Even the smallest actions can change the course of someone’s life and, in turn, strengthen the broader community around them. Preventing a suicide or encouraging a person to hold on for just one more day can be influential acts when we know how to approach the subject. As a child psychiatrist, Dr. Diane Kaufman has dedicated her career to this very work. Diane described herself as a “poet, artist, internationally award-winning lyricist, humanism-in-medicine awardee, and retired child psychiatrist.” She also noted herself as “a suicide attempt and loss survivor with Bipolar II Disorder.” She is the founder and director of the Hold On Campaign for Suicide Prevention. This nonprofit uses the power of art to “educate, connect, express, and heal”, as can be read about on their website. Diane is a certified Expressive Arts Educational Facilitator.Diane recommended calling or texting 988 in a crisis to get assistance with difficult conversations where suicidal ideation with or without a plan is occurring. The service is available free of charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In this episode of Cults, Culture, & Coercion, I sat down with her to discuss suicide prevention and how to lead a fulfilling life amid today’s many challenges.

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