Entrepreneurs & Suicide Prevention with Sally Spencer-Thomas of United Suicide Survivors International

Entrepreneurs, take your mental health seriously because the life of your company depends on it!

Our guest today: Sally Spencer-Thomas, President of United Suicide Survivors International

Sally Spencer-Thomas is a clinical psychologist, inspirational international speaker and an impact entrepreneur. Dr. Spencer-Thomas was moved to work in suicide prevention after her younger brother, a Denver entrepreneur, died of suicide after a difficult battle with bipolar condition.

Today we discuss:

Why it is critical that you prioritize your mental health

The 3 components of a strong mental health practice that you can build into your company 

My entrepreneurial journey has been a plethora of highs and lows… At times:

Question my purpose

Question my judgement

Manifested extreme confidence followed by imposter syndrome

My saving grace: Having an outlet of physical & mental stimulation outside of business

Jiu jitsu

Challenge today?

Cannot let mental unwellness show to investors or competitors

Extreme self-reliance

Can not take a mental health day

When things go down it is on you 

When it crashes it is on you

A lot of pressure

Isolation: Tend to be lone rangers

Competition for funding, being first to market, 

Less likely to reach out for support

Evidence that we live on the bipolar spectrum, susceptible to maina: https://www.bphope.com/entrepreneurs-success-bipolar/ 

Why is this important to the company?

The entrepreneur is the essence of the company. 

You have to keep yourself well because it is on you

People’s holistic health keeps people engaged in the company

Talent will not stick around if they are not getting broader opportunities to find a passion for living beyond work

How do we build mental health practice into your company?

Appreciating that our mental wellbeing is part of our overall asset to the wellbeing of the company.

Understanding of your own mental health and how best to promote the wellbeing of others.

Upstream about driving a culture of care -- attract and retain talent, long-arc of productivity and success

Upstream - Building protective factors, resilience as strong at it can be -- modeling self-care

Eating, exercising, sleep

Having the a team of the ready

Front end your day with as much personal wellbeing investment as possible

Walking the dog touches many aspects of wellness

Midstream - Catching things early

Before they become catastrophic -- what are the early warning signs that the wheels are wobbling.

Measures put in place to course correct

https://www.helpyourselfhelpothers.org/ 

Downstream - Where do we turn? Resources we have access to

Dealing with the crisis in our lives

What is the plan

Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org/ text HELLO to 741741

iRel8: https://irel8.org/ 

Key Takeaways:

Commitment to investing in your health first

Check out when your brain is not sharp

Having a plan for crisis (personal)

Kick the tires of mental health resources before you need them

Links

Guest website and social media platforms:

https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/

TEDx Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/sally_spencer_thomas_stopping_suicide_with_story

Entrepreneurs and mental health video: https://youtu.be/qrWbePKB-6A 

Article: Prevent start-up suicide. Literally. Entrepreneur. https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/271435 

Article: Entrepreneurs And Suicide Risk: A New Perspective On Entrapment Provides Hope. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/prudygourguechon/2018/08/23/entrepreneurs-and-suicide-a-new-perspective-on-entrapment-gives-hope/?sh=2b2e3cbb5385 

Article: The Psychological Price of Entrepreneurship. Inc. https://www.inc.com/magazine/201309/jessica-bruder/psychological-price-of-entrepreneurship.html

Carson’s story: https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/history/ 

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