heartbreaking Journey of Raising a Son with Mental Illness and Addiction. Diana was born in San Diego, CA, and later relocated with her family to Las Vegas, NV in 1988, where she spent most of her adult life. Initially thriving in real estate, Diana faced a challenging turn after the real estate crash of 2008, which led her to a period of reinvention. Subsequently losing her home, car, and life savings, she moved to Southern Utah as a single mother of three young children. At the age of 37, she decided to pursue higher education at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, UT.
During her time at the university, Diana discovered her passion for psychology and delving into human behavior. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and returned to Las Vegas to embark on her professional journey. Furthering her education, she obtained a master’s degree in health psychology. Diana found purpose in her role as a social worker at an inpatient psychiatric hospital, dedicating herself to aiding individuals facing mental health and addiction disorders.
In 2019, Diana enrolled in a PhD program in clinical psychology. However, her trajectory took an unforeseen turn following the tragic loss of her 22-year-old son to suicide. This heartbreaking event compelled Diana to embark on a new life mission—raising awareness about mental health, addiction, and suicide prevention.
Currently residing in Southwest Florida with her two daughters and two sisters, Diana continues her work in an inpatient setting specializing in acute psychiatric crises and substance abuse disorders. She ardently advocates for eliminating stigma surrounding mental health issues and strives to prevent others from experiencing the same devastating loss her family endured.
I Could Not Save My Son: Overcoming Guilt and
Dealing with Loss
In this deeply personal and impactful talk, Diana Ward shares her journey as a mother to a son who battled mental illness and addiction, despite her expertise as a mental health professional. She discusses the harsh reality that deep knowledge doesn't shield one from personal tragedies. Diana focuses on raising awareness of the subtle signs of mental illness and addiction, aiming to bridge the gap between professional insight and personal experience. She offers a powerful message of solidarity, reminding her audience that they are not alone in their struggles. Through her story, Diana encourages a more compassionate and proactive approach to mental health and addiction, advocating for education, open dialogue, and community support.
No More Suicides
In her profoundly moving talk, Diana Ward shares the heart-wrenching story of losing her son to suicide, a pivotal event that forms the cornerstone of her advocacy for suicide awareness. Drawing from her personal journey portrayed in her book, Behind the Smile, Diana opens up about the painful realities and the silent grief that often goes unnoticed in those suffering.
Through her story, she aims to break the stigma surrounding suicide, highlighting the critical need for early intervention and open dialogue. Diana's talk not only honors her son's memory but also serves as a crucial call to action, urging individuals and communities to recognize the signs of mental distress and to actively participate in creating environments where seeking help is encouraged and supported.
Overcoming Grief and
Finding Your Purpose
Diana Ward, the author of Behind the Smile, delivers a poignant and deeply personal talk that delves into the hidden struggles faced by individuals dealing with mental health issues. In her presentation, Diana intertwines her own experiences with the broader implications of societal attitudes toward mental health.
She discusses how her book sheds light on the often-overlooked signs of mental distress, emphasizing the importance of genuine understanding and support. Her talk is an inspiring call to action, urging audiences to look beyond superficial appearances and foster a more empathetic and informed approach to mental health, advocating for open conversations and proactive mental wellness practices in communities and workplaces alike.
Diana Ward's Book
Behind the Smile: The Heartbreaking Journey of Raising a Son with Addiction and Mental Illness
I was not able to save my son.
Even though I work in the mental health field and have multiple degrees in clinical psychology, I was not able to save my son – even though I applied my knowledge and experience to try and help him. As the old saying goes, “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink.
My son did not want help. In his mind he was fine – it was the rest of the world that was wrong. Part of me now believes this too. He lived his life on his terms and was authentically and unapologetically himself. He was different and beautiful and loving and kind and mean and scary – he was all these things. But, he was my beautiful boy. A life gone too soon. My heart and soul will forever be missing a part of it.
This is the story of mothering a child tormented by mental illness – a child who self‒medicated himself into psychosis in his search for the meaning of life. This is the story of a mother’s love, grief and awareness – a story that many parents share. To all the parents whose child has struggled with mental illness or addiction: I see you, I hear you, I love you.