**This episode is Part I of II: Listen to Part II HERE**

David is a mental health speaker, educator, and holds certifications in Mental Health First Aid for adults and youth, SafeTALK (Suicide Awareness for Everyone), and the suicide prevention technique known as QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), which he mentions in this episode.

David shares his story around a day like no other - the day he was going to end his life jumping off of the Foresthill Bridge in California; the 4th highest bridge at 730 feet. A passerby followed their intuition and called 9-1-1 and, his life was saved that day. But, that was only the beginning of his lifelong battle with clinical depression.

As he describes it, David found his way from "mental hellness to mental wellness."  Through his experience of owning and operating a non-adoption animal sanctuary where he and his then-wife took in animals that were sick, lame, or old - he relates his life through stories of working with the animals and what they taught him over the years.

Also in this episode, you will hear tips on what to say to someone who is dealing with depression and possibly suicidal ideation, receive an education, overall, around the topic, and learn how all of us have a role in ending the stigma associated with mental health.  We also discuss mental health in kids, and the role curiosity plays in helping those suffering.

"People don't die of mental illness,' David says, 'they die from hopelessness."

Some of my favorite "Wisdom-Drops" from David in this episode:

• "Connection creates hope.  And, hope saves lives."
• "Sometimes what hurts the most cannot be seen. And sometimes, what helps the most, is easy to do."
• "Four words that changed my life [as said by my psychiatrist]: It's not your fault."
• "If people don't feel connected, the door stays shut."
• "Without mental health, there is no health."

Resources:

• David Woods Bartley

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