Listen now (38 min) | *Content Warning: This episode contains a discussion about suicide, which may be distressing to some listeners. In episode 71, Chris and Emma continue the conversation with Dr. Stacey Freedenthal, a suicidologist, therapist, author, and professor at the University of Denver.
In this second installment, we delve deeper into the complexities of suicidality, exploring chronic suicidal thoughts and the stigma surrounding suicide. We talk more about what to say and what not to say to someone who is suicidal and how to support those in emotional pain.
Stacey shares valuable insights and practical resources for those navigating these challenging experiences. Chris and Emma reflect on their personal journeys and the power of connection in moments of despair.
This candid discussion provides essential perspectives for anyone seeking to better understand suicide, reduce stigma, and foster compassion.
Grateful for all these resources and for the empathy coaching in this double episode, gang 🙏🏼✨
It's a clunky conversation to have, because it's been "normal" for me in life to have dealt with frequent suicidal ideation and an often violent imagination. Shout out to my one great therapist I had early in life who, when I told her what was going on in my mind said "well, it's good that you're talking about it, that means you're not doing it. You're safe here."
It was a revelation. I had been conditioned to suppress all those thoughts. With her guidance, I learned to manage and redirect them and live with them for another 20 years. When PPD hit me like a ton of bricks after my youngest was born, also illuminating the unrecognized PPD from my son's birth 18 months prior and the underlying existential depression, trauma and sundry coping strategies that no longer worked... I found myself suicidal again. When I opened up to my spouse, he sucked 🤣 I was on my own essentially. But saying it out loud got my ass into see my doctor and the doc was supportive and nonpathologizing (though not quite ND affirming, but I didn't know better at the time either) and prescribed antidepressants that worked for me. I'm so grateful I had at least that support.
I struggled with intrusive thoughts for years after, still do sometimes, but my zest for life is as vibrant as my depression was dismal. And, discovering your work and Emma's-- well, amplified zest in knowing that us sharing is the WORK of life. Getting through, being present, listening, waiting. Keep going... My birthdays through my 40's have been a long rebirth exercise of reclaiming my childhood and choosing new adventures. At 45 I decided to let my inner 5 year old do her thing. 46, my 6 year old. I uncovered some happy memories in the process, but more importantly I injected happiness into daily presence. At 47, I'm reconnecting with my 7 year old self, and she went through some shit. That was my first phase of wanting to end my life. I'm so glad I'm still here 💖
Looking forward to connecting with her and holding her with empathy and care as I work on integrating new stories, with less shame and embarrassment. Even though I feel I've "healed" from these childhood wounds, they seem to have sneaky ways of popping back up. I'm so thankful to have a community of folks who KNOW what it's like and have also made it through with grit, humor and aplomb (and can hold the darkness along with the sparkles)
Love you two so much and appreciate Stacey's contributions to this important topic. Keep up the amazing work, all!
Grateful for all these resources and for the empathy coaching in this double episode, gang 🙏🏼✨
It's a clunky conversation to have, because it's been "normal" for me in life to have dealt with frequent suicidal ideation and an often violent imagination. Shout out to my one great therapist I had early in life who, when I told her what was going on in my mind said "well, it's good that you're talking about it, that means you're not doing it. You're safe here."
It was a revelation. I had been conditioned to suppress all those thoughts. With her guidance, I learned to manage and redirect them and live with them for another 20 years. When PPD hit me like a ton of bricks after my youngest was born, also illuminating the unrecognized PPD from my son's birth 18 months prior and the underlying existential depression, trauma and sundry coping strategies that no longer worked... I found myself suicidal again. When I opened up to my spouse, he sucked 🤣 I was on my own essentially. But saying it out loud got my ass into see my doctor and the doc was supportive and nonpathologizing (though not quite ND affirming, but I didn't know better at the time either) and prescribed antidepressants that worked for me. I'm so grateful I had at least that support.
I struggled with intrusive thoughts for years after, still do sometimes, but my zest for life is as vibrant as my depression was dismal. And, discovering your work and Emma's-- well, amplified zest in knowing that us sharing is the WORK of life. Getting through, being present, listening, waiting. Keep going... My birthdays through my 40's have been a long rebirth exercise of reclaiming my childhood and choosing new adventures. At 45 I decided to let my inner 5 year old do her thing. 46, my 6 year old. I uncovered some happy memories in the process, but more importantly I injected happiness into daily presence. At 47, I'm reconnecting with my 7 year old self, and she went through some shit. That was my first phase of wanting to end my life. I'm so glad I'm still here 💖
Looking forward to connecting with her and holding her with empathy and care as I work on integrating new stories, with less shame and embarrassment. Even though I feel I've "healed" from these childhood wounds, they seem to have sneaky ways of popping back up. I'm so thankful to have a community of folks who KNOW what it's like and have also made it through with grit, humor and aplomb (and can hold the darkness along with the sparkles)
Love you two so much and appreciate Stacey's contributions to this important topic. Keep up the amazing work, all!