The Power of Storytelling in Suicide Prevention: Insights from Stefanie Kirchner | Ep. 134

"Listen to Lived Experience: 'I think it's so important to really listen to the people who have this personal experience and also to listen to their opinion and to their take on certain things because there are things you cannot grasp with studies if you do not involve people who have actually lived through this.'" - Dr. Stefanie 

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.

One aspect that stood out to me was Stefanie’s dedication to ensuring the emotional readiness of storytellers. She found that thorough preparation and support systems are crucial to allow individuals to share without feeling exploited or overwhelmed. We discussed the importance of media training—this ensures storytellers can maintain control of their narrative and avoid potential pitfalls during live interactions. I’ve personally experienced the fine balance needed to navigate media landscapes, where being prepared has helped me steer through provocative questions while keeping my story intact.

What’s heartwarming and transformative about Stefanie’s findings is the sense of community and connection that storytelling fosters. As individuals share their journeys, they often report a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. It reminds us all of our collective humanity and the vital role of empathy. The episodes of awkwardness and vulnerability are real, yet these shared stories have the power to break down societal taboos and create meaningful dialogue. As we continue this journey, let’s encourage more conversations and celebrate the strength it takes to turn personal pain into a beacon of hope for others. Together, we can dismantle stigma and build a supportive, empathetic community.

More about Dr. Stefanie:

Stefanie Kirchner is based in Vienna, Austria, and works as a postdoctoral researcher at the Medical University of Vienna. She studied at the Medical University of Vienna and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She holds Master’s degrees in Public Health and Epidemiology and a PhD degree in Public Health. Stefanie does research on suicide prevention with a focus on media.

Takeaway:

From Stefanie: I would like to dedicate this space to my participants, as the study would not have been published without them. For this reason, I would like to cite one of my participants: “[…] I value my life and everybody else and life is more valuable to talk about than not to talk about it […]”

Show Notes - More about Dr. Stefanie: