For someone who is a survivor of a friend or family member who suicided, the words “Suicide Prevention” and “Know the Signs” don’t always bring feelings of hope or comfort. Rather, they often result in a feeling of guilt, sadness, self-blame, or even anger. Through a letter, one brave individual enlightened the Therapist Uncut co-hosts on how the words “suicide prevention” can hurt more than it helps.
Suicide
Suicide is a topic most people are uncomfortable talking about, apparently even trained licensed therapists, as you may notice in today’s episode. Co-hosts Nikki Young, Jolene Daly, and Alyssa Najera discuss an array of mixed emotions that result from a letter that was received by Jolene and discuss a side of suicide that you may not hear about in most Prevent Suicide campaigns.
If Suicide is Preventable, Why Couldn’t I Keep my Loved One From Suiciding?
In today’s episode, co-hosts Nikki Young, Jolene Daley, and Alyssa Najera address a side of suicide that is not always talked about, the side of the survivor. Through a letter, one brave individual enlightened the Therapist Uncut co-hosts on how the words “suicide prevention” can hurt more than it helps and actually feel more like “pouring salt in an open wound.” While survivors of someone who suicided may be in full support of increasing awareness to reduce the rate of suicide, little do people consider just home much the words “suicide prevention” hurt, especially when you tried your damndest to prevent it.
Join the conversation as the Therapists Uncut co-hosts dive into the discomfort of today’s topics, process their own reactions, and remind listeners of local or national resources that may be able to aid if you are a survivor of someone who suicided.
If you are someone who is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please visit the resources below or contact your nearest emergency room.
Helpful links:
Help for Individuals Who Have Lost a Friend or Family Member to Suicide
“Offering Help After a Suicide Death.”
Grief Support for Suicide Loss Survivors
“Offering a place to turn when the worst has happened.”
“Welcome to a place of healing and remembrance. If you have lost a loved one to suicide, you are not alone.”
Help for Individuals Struggling with Suicidal Thoughts
National Suicide Prevention LIfeline
“We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.”
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
“Whether you have struggled with suicide yourself or have lost a loved one, know you are not alone. Hear about personal experiences from people in your local community whose lives have been impacted by suicide.”
Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE)
“Suicide Can be Prevented and SAVE is Here to Help.”
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
800-273-8255
Who we are:
Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don’t worry because someone (usually Jolene) will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com
Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She can sometimes drift into daydreaming about the endless possibilities in life and usually the last one of the group to understand Nikki and Jolene’s punchlines. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services (CWS) social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, and owner and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com.
Jolene Daly is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Jolene is a seasoned therapist and private practice owner. She grew up in the Turlock, CA and Modesto, CA area most of her adult life and has been married to her comedian of a husband Jason for 20 years. She is a genuine, authentic person with a bold personality. You’ll often catch Jolene challenging our listeners and her fellow co-hosts, as she is passionate about her personal and professional values and is vocal when it comes to speaking out for what’s right. Learn more about Jolene at dalymft.com.
Disclaimer:
Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider. Thanks for listening and we’ll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut!
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Credits:
Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business.
Voice Over by Alexia Gloria