Pride Month and Suicide Prevention: A Conversation on Being a Great Ally with Sharon Downs

The "N" word, Religious Trauma, and Busting Stigma about Mental Health in the Black Community

Drs. Rikki Turner and Arrayon Farlough-Rollins continue their conversation that explores how being an ally to the Black community (and to any marginalized group) is suicide prevention. From generational trauma and systemic racism to the everyday toll of microaggressions, we unpack why mental health advocacy must include racial justice work. Rikki and Arrayon share personal reflections and invite listeners to dig deeper: because allyship isn’t a one-time post. It’s a lifelong, lifesaving practice. 👇 Want to learn more about the Black experience in America and how to show up better? Start here: 📚 Resources Mentioned: 1. The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein 👉 A must-read on the history of redlining and government-sanctioned segregation in housing. https://a.co/d/4LwpN4D [https://www.amazon.com/Color-Law-Forgotten-Government-Segregated/dp/1631492853] 2. The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson 👉 Pulitzer Prize-winning narrative about the Great Migration and the resilience of Black families. https://a.co/d/iSRkDCm [https://www.amazon.com/Warmth-Other-Suns-Americas-Migration/dp/0679763880] 3. Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad 👉 A 28-day guided journal for confronting privilege and engaging in real allyship. https://a.co/d/i2w7Rfn [https://www.amazon.com/Me-White-Supremacy-Journal-Personal/dp/1728209803] 4. Code Switch (Podcast by NPR) 👉 Weekly stories about race, identity, and culture that hit where it hurts—and heals. https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/484785516/the-code-switch-podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/code-switch/id1112190608] 5. You Are Your Best Thing (Podcast episode featuring Tarana Burke & Jason Reynolds) 👉 A powerful conversation on Black vulnerability, resilience, and emotional truth. https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-with-tarana-burke-and-jason-reynolds-on-you-are-your-best-thing/ [https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-with-tarana-burke-and-jason-reynolds-on-you-are-your-best-thing/]

Juneteenth and the Importance of Anti-Racism as Suicide Prevention Part 1

If you are looking for a candid conversation that is unapologetic about how racism and how it intersects with suicide, look no further. In this episode, Dr. Rikki Turner sits down with Dr. Arrayon Farlough-Rollins to discuss what it is like to be a black woman in America, the importance of Juneteenth, and how microaggressions wear on the Black community. If you are a person of color, this conversation is cathartic. If you are a white person, this conversation is pointed yet loving, and invites you into insight you didn't know you needed.

Pride Month and Suicide Prevention: A Conversation on Being a Great Ally with Sharon Downs

In this episode of The Suicide Prevention Lady Podcast, Dr. Rikki Turner sits down with Sharon Downs, a lifelong advocate for mental health and LGBTQ+ equity, to unpack what it means to be an ally. This is an episode about holding space for ourselves, for others, and for the things we were told not to say out loud. If you would like to have Sharon come speak or train with you, contact her at sadowns@gmail.com and mention you heard her on this podcast.

Behind the Scenes of Crisis Response: A Candid Talk with Justin Laffoon, MSW, LCSW

What really happens when someone is in mental health crisis? In this episode, Dr. Rikki Turner (The Suicide Prevention Lady) sits down with Justin Laffoon, MSW, LCSW—Director of Clinical Services at The BridgeWay—to talk about the gaps, the wins, and the humanity behind crisis intervention. From safety planning to showing up when it’s hard, this episode is filled with tangible insights for helpers, loved ones, and those navigating the system themselves. Justin shares what he wishes everyone knew about suicide prevention, how 988 is being used (and misunderstood), and the power of just being present. If you’ve ever wondered what to do or say when someone you love is struggling—or if you’ve been there yourself—this one’s for you. Topics include: • What NOT to say during a crisis • How 988 is working behind the scenes • Why hospitalizations aren’t always the solution • What to say when you don’t know what to say • Why your support matters more than you think 🎧 Subscribe, share, and leave a review to keep these conversations going. 📲 Learn more at www.stillyourise.com [http://www.stillyourise.com] Volunteer for The Trevor Project at https://www.thetrevorproject.org/volunteer/

Building a Care Package for Depression: Small Items, Big Impact

In this episode, Dr. Rikki Turner shares practical insights on assembling a care package for someone navigating depression. From basic hygiene items to easy-to-consume snacks, discover thoughtful inclusions that can make daily tasks more manageable and convey genuine support. Whether it's clinical depression, seasonal affective disorder, or situational grief, these small gestures can offer significant comfort. Mental Health Positive Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6eEiss2Sj7brXSwGpZXg5i?si=5e748caefece4dca