Meet Kristi Hugstad, Author of 'Beneath the Surface'

Author Kristi Hugstad will be at Beach Town Books this Saturday, September 28, from 2pm - 3pm. She is the author of What I Wish I Had Known, R U OK?, and most recently, Beneath the Surface: A Teen’s Guide to Reaching Out when You or Your Friend Is in Crisis. A certified grief recovery specialist. she frequently speaks at high schools. She also hosts The Grief Girl podcast and lives in Dana Point. 

She was kind enough to share some extra details about her latest book, Beneath the Surface, before she joins us at the store this Saturday.

Tell us a bit about Beneath the Surface. 

For a teenager in a world where anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses are commonplace, life can sometimes feel impossible. Whether or not you or someone you love is suffering from any of these issues, it’s important to be able to recognize the warning signs of mental illness and know where to turn for help. Beneath the Surface is a comprehensive guide that provides the information, encouragement, and tactical guidance you need to help yourself or others experiencing; depression, pressures, eating disorders, bullying, self-harm, PTSD, anxiety, substance abuse, technology addiction, and suicidal thoughts or actions.

What inspired you to write this book? 

My husband completed suicide by train six years ago. All of the risk factors and warning signs of depression and suicide were right in front of me but I didn’t recognize them. My mission is to educate others to help save lives.

What did you learn while writing this book?

I learned that there is something all of us can do for suicide prevention. Know the signs, ask leading questions, be a heart with ears, follow through when a loved one reaches out for help. What surprised you the most? 

Even though I wrote this book for teens, adults are reaching out for help for themselves. What is the one key lesson or idea you hope readers will take away after reading your book?

Depression is a disease and can be treated. There is help and there is hope. What books are currently on your nightstand or to be read list?

Life Will Be the Death of Me...And You Too! by Chelsea Handler, The Editor by Steven Rowly, and Gingerbread by Helen Oyeyemi.

Join Kristi Hugstad at Beach Town Books this Saturday, September 28, from 2pm - 5pm. Her book Beneath the Surface: A Teen’s Guide to Reaching Out when You or Your Friend Is in Crisis will be available for purchase at Beach Town Books if you'd like it to be signed.

Check out other upcoming Beach Town Books events and activities here.

You can find out more about Kristi Hugstad via her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.