#218:

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We're about to head into some dark territory.

Depression and suicide are some of the heaviest topics known to man.

…and ironically, I suspect you will find this to be one of the most enjoyable, humorous and informative interviews we've ever done.

And that's all thanks to the magic of our special guest, who I'll introduce in a few moments.

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that in 2018, 48,000 Americans lost their lives to suicide. That number is expected to potentially double during last year's pandemic era.

Every 9 minutes, a person takes their life…which means by the end of this episode, 5 or 6 more people will no longer be with us.

Chances are very good that you know someone who's either taken their lives…or have someone close to you who's considered it.

Chances are nearly 100% that you know someone who deals with some form of depression, whether they've revealed it to you or not.

Having an open, candid dialogue about these darker subjects is essential to create safe environments for those who feel like their depressive or suicidal thoughts are unsafe to express…for fear of judgment, not being understood or triggering someone else's discomfort. One of our principles of being a Great Man is to create environments where we and those we care about can thrive. That includes creating safe spaces for the people in our lives who struggle with depression and suicide to be able to open up to us, feel seen and heard and supported.

Our special guest today, Frank King, does an incredible service in equipping us with practical guidance on how to do exactly that…all while having a few laughs along the way.

Who is Frank King?

• Frank is a mental health comedian specializing in depression and suicide
• Performed with the likes of Jim Carrey, Dennis Miller, Ellen DeGeneres, Rosie O'Donnell and Adam Sandler
• 6-time TEDx talker and coach for how you can land your TEDx talk
• Corporate keynote speaker
• He himself has Major Depressive Disorder and Chronic Suicidal Ideation and has come so close to taking his own life that he says, in his own words, "I know what the barrel of my gun tastes like."

In This Episode:

• What NOT to say to a person who has revealed their depression to you
• What TO say to a person who has revealed their depression to you
• What TO say to a person who reveals they are suicidal
• 3 staggering statistics on how many people contemplate, attempt and succeed in suicide
• How the Pandemic caused "Situational Depression" to explode onto the scene
• Frank's 5-step self-care process that helps him fortify his inner foundation

Resources Referenced in this Episode

"A Matter of Laugh or Death" (Frank's TEDx Talk): https://youtu.be/aBUXND5BD4M

Hire Frank to Speak: https://www.thementalhealthcomedian.com

6 Things That Will Kill Your Chances of Getting a TEDx Talk (Free PDF): https://www.yourtedxcoach.com

"Guts, Grit and the Grind" Free Audiobook: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/1nH4mhj/audiobook

Mental Health Resources: MentalHealthFirstAid.org

Text or call Frank (If you are on the edge and need support): 858-405-5653

Another Episode on Depression, Suicide and Men's Mental Health

Episode #98 of The Great Man Within Podcast: Calling for a Men's Mental Health Revolution w/Sam Webb