In this episode of Hope Illuminated, I am joined by Shannon Parkin for a deeply moving conversation. Together, we explore the vital role faith communities can play in suicide prevention and recovery. Shannon courageously shares her personal journey as a suicide attempt survivor, emphasizing how her faith community's unwavering support became a cornerstone of her healing process.
Shannon reflects on the profound impact of the collaborative efforts between her medical providers, loved ones, and faith community. Through her story, she highlights the importance of compassion, understanding, and tailored support for individuals navigating the aftermath of a suicide attempt. Her experience illustrates the transformative power of faith and community in fostering resilience and hope.
Listeners are invited to delve into the nuances of faith-based support systems and their potential to combat isolation and despair. Shannon's heartfelt narrative serves as a powerful testament to the strength found in the community and the enduring spirit of hope.
More about Shannon Parkin
Shannon Heath Parkin MS CPRS (she/her/hers) received the Transforming Lived Experience Award from the American Association of Suicidology (’22) and was the keynote presenter at the 2BContinued suicide prevention conference (’22). Shannon has presented to multiple faith communities and in classes at Wesley Theological Seminary on how Silver Spring United Methodist Church, a multi-racial, LGBTQIA+-inclusive congregation, emboldened her to celebrate life as she recovered from her disabling suicide attempt in 2015. Shannon is a certified peer recovery specialist for On Our Own Frederick County and volunteers for NAMI MD as a public speaker, and support group facilitator. Speaking of Suicide, Washington Post, and USA Today have published Shannon’s writings.
Takeaways
Faith communities play a vital role in suicide prevention and recovery.
Compassionate support systems foster resilience and hope after suicide attempts.
Shannon Reading The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper at Silver Spring United Methodist Church
Contact Shannon
Show Notes
Reference articles and books
Compassion in Action: A Guide for Faith Communities Serving People Experiencing Mental Illnesses and their Caregivers 2020 by The Partnership Center -The Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
You’re Here For A Reason by Nancy Tillman
The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
Loving Someone with Suicidal thoughts: What Family, Friends and Partners Can Say and Do by Stacey Freedenthal PhD LCSW
The Essentials of Suicide Prevention: A Blueprint for Churches By Karen Mason PhD – 2023
Preaching Hope In Darkness: Help for Pastors in Addressing Suicide from the Pulpit, by Scott Gibson and Karen E. Mason - 2020
Shannon’s Work – Shannon has presented her story to audiences across the U.S. on more than 50 occasions. Below are her presentations and writings.
Shannon Parkin receiving the Transforming Lived Experience award at the American Association of Suicidology Conference 2022
Rev. Catherine Michele Johns LICSW, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, and Shannon co-presented at the Maryland Suicide Prevention Conference in 2021, How Faith Communities Can Welcome and Support Suicide Attempt Survivors.
Focusing Through a Lens of Hope After Decades of Depression and Attempting Suicide. NAMI MD (April ’23)
Shannon’s essays on Speaking of Suicide, an internationally known suicide prevention website, include Learning to Hope after 30 Years of Depression and a suicide attempt and Suicide Survivor Stories Empowered Me to Live.
Embracing Hope Through Six Foot Balloons April 15, 2021