I had the pleasure of speaking with Luke Bayliss, a researcher from Australia who is doing fascinating work around the concept of agency in suicide prevention. Our conversation challenged the traditional approach of restricting choices and instead explored how expanding options and empowering individuals might be more effective. Luke's research, which started as an open-ended exploration of suicide attempt survivors' stories, revealed something profound about personal agency and decision-making in the pathway to suicide attempts.
Supporting Communities in the Aftermath of Suicide — Why We Need to Be Proactive with Barb Smith | Ep. 137
In this episode of the Hope Illuminated podcast, I speak with the remarkable Barb Smith. We explored the critical importance of proactive postvention - reaching out to support suicide loss survivors in the immediate aftermath. Like me, Barb was propelled into this work after losing her brother John, and she's created an incredible model of community support through her Suicide Resource and Response Network in Michigan.
The research is clear - when we provide early intervention and support to those bereaved by suicide, we can help prevent years of "stumbling around in the dark forest" as my mentor Frank Campbell so aptly describes it. Dr. Julie Cerel's groundbreaking work shows that up to 135 people are exposed to each suicide death, with 15-35 people experiencing intimate, life-changing impacts. That's over 1.2 million Americans annually who need our support. Through active postvention teams and victim advocates, we can help these survivors navigate the intense emotions, practical challenges, and healing journey ahead.
What gives me hope is seeing how communities can rally together to support those impacted by suicide loss. Whether through LOSS teams (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors), victim advocacy programs, or simply creating care packages with resources and comfort items, we can let people know they're not alone. As Barb beautifully reminded us - suicide changes us, but it doesn't have to destroy us. Twenty years after losing Carson, I still feel profound grief on his death anniversary, but I've found ways to channel that pain into purpose. Through proactive postvention, we can help others find their path forward too.
About Barb Smith:
President of the Barb Smith Suicide Resource & Response Network, recognized at the state and national level for its advocacy work in suicide prevention and aftercare.
Barb founded and facilitates one of the first and longest survivors of suicide loss support groups in Michigan. She was a voice when there was silence and stigma around suicide survivors in honor of her brother John.
As a Victims Advocate coordinator for the Saginaw County Sheriff Dept, Barb has responded with first responders to support hundreds of families following a tragic death.
Barb founded the regional LOSS team (local outreach for suicide survivors) to meet with families as a follow-up to deaths by suicide to bring hope, resources, and connections to workplaces, homes, and community spaces.
In 2020 Barb was appointed to the Governor’s Suicide Prevention Commission, most recently she was honored with the Saving A Life Award from Kevin’s Song (a statewide advocacy organization) Michigan Special Honoree award from National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI). Locally, her advocacy awarded her the Health Angel Award from the Saginaw Medical Society and the WAVE award for Saginaw County.
takeaways:
Proactive postvention strategies are critical in helping communities cope with the aftermath of suicide.
Resources like LOSS Teams and Survivor Support Networks are crucial in offering immediate, compassionate care.
Exposure to suicide impacts far more people than most realize, as highlighted by Julie Cerel’s research showing 135 people are affected by each suicide death.
SHOW NOTES:
Phone (989) 781-5260
Facebook URL https://www.facebook.com/BarbSmithSRRN/
Email barb.smith@srrn.net
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/barbsmithsrrn
Website srrn.net
Twitter @BarbSmithSRRN
iCare Packages (Suicide Prevention Coordinating Council): Link to iCare Packages
LOSS Teams (Dr. Frank Campbell): Link to LOSS Teams
Julie Cerel's Research on Exposure to Suicide (135 People): Link to Research
Articles on "Active Postvention": Link to Articles
Survivors of Suicide Loss Task Force (U.S. National Guidelines on Suicide Loss Grief, Trauma, and Distress): Link to Task Force
National Association for Victims Advocacy: Link to NAVAdvocacy
Alliance of Hope (Suicide Grief Support): Link to Alliance of Hope
AFSP Suicide Loss Support: Link to AFSP Support
Dougy Center (Suicide Grief Resources): Link to Dougy Center
The Power of Storytelling in Suicide Prevention: Insights from Stefanie Kirchner | Ep. 134
Today we share some profound insights with our incredible guest, Dr. Stefanie Kirchner. We discuss the experiences of suicide survivors by sharing their stories about suicidality and overcoming a crisis in the media. Particularly when it comes to conversations surrounding suicide—a topic often shrouded in silence and shame. Stefanie’s research highlights a unique approach, focusing on the impact of sharing deeply personal stories. By bravely opening up, individuals don't just speak for themselves; they create ripples that can inspire hope and understanding in others who might be struggling.
Perfectly Hidden Depression | Interview with Dr. Margaret Rutherford | Episode 131
I had the absolute pleasure of talking with the inspiring Dr. Margaret Rutherford. Let me tell you, Dr. Margaret’s journey is nothing short of transformative. She opened up about the pressures we put on ourselves to be perfect and how embracing both strengths and weaknesses is the key to self-acceptance. We had a fantastic discussion about the beautifully imperfect stories that connect us more deeply than any facade of perfection ever could. Margaret’s decision to share her personal struggles on social media was initially terrifying, but she found an overwhelming wave of support that made it all worth it.
From Service to Civilian: Addressing Mental Health Stigma and Veteran Suicide with Rachel Oswalt | 131
Veterans suicide death and military mental health has been making headlines for decades, on today’s episode we look at the root causes. I am joined by Rachel Oswalt, an inspiring US Navy veteran and mental wellness advocate. Rachel discusses the critical role of connecting with supportive individuals throughout her life's journey, particularly in navigating the labyrinth of military mental health. We explored some of the pressing issues plaguing military communities, from the devastating rates of veteran suicides to the overshadowing stigma that hinders mental health reporting.
Suicide Risk among Healthcare Workers with Christopher Wojnar | 130
In this episode of Hope Illuminated, nurse Christopher Wojnar shares his journey through mental health challenges, resilience, and the importance of workplace peer support in suicide prevention. Gain insights into nursing well-being and the transformative power of storytelling in mental health advocacy.
Pain, Opioids, Addiction, and Suicide – It’s Complicated with Dr. Stefan Kertesz | 129
The Bipolar General – Resilience and Recovery with Major General Greg Martin | 128
Compassion, Connection and Recovery Intention – How Faith Communities Can Best Support People Impacted by Suicide with Shannon Parkin | 127
How Faith Communities and Mental Health Advocates Can Partner to Create Soul Safe Spaces: Interview with David Galvan | Episode 122
It Happens to Men Too -- An Honest Discussion about Men and Eating Disorders: Interview with Ross Sonnenblick | Episode 120
…Understanding this evolving landscape is crucial in addressing men's body image issues and promoting a healthier, more inclusive perspective on masculinity and self-worth. By understanding these challenges, men’s health advocates hope to foster greater awareness, empathy, and support for men facing these issues.
In this episode, I interview Ross Sonnenblick about his doctoral research, his desire to help others, and his lived experience with body image challenges.
Man Kind -- Modernizing Masculinity & Promoting Men's Mental Health: Interview with Dr. Zachary Gerdes | Episode 119
If you’ve watched the movie “Barbie” released this week, you may understand that Kenergy can be understood as a positive framing of masculinity, which challenges toxic portrayals of traditional male traits. The term draws inspiration from the character Ken, who plays a supportive role in his relationship with Barbie. Ken’s character stands in contrast to conventional gender norms that expect men to be dominant and stoic and to avoid embracing traits perceived as "weak."…
Masculinity has long been associated with stoicism, patriarchy, and self-reliance, but these traditional norms have proven detrimental to men's mental health. Higher rates of suicide, lower rates of help-seeking, and increased substance use and violence among men highlight the urgency for change. In his book "Man Kind: Tools for Mental Health, Well-Being, and Modernizing Masculinity," counseling psychologist Dr. Zachary Gerdes presents a transformative framework to help men foster collaboration, embrace vulnerability, and build mental resilience. By challenging outdated concepts of masculinity, Gerdes offers a path toward improved mental health and well-being for men. Societal expectations that encourage men to suppress emotions and avoid seeking help exacerbate men’s mental health challenges.
In this podcast, Dr. Gerdes covers the LIFT model of helping men modernize ideas about masculinity and live happier lives.
The Pause - Rebooting after Reflection | Episode 111
I took a pause.
Sometimes life forces you to pause. In this episode, I talk about why I took this four month break from the podcast and what I have learned. Life threw a couple of challenges and transitions that I needed to be present for, and gave me an opportunity to recover, to create space so I could reflect and learn by asking myself key discernment questions:
·What do I need to refuel the tank?
What am I learning in this moment? What am I avoiding? How would I like to grow?
When it comes to the work…What is missing? How can I help fill the gaps? Build bridges?
Lived Experience Informed Workplace Mental Health Strategies - Part 2: Interview with James Hill | Episode 110
In this “Part 2” episode, he talks about his work helping the energy sector develop a comprehensive mental health promotion and suicide prevention strategy — through the lens of his lived expertise.
In the previous “Part 1” episode James Hill shared his story of surviving suicidal intensity and becoming a national change agent for workplace wellbeing.
Strengthening Suicide Prevention Efforts through Caring for the Caregivers: Interview with Johanna Louie | Episode 108
Did you know?
More than half of all adults know someone who has fought suicidal intensity (Harris Poll). When it comes to caregiving - suicide is different. Ample research about caregiving stress exists, but often this is underestimated when the caregiving role is about suicide. Thus, there is a gap in awareness, support and resources.
Our guest, Johanna Louie and her co-founder Daniela Zanich sought to fill that gap with www.SuicideIsDifferent.org — free digital resources that put the needs of the caregiver at the center of the conversation.
Opportunities in Intersectionality - Race, Gender, Sexuality, Ability & Mental Health: Interview with Emily Unity | Episode 107
We all have multiple identity markers that make us uniquely us and that shape our lives and experiences. When it comes to understanding our experiences with mental health, appreciating these influences helps us better understand our strengths in well-being, our disparities in exposure to harm, and differences in barriers to and opportunities for support. When we see mental health in this context, new frameworks and needs emerge:
Intersectionality is an identity strength rather than being an “other” or “not being enough” of one identity
Representation in and accessibility to mental health services and supports matter greatly>
Exploration and self-investigation into identity is often key to personal and community resilience.
When people identify as “bi” (e.g., biracial, bisexual) or “multi” or are moving in between identities (e.g., immigrants, refugees, gender transitioning) can also have unique challenges and opportunities to well-being. When they sometimes find themselves in a “betwixt/between” state, they find they are not fully embraced by one identity or even rejected outright. This experience of disconnection can cause distress.
In this podcast, Emily Unity invites us to sit in the in between and get comfortable being uncomfortable.
People with Disabilities and Suicide Prevention -- A Human Rights Conversation: Interview with Sheryl Boswell and Lisa Morgan | Episode 106
People who live with disabilities (e.g., physical, intellectual, mental health and neuro-divergent) often face a range of social and economic adversaries including discrimination and prejudice that impacts their ability to work, get educated, and live in safe homes and communities. These disadvantages consequently impact the mental health and well-being of this diverse community. In this episode I interview two international leaders in the conversation on suicide prevention among people living with disabilities. Sheryl Boswell, from Toronto, is the Director of Youth Mental Health Canada and Lisa Morgan is the Co-Chair of the Autism and Suicide committee of the American Association of Suicidology.
A Different Drummer -- Mental Health, Diversity and Inclusion and Corporate Wellness: Interview with Mike Veny | Episode 101
Did you know?
9 our of 10 employers are investing more in mental health benefits than they ever have before (source: https://www.aihr.com/blog/workplace-wellness-trends/).
Concerns about burnout, employee churn, and psychological emergencies have led workplaces to developing a more comprehensive and proactive mental health and suicide prevention strategy.
Benefits like coaching, tele-mental health, personalized wellness plans and stress management tools are becoming increasingly popular for large employers.
In addition, workplaces are starting to shift away from reactive, downstream approaches to more proactive prevention. They are focusing on building caring cultures and psychological safety and they are connecting the dots between DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) work and mental health.
In this conversation, I speak with Mike Veny, a man who has been living these connections and is now training workplaces on how best to support their workers.
What if Suicide Prevention is Simple? Crisis Response Planning: Interview with Dr. Craig Bryan | Episode 99
Mental health providers — often well-intended and fearful — have made suicide prevention complicated. “Clipboard counseling,” interrogation approaches and highly restrictive interventions have not worked. What if a 5-step, 30-minute intervention made a huge difference? What if we could train peers to help with firearm safety counseling? In this interview I speak with Veteran and psychologist Dr. Craig Bryan about his evidence-based “Crisis Response Planning” intervention…
Empowering Young People, Strengthening Schools & Mobilizing Communities: Interview with John MacPhee | Episode 97
Suicide rates for our youth and young adults have been climbing since 2001. The reasons for this trend is complex but experts suggest it is a perfect storm of historical events, easy access to distressing information, an unhealthy screen time to outside and social time ratio, and compromised sleep, among other things. The good news is, young people are extraordinary. They have lower mental health bias, they have a desire to help others, and they will change the word.
In this episode I speak with John MacPhee, Executive Director for The Jed Foundation about his thoughts on best practices for engaging young people and schools in the work of suicide prevention and mental health promotion.