In this episode I have this distinctive honor of interviewing Kim Ruocco from TAPS who shares her personal and professional journey after suicide loss. In 2005, Kim Ruocco lost her husband to suicide, Marine Corp Major John Ruocco. She is presently a Masters Level Clinical Social Worker and the Chief External Relations Officer for Suicide Prevention and Postvention for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).We discussed the challenges of suicide grief -- how we balance honoring the lives our loved ones lived with fears of contagion in the community. How do we support children -- especially young children -- left in suicide's wake? The paradox of traumatic grief and the tensions of postvention are also explored. We identify a long list of resources to help military families who are facing the daunting challenge of living through a suicide tragedy. You don't want to miss this powerful and practical episode, especially Kim's closing story -- I was brought to tears.?

Meet my dear friends Kevin and Margaret Hines. Theirs is a true partnership, and I feel very honored to witness their love.?

Being a caregiver for someone living with a major mental health condition like bipolar disorder is not easy. Let's be honest, our mental healthcare system is challenging -- even when people are mentally well, let alone when they are in the grips of a mental health crisis. Friends and family are often the overlooked links in the chain of survival. 

I had the pleasure of working closely with them as part of our founding board for United Suicide Survivors International (see video below). We got a chance to interview them in Denver not too long ago.

In this episode, Margaret and Kevin share what's worked for them. They share their very humorous story of how they met, and the serious commitment they have to stay mentally fit.

Stay Connected:

Get on mailing list: SallySpencerThomas.com

Twitter: @sspencerthomas

FB: @DrSallySpeaks

When people are in the depths of a mental health crisis the last thing they need is a response that is based in fear. Having a crisis response strategy that is rooted in dignity and compassion can make all the difference. Join me in my interview with international visionary David Covington, who shares with us his journey in implementing crisis services from many leadership perspectives. David shares compelling science that challenges our misperceptions of what works and provides a road map for effective support for people in their darkest moments.

For more information and show notes: www.SallySpencerThomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/4

It's Suicide Prevention Month! Are you ready?

Latest blog on effective communication in suicide prevention

Stay Connected:

Get on mailing list: SallySpencerThomas.com

Twitter: @sspencerthomas

FB: @DrSallySpeaks

LinkedIn

In this podcast we talk with filmmaker Lisa Klein about why storytelling is so critical in effective suicide prevention. She shares with us her journey in making the new, ground-breaking film “The S Word.” 

THE S WORD, a feature-length documentary, tackles one of the most unfathomable issues of our time by telling the stories of suicide attempt survivors, along with the families and loved ones of those who have died by suicide - who are left behind to suffer the anguish, guilt, and confusion of death by suicide. ?

For more details and resources: https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/3

Guest Jorgen Gullestrup discusses the prevention of suicides in the construction industry.

Construction Suicide Prevention:

BLUEPRINT: http://actionallianceforsuicideprevention.org/resources/construction-industry-blueprint-suicide-prevention-workplacewww.ConstructionWorkingMinds.org -- clearinghouse of resources for construction suicide preventionwww.CFMA.org/suicideprevention -- national Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention. http://preventconstructionsuicide.com/VIDEO: http://www.9news.com/money/business/how-a-local-construction-company-is-preventing-suicide/312618794MATES in Construction (Australia):  http://matesinconstruction.org.au/OzHelp (Australia): https://ozhelp.org.au/MATES in Mind (UK):  https://www.matesinmind.org/about.html

For more details and resources: https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/2

Dr. Thomas Joiner, author of “Lonely at the Top: The High Cost of Men’s Success” and “Why People Die by Suicide”, has spent much of his career trying to find out why people die of suicide. The desire for death, according to Joiner, is comprised of two psychological states. One is a perception of being a burden to others, having let everyone down, and the other is a feeling of not belonging, not feeling connected to a family or a relationship. Alone, neither of these states is enough to instill the desire for death, but together with what Dr. Joiner has labeled an “acquired capacity” for suicide (a fearlessness for death) the risk for suicide is increased. Join us in a conversation about how we can best help men avoid the pits of despair – such as isolation and addiction – through proactive changes in our culture and support services. If you are a man living with these challenges, or if you are worried about a man in your life, come listen to Thomas’ suggestions to bring back a passion for living.

For more details and resources: https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/1