I had the privilege of sitting down with two remarkable individuals, Keir McKechnie and Seonaid Stallan, hailing all the way from Glasgow, Scotland. Their passion and dedication to integrating lived experience into suicide prevention efforts are truly inspiring. Keir’s journey into this field is deeply personal, rooted in a series of tragic suicides during his teenage years, which spurred him to become a psychiatric nurse and later a coordinator for Scotland's National Lived Experience Panel. Meanwhile, Seonaid, a primary teacher, turned her personal grief from losing her son and sister-in-law to suicide into a force for change, using her voice and experiences to advocate for better mental health education and support systems.
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.