**This episode is Part II  - Listen to Part I 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. 

In Part I, David shared 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. 

• In Part II, David shares some practical advice for loved ones who witness someone suffering from suicidal ideation and depression and two thoughts: what I call myths of suicide prevention. 
• We talk about the role forgiveness played in his life and road to mental wellness and how he's found his way from self-loathing to self-love (which, for him, has been an ongoing challenge). 
• Through the storytelling, he helps the topic of depression, suicidal ideation, and mental health overall be more relatable and helps others to see those struggling with more compassion. 

Some of my favorite "Wisdom-Drops" from David in both episodes:

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

Send Victoria a text message!

Support the show

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

If you are struggling with grief due to any of the 40+ losses, free resources are available HERE.

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA:

• Instagram
• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

This episode is sponsored by Do Grief Differently™️, my twelve-week, one-on-one, in-person/online program for grievers who have suffered any type of loss to feel better. Click here to learn new tools, grief education, and the only evidence-based method for moving beyond the pain of grief.

Would you like to join the mission of Grieving Voices in normalizing grief and supporting hurting hearts everywhere? Become a sup...