In this episode of Hope Illuminated, I am joined by Simon Tyler for a deeply insightful conversation. Together, we dive into the complex relationship between masculinity, mental health, and suicide prevention. Simon bravely shares his personal journey, reflecting on the impact of losing father figures to suicide and his own struggles with mental health. Through his experiences in male-dominated environments like the construction industry and Australian Football, Simon sheds light on the critical need for tailored support for men facing mental health challenges.Throughout our conversation, Simon emphasizes the pivotal role of lived experience in shaping understanding and interventions in mental health. His journey drives his commitment to supporting others and fostering meaningful change.Listeners are invited to explore the nuances of masculinity, mental health, and suicide prevention as Simon discussed his important research. Through a mixed methods approach, Simon uncovers the complexities of suicide risk within the construction industry. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast

Explore the transformative power of compassion and connection in suicide prevention with Shannon Parkin's research and insights in this compelling episode of Hope Illuminated podcast.For more information on this episode go to  https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/how-faith-communities-can-best-support-people-impacted-by-suicide-127

In this inspiring episode of the Hope Illuminated podcast, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas engages in a deeply insightful conversation with Bianca McCall, a retired professional athlete and passionate advocate for leveraging technology to enhance mental health care accessibility. Bianca shares her personal journey of overcoming challenges, including childhood trauma and the intense pressures faced as an elite athlete, shedding light on the unique mental health struggles experienced within high-performance environments.Throughout the episode, Bianca emphasizes the urgent need to break down barriers to mental health support, particularly within marginalized communities. Drawing from her own experiences and professional endeavors, she explores the transformative potential of technology-driven solutions in providing timely and culturally sensitive mental health resources. Bianca’s dedication to fostering self-discovery and peer support emerges as a central theme, underscoring the importance of empowering individuals to connect with their inner selves and build resilient communities of support.Bianca’s innovative approach to utilizing technology as a tool for healing and connection shines through as she discusses the development of the Reach In Now app, which aims to provide real-time peer support and resources to individuals in need. Listeners are invited on a journey of reflection and action, prompted to consider their own relationships with technology, self-discovery, and community support. The episode encourages listeners to engage in courageous conversations, challenge societal norms, and advocate for inclusive, compassionate approaches to mental health care. for more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/technology-for-mental-health-equity-bianca-mccall

The intimate connection between the mind and body cannot be overstated, and nurturing this relationship can lead to profound healing. The remarkable interplay between our mental and physical states is especially highlighted through yoga practices, with an emphasis on breath work and mindfulness, it’s been shown to soothe the nervous system, offering healing for those suffering with trauma.In this episode of Hope Illuminated, I am honored to be joined by Dr. Jessa Navidé, as we delve into the profound intersection of trauma and healing through body-centered practices. Jessa shares her powerful personal journey, navigating through struggles with suicidal ideation and attempts, ultimately finding solace and transformation through trauma-sensitive yoga.Trauma-sensitive yoga serves as a powerful tool in regulating the nervous system and reclaiming our sense of self. Jessa's odyssey began at age six, grappling with suicidal ideation, and her discovery of Ashtanga yoga became a transformative tool for profound healing. Through her experiences, she illuminates the power of body awareness, the gentle art of befriending the body, and the empowerment gained in the journey toward wholeness.As both a mental health provider and someone who has walked through the shadows of suicidal intensity, Jessa underscores the importance of incorporating lived experiences and trauma-sensitive approaches in therapeutic settings. Together, we explore the scientific underpinnings of trauma-sensitive yoga and its remarkable efficacy in facilitating healing for trauma survivors.Too often, the trauma stemming from suicide attempts is shrouded in stigma and overlooked. However, by embracing body-centered methodologies, we unearth a path to healing and empowerment. Join us as we shed light on the transformative potential of trauma-sensitive practices, and pave the way toward a future filled with healing and resilience For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/trauma-sensitive-yoga-with-dr-jessa-navid

Each year, the sobering statistics remind us of the heartbreaking reality: autistic individuals are six times more likely to die by suicide than their non-autistic counterparts.In our latest episode, we delve into a conversation with the author of "Find Him Among the Living," a poignant memoir by Dr. Jessica Revill. Through her deeply personal account of her son Gregory Chew's life and tragic loss to suicide, Dr. Revill sheds light on the urgent need to address the disproportionate number of suicides within the autistic community.Autism, a developmental condition impacting communication and sensory processing, often intersects with mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. Shockingly, 90% of autistic individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health disorder, compared to 40% in the non-autistic population.Central to understanding the struggles faced by autistic individuals is Dr. Thomas Joiner’s concept of 'thwarted belonging' and the profound impact of social isolation. The relentless effort to camouflage or mask natural behaviors in a world that often fails to accept them creates an overwhelming sense of alienation and exhaustion.To grasp the daily challenges faced by autistic individuals, consider being thrust into a world where communication is radically different. Imagine the laborious task of deciphering emotional cues akin to a foreign language, leading to burnout and a desire to withdraw from society. This is the reality for many autistic individuals.Despite these daunting obstacles, Dr. Revill advocates for actionable solutions. From specialized suicide prevention programs tailored to the autistic community to enhanced support during the transition from high school to adulthood, there's an urgent need for systemic change. Additionally, greater awareness of ableist prejudice and improved training for medical professionals are crucial steps toward fostering inclusivity and understanding.Join us as we navigate these critical issues, striving to create a world where every individual, regardless of neurodiversity, feels seen, supported, and valued. Tune in to my conversation with Dr. Revill and visit her website for further insights and resources on suicide prevention and autism advocacy.About Dr. Jessica RevillDr. Jessica Revill, an Australian psychologist, embarked on a unique professional journey that began in journalism and culminated in the field of psychology. As a mature age student, she pursued her passion, earning a master's degree from California State University, Los Angeles, and later a PhD in educational psychology from UCLA.Driven by a deep commitment to mental health advocacy, Dr. Revill hosts a video podcast titled "Prisoner of the Mind with Dr. Jessica Revill," where she explores various aspects of mental well-being. Following the tragic loss of her son Gregory, she redirected her clinical focus towards suicide prevention, a cause that has become deeply personal to her.Residing in western Sydney, Dr. Revill continues her dedicated work in the field of psychology, striving to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals struggling with mental health challenges. To learn more about Dr. Jessica Revill or to connect with her, please visit her website at www.prisonerofthemind.com.au.for more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/123

Sarah Gaer, my soul sister on a mission, has been talking about “soul exhaustion” and its connection to suicide and poor mental health and about “soul care” as a pathway to healing. Our research on people’s perception of “the soul” revealed that many people think about their soul as “the essence of who we are and that things that happen to us can wear down this essence until we feel so lost and isolated our “soul” loses the energy to go on. In this interview, I speak with David Galvan, a faith leader, and mental health advocate intent on building “soul safe spaces” where we live and work. David shares with us insights from his work in bridging the silos of mental health and faith. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/122

For many mental health providers clinical training around suicide — if we received any at all — was rooted in fear and was focused on trying to mitigate risk for the clinician rather than on how to help the person in despair. In this podcast, I interview Dr. David Jobes, a clinician-researcher who has dedicated his life’s work to finding an evidence-based approach to helping people through their suicidal suffering. Here we discuss the capstone edition in his three-book series that helps clients find their way back to a passion for living. for more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/121

In a world where societal pressures and media influence often focus on women's body image, it's crucial to shed light on a less-discussed but equally pressing issue: men, body image, and eating disorders. Research on men's culture and body image reveals a complex interplay of factors influencing how men perceive and engage with their bodies. Societal expectations, media representations, and peer influences play significant roles in shaping men's body image ideals. For instance, many men experience muscular dysmorphia, a condition where individuals obsessively pursue extreme muscle growth, often to the detriment of their mental and physical health. This topic was the focus of my doctoral research where I found that steroid-using, body-building men often had similar psychological challenges as women living with anorexia.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.For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/120

“Kenergy” is all the rage. Why? Because men are ready to modernize masculinity. 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." Ken's role as a supportive partner for Barbie illustrates a deviation from stereotypical gender expectations, wherein men are often expected to take on dominant roles in relationships. The concept of “Kenergy” suggests that breaking free from these rigid gender scripts can lead to a more genuine expression of masculinity, and ultimately more happiness for men. 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. For moe on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/119

Many of us bereaved by suicide find ourselves as Frank Campbell describes in a “Canyon of Why”. Our world assumptions are shattered.What happens to a family with multiple losses by suicide?In this interview I speak to Juliet Patterson, a poet and the author of the book “Sinkhole: A Legacy of Suicide.” Juliet grew up in the shadows of multiple family members deaths by suicide and wondered too — “Will I die this way?” Instead, she has come to find poetry and other forms of storytelling are helping her make meaning.About Juliet PattersonJuliet Patterson is the author of Sinkhole: A Legacy of Suicide (Milkweed Editions, September 2022) and two full-length poetry collections, Threnody, (Nightboat Books 2016), a finalist for the 2017 Audre Lorde Poetry Award, and The Truant Lover, (Nightboat Books, 2006), winner of the Nightboat Poetry Prize and a finalist for the 2006 Lambda Literary Award. A recipient of a Arts & Letters Susan Atefat Prize in non-fiction, and a Lynda Hull Memorial Poetry Prize, she has also been awarded fellowships from the Jerome Foundation, the Minnesota State Arts Board, and the Minneapolis-based Creative Community Leadership Institute (formerly the Institute for Community and Creative Development). She teaches creative writing and literature at St. Olaf College and is also a faculty member of the college’s Environmental Conversations program. for more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/118

Sara Easterly, the author of “Searching for Mom” once said “I entered a long period of death ideation in adolescence when I began wondering about my birth mother almost constantly. The losses due to adoption began to feel overwhelming, but it didn’t feel like there was room to grieve.”According to a research study published by the journal of Pediatrics, adoptees are four time more likely to report a suicide attempt than non-adoptees and Lina Vanegas, our podcast guest, has some ideas of why this is so including:the trauma of separation from the birth familythe lack of medical history, which may give insights to health and mental health vulnerabilitiesracism when adoption is transnational or transracialisolation from the cultural community of originmicroagressions from others about how grateful an adopted person should beAbout Lina VanegasLina Vanegas is a national speaker, trainer and presenter on mental health, trauma, adoption and suicide. she is also an MSW, suicide loss survivor and lived experience expert and advocate. She is also a co-host of the podcast, Rescripting The Narrative. She has been featured on NPR, multiple panels and podcasts. Her English Bulldog McQueen has an Instagram account.For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/117

TRIGGER WARNING! This episode shares details of a child’s experiences with domestic violence and suicide and may be activating for some listeners.The research on ”Adverse Childhood Experiences” is clear — The CDC Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study has identified ten types of childhood trauma that can affect people later in life. Five types of trauma are personal, such as physical abuse or neglect, while the other five are related to family members, such as having a parent who is an alcoholic or experiencing the divorce of parents. Each type of trauma counts as one, so someone who has experienced physical abuse, has one alcoholic parent, and a mother who was a survivor of domestic violence has an ACE score of three.The study revealed a strong link between childhood trauma and chronic diseases that people develop as adults, such as heart disease, lung cancer, and diabetes. It also showed a link to social and emotional problems such as depression, violence, and suicide.In this episode I speak with the amazing Corey Jones. Corey’s childhood and adolescent journey through trauma is heartbreaking, and his perseverance and ability to turn pain into purpose is inspirational. He breaks the shackles to his past by appreciating this is his life to live.For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/116

Anyone who has been a teacher knows the work is hard, and at the same time — when work is working well — immensely rewarding. The work can be purposeful and filled with close relationships a vibrant communities. No one enters the teaching profession to become rich and famous — they enter for the difference they will make.And yet, our nation is facing a mental health crisis among our educators; one of burnout and demoralization. Many are operating in survival mode due to complete emotional exhaustion. The stressors they face are significant:Safety concerns related to mass school shootings and drug useFunding deficitsLabor shortageMeeting escalating physical and emotional needs of studentsUnrealistic expectations from districts and parentsJust to name a few…Teachers’ well-being is something most communities overlook in their intention to always put students first. In this episode I speak with two school psychologists who express grave concern about educators’ psychological health and safety — and also make concrete suggestions on what we can do to help them. For more information go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/115

I’ve lost two people close to me to suicide. In both situations, I saw the signs. We talked about their thoughts of suicide. They got help. And in both cases, their pain and suffering became too much. While I think the survivor guilt is always there — the “if only” thoughts that linger — I have mostly come to peace with my role in trying to support them. Sometimes despite all of our best efforts and resources, we might still lose people to addiction, overdose and suicide.We often hold mental health professionals to the unrealistic standard of saving everyone. We don’t have this expectation for our oncologists or cardiologists. We expect them to do the very best job they can based on the very best science and tools that exist. And, while deaths from heart disease and cancer are very tragic, we often give grace and even gratitude to our loved ones’ care providers in these areas.In this episode, I speak with fellow psychologist, Dr. Dan Reidenberg about his experience losing a friend and board member to suicide. We lift up a call to action to the mental health community to expand the conversation on how suicide loss impacts those of us in the field of suicide prevention.About Dr. Dan ReidenbergDr. Dan Reidenberg is the Executive Director of SAVE.org, Managing Director of the National Council for Suicide Prevention and is a Special Advisor to the International Association for Suicide Prevention. He is a Certified Psychological Autopsy Investigator and serves on several national and international editorial boards. Dr. Reidenberg worked on inpatient psychiatric units for adolescents and adults in hospitals in addition to having a private practice. He has presented to over 350,000 people around the world, has written more than 55 articles and 4 book chapters and was one of the lead authors of the US National Strategy for the Prevention of Suicide. He developed an evidence-based program for schools and works with the leading technology companies on mental health related tools and apps. He wrote the US Best Practices for Media Reporting on Suicide and for Media Reporting on Mass Shootings, created the only online peer support program for suicide, a leading program for the construction industry called IBEAM as well as One Step Ahead – a comprehensive model work place suicide prevention program. He has conducted training for some of the nation’s top 100 companies, at The White House, The Pentagon and created suicide prevention guides for law enforcement and their families. for more information go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/114

How meaningful that this episode was recorded during the 18th anniversary of by brother Carson’s death by suicide. His expressed legacy was to help youth thrive and this episode is dedicated to empowering youth to help lead innovative approaches in suicide prevention.The Liv Project, is a non-profit organization founded by the mother and sister of Olivia Ann Kunik, a 19 year old and shining light who died by suicide on January 19th, 2018. In honor of her life, the Liv Project strives to turn the tide of youth suicide through creative approaches such as:Their film “My Sister Liv”Their “Game that Goes There”And their fashion line.Well-meaning caring adults who want to support youth, don’t always get this right. Sometimes they think their main role is about teaching and protecting, when what is often more impactful is EMPOWERMENT. In other words, let the youth lead. They know their challenges and strengths best. When youth take charge, the outcome is far more likely to gain momentum with their peers.The founders of the Liv Project understand this, and have enrolled countless youth advisors and ambassadors to lead the cause. By employing the creativity and passion of young people and collaborating with mental health professionals, they are able to reach their audiences effectively and with confidence. For more informtion on this epidode please visit https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/113

About Mike CotayoMike knows how to handle difficult people because he was one! Surviving a traumatic brain injury, he overcame his own addiction to drugs. He then went on to devote over 20 years of his professional life as a clinical social worker servicing the needs of the mentally ill and chemically addicted. As an expert in treating patients with borderline personalities, he has delivered keynotes internationally, including speaking at the European Association of Gestalt Therapy in Sicily. Besides his career as a clinical social worker, Mike has also achieved acclaim as a stand up comedian where he discovered the power of humor to heal. He has headlined at The Laugh Factory in New York City, as well as Binghamton University, Columbia University and Kansas State University. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/112

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?So all of this reflection got me to look at the horizon of where I want my career and this podcast to go — and then build that intentional strategy to get there! My goal is to continue to lift up new and needed voices in the fields of suicide prevention, mental health promotion and resilience and to highlight emerging and promising new practices. AND to this end, I will be launching a new shorter-form podcast specifically for workplaces called “Headspace for the Workplace.”Hope Illuminated: Long-form (45-60 minutes) podcast centering on collaboration, social justice, lived experience and innovation will launch one new episode a month.Headspace for the Workplace: Shorter-form (15-30 minutes) will focus on the following:Future-proofing your workplace by ensuring it is human-friendlyTactics for a holistic approach to human-centered work familiesAnd, of course – well-being, mental health promotion and suicide prevention – at workShow Notes “I’m a psychologist – and I believe we’ve been told devastating lies about mental health”The Guardian article by Sanah Ahsan

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. About James HillJames Hill is a passionate Mental Health Advocate, by using his own lived experience and education he has influenced positive change regarding mental ill-health and suicide prevention in both the workplace and broader community. His background was in the electricity industry before he changed his life direction to follow his passion, developing and successfully implementing a workplace Mental Health Advocate role. He is also a public speaker for a mental health charity and Ambassador for the Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association. His achievements in the mental health sector have earned him the Individual Contribution to Mental Health Award in Queensland Australia, along with the Large Workplace Mental Health Award. In addition, he was a finalist in the LiFE Suicide Prevention Awards and a Finalist for the Queensland Local Hero category in the Australian of the Year awards.

About James HillJames Hill is a passionate Mental Health Advocate, by using his own lived experience and education he has influenced positive change regarding mental ill-health and suicide prevention in both the workplace and broader community. His background was in the electricity industry before he changed his life direction to follow his passion, developing and successfully implementing a workplace Mental Health Advocate role. He is also a public speaker for a mental health charity and Ambassador for the Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association. His achievements in the mental health sector have earned him the Individual Contribution to Mental Health Award in Queensland Australia, along with the Large Workplace Mental Health Award. In addition, he was a finalist in the LiFE Suicide Prevention Awards and a Finalist for the Queensland Local Hero category in the Australian of the Year awards.

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. About Johanna LouieJohanna Louie is a licensed social worker passionate about caring for caregivers. She holds Master’s Degrees in Social Work from Columbia University and Applied Psychology from the University of Southern California. In 9+ years of working in suicide prevention, she has served in roles like crisis line manager and mental health therapist, and directed clinical training programs. In 2018, she co-founded Suicide Is Different with Daniela Zanich which aimed to address gaps in resources for caregivers who are supporting someone experiencing suicidal thoughts. To date, Suicide Is Different's online modules have been used by over 18k people in 15+ countries. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/108