Solving Suicide

9. Lessons about suicide in 'It's a Wonderful Life'

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is a classic Christmas film, with some surprisingly progressive insights around suicide! It’s not without it’s flaws, but through analysing the depiction of the protagonist’s suicide attempt, we can learn a few lessons about suicide. It can also up an extended conversation about suicide representation in popular culture.  Time for me to dust off the ol’ media studies degree! Today, I’ll discuss: -- the lessons we can learn about suicide from ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ -- the positive and negative aspects of suicide representation -- why mass media representation of suicide matter…. -- …and why we shouldn’t rely on angels as a suicide prevention method COLLABORATORS Solving Suicide is brought to you by Dark Coffee [https://www.darkcoffee.co.uk/]– development coaching to get your work and wellbeing working better together so you can feel like a badass in business. Host: Alice Lyons [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicelyons/]from Dark Coffee Music: ‘Solving Suicide’ by Steve Leggett  [https://www.instagram.com/steve.leggett91/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D] If you have any questions or would like to give us any feedback, you can email Alice at talk@darkcoffee.co.uk [talk@darkcoffee.co.uk] To apply to be on the show, just fill in this form.  [https://fm3o50zq2bt.typeform.com/to/EMqF4C64] INTERNATIONAL SUICIDE SUPPORT HELPLINES: https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/ [https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/] SUICIDE SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS (UK) Samaritans: Confidential suicide discussion and support. Free helpline available round the clock. Text - 116123. Call - 08457 909090 Email - jo@samaritans.org. Website - www.samaritans.org [http://www.samaritans.org/] Mind: Support and information for anyone suffering from a mental health problem. 0300 123 3393 Website - Mind.org.uk [https://darkcoffee.podbean.com/darkcoffee/episode/mind.org.uk] Saneline: Practical information, crisis care and emotional support to people affected by mental health concerns. Helpline: 0845 767 8000, open daily from 6pm – 11pm.

8. Quick Fix #3 - Avoiding 'black and white' thinking

Black and white thinking can trick us into believing we only have a limited amount of options to solve our problems… which can be particularly harmful if one of those options is suicide. This binary 'black and white' thinking pattern is completely normal – it happens – but there are things we can do to notice and navigate through it, to take our brains in another, more helpful direction! Even better, we can support other people when they're stuck in this mindset. Today, I’ll discuss: -- what black-or-white thinking is and who is susceptible to it -- how it can affect us, and how can it contribute to suicidality -- the good side of black and white thinking -- a simple technique for breaking through black and white thinking on your own -- how to support someone else who is stuck in this thinking pattern -- how we can find more solutions to our problems and ask other people for their input -- the benefit of building a varied support system DISCLAIMERS AND CONTENT WARNINGS SUICIDE – I’ll be touching on thoughts and feelings of suicide, so please do not listen if you’re not in a great head space today. Suicide support organisations are listed below. I am always open to improving the way I talk about any issues raised in the show, so please let me know if you have any feedback [email Alice at talk@darkcoffee.co.uk [talk@darkcoffee.co.uk] ] COLLABORATORS Solving Suicide is brought to you by Dark Coffee [https://www.darkcoffee.co.uk/]– development coaching to get your work and wellbeing working better together so you can feel like a badass in business. Host: Alice Lyons [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicelyons/]from Dark Coffee Music: ‘Solving Suicide’ by Steve Leggett  [https://www.instagram.com/steve.leggett91/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D] Podcast editing: Steve Leggett If you have any questions or would like to give us any feedback, you can email Alice at talk@darkcoffee.co.uk [talk@darkcoffee.co.uk] To apply to be on the show, just fill in this form.  [https://fm3o50zq2bt.typeform.com/to/EMqF4C64] SUICIDE SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS (UK) Samaritans: Confidential suicide discussion and support. Free helpline available round the clock. Text - 116123. Call - 08457 909090 Email - jo@samaritans.org. Website - www.samaritans.org [http://www.samaritans.org/] Mind: Support and information for anyone suffering from a mental health problem. 0300 123 3393 Website - Mind.org.uk [https://darkcoffee.podbean.com/darkcoffee/episode/mind.org.uk] Saneline: Practical information, crisis care and emotional support to people affected by mental health concerns. Helpline: 0845 767 8000, open daily from 6pm – 11pm.

7. Speaking publicly about suicide - ft. Chris O'Connell

What’s the best way to challenge the stigma associated with suicidality? Perhaps it’s through more of us sharing our stories. Today’s guest, Chris O’Connell [https://www.linkedin.com/in/itschrisoconnell/], has been very vocal on LinkedIn about his experiences - including multiple suicide attempts – to help spread awareness to his network of 70k connections. In this candid conversation, Chris shares the thoughts and contributing factors leading to one of his attempts, his insights into how we can build stronger mental health, and practical advice about how leaders can support the mental health of their people. We’ll discuss: · why Chris thinks it’s important to speak publicly about suicidality, and what the reaction has been like when he’s done this on social media · misconceptions around suicidality, including the idea that it is selfish · practical ideas for supporting your own wellbeing and prioritising yourself, as well as supporting others · the importance of cultivating compassion and self-love · why we shouldn’t assume that people with all the trappings of success have good mental health · the importance of being able to spend time with yourself, and why this is good for your wellbeing DISCLAIMERS AND CONTENT WARNINGS SUICIDE – Chris goes into some detail about his suicidal feelings and suicide attempt, so please do not listen if you are in a vulnerable headspace today. Additionally, the slur ‘committed suicide’ is used, which we'll be discuss in the intro. Professional organisations are linked at the bottom of the show notes if you’d like any support. ABOUT CHRIS O’CONNELL Chris is an impressive individual whichever way you look at it! He’s a £25 million Recruitment business owner turned purpose-driven NED. Having exited his last business, he now coaches leaders on how to build purpose-led businesses that perform, focusing on best process, vision execution, and harmonising your life with your work.   He's also an outspoken advocate of Mental health, mindset and self care, proud dad to three incredible boys and not afraid to tell you how it is! To get to know Chris better, listen to his podcast The Purpose-Led Leadership Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/72edQlrSeUvLmC2LsqOrQG?si=lPPWojsFTey7BKEyj-8hpg], or follow him on Instagram: @chrisoconnellcoach [https://www.instagram.com/chrisoconnellcoach/] COLLABORATORS Solving Suicide is brought to you by Dark Coffee [https://www.darkcoffee.co.uk/]– development coaching to get your work and wellbeing working better together so you can feel like a badass in business. Host: Alice Lyons [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicelyons/]from Dark Coffee Music: ‘Solving Suicide’ by Steve Leggett  [https://www.instagram.com/steve.leggett91/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D] If you have any questions or would like to give us any feedback, you can email Alice at talk@darkcoffee.co.uk [talk@darkcoffee.co.uk] To apply to be on the show, just fill in this form.  [https://fm3o50zq2bt.typeform.com/to/EMqF4C64] SUICIDE SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS (UK) Samaritans: Confidential suicide discussion and support. Free helpline available round the clock. Text - 116123. Call - 08457 909090 Email - jo@samaritans.org. Website - www.samaritans.org [http://www.samaritans.org/]

6. Quick Fix #2 - Why suicidal thoughts are not your fault

There’s a damaging idea shouted loudly by the self-help community which can be massively detrimental to our mental health if we take it on board; the idea that EVERYTHING is your fault. Don’t get me wrong – I’m a fan of personal responsibility. In fact, the ability to choose your own adventure and put actions into place forms a large part of the work I do with coaching clients. But some gurus will have you believe that you are responsible, not just for how you react to the things that happen to you, but for the fact that they even happened. Yes, that horrible thing that happened to you? It was actually your own doing…. Cue 26 minutes of me arguing against this point. I’ll discuss: · the damaging narrative of ‘personal blame’ touted in the self-help industry · the dark side of the ‘law of attraction’ principle popular in spiritual circles · why these narratives can be detrimental to our mental health · how we can reframe these extreme views as something more helpful and conductive to strong mental health · why none of us is 100% responsible for our circumstances… · …and who or what is really to blame! DISCLAIMERS AND CONTENT WARNINGS SUICIDE – as always, suicidal thoughts and feelings are referenced so please do not listen if you are in a vulnerable headspace today. Professional organisations are linked at the bottom of the show notes if you’d like any support. I am always open to improving the way I talk about any issues raised in the show, so please let me know if you have any feedback [email Alice at talk@darkcoffee.co.uk [talk@darkcoffee.co.uk] ] RESOURCES, REFERENCES + RECOMMENDATIONS ‘Lost Connections' [https://www.waterstones.com/book/lost-connections/johann-hari/9781408878729]by Johann Hari ‘Stolen Focus’ [https://www.waterstones.com/book/stolen-focus/johann-hari/9781526620224] by Johann Hari COLLABORATORS Solving Suicide is brought to you by Dark Coffee [https://www.darkcoffee.co.uk/]– development coaching to get your work and wellbeing working better together so you can feel like a badass in business. Host: Alice Lyons [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicelyons/]from Dark Coffee Music: ‘Solving Suicide’ by Steve Leggett  [https://www.instagram.com/steve.leggett91/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D] Podcast editing: Steve Leggett If you have any questions or would like to give us any feedback, you can email Alice at talk@darkcoffee.co.uk [talk@darkcoffee.co.uk] To apply to be on the show, just fill in this form.  [https://fm3o50zq2bt.typeform.com/to/EMqF4C64] SUICIDE SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS (UK) Samaritans: Confidential suicide discussion and support. Free helpline available round the clock. Text - 116123. Call - 08457 909090 Email - jo@samaritans.org. Website - www.samaritans.org [http://www.samaritans.org/] Mind: Support and information for anyone suffering from a mental health problem. 0300 123 3393 Website - Mind.org.uk [https://darkcoffee.podbean.com/darkcoffee/episode/mind.org.uk] Saneline: Practical information, crisis care and emotional support to people affected by mental health concerns. Helpline: 0845 767 8000, open daily from 6pm – 11pm.

5. Suicidality and testosterone deficiency ft. Sam Cook

What if suicidal thoughts are rooted in biology? What if, in effect, it’s not the person’s fault but a result of a hormone deficit? Today’s conversation around testosterone deficiency with Sam Cook blew my mind and I think it’s going to do the same for you. Sam Cook has worked in men’s health for over a decade and is the founder of Mojo Clinic in the UK; a service that specialises in testosterone deficiency and Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT.) He has experienced suicidal thoughts throughout his early 20’s and has worked with many other men that have as well, so he is passionate about normalising the discussion of mental health and how hormone deficiency may play a role in this. Sam mentions A LOT of helpful resources during this episode which will be linked below, and you can connect with him on LinkedIn here. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-cook-a22009214/] We discuss: · the causes of testosterone deficiency · how testosterone deficiency can negatively affect our mental health · the connection between hormone deficiency and suicidality · how biological factors can combine with other factors to erode our mental health...  · … and why balls are more like a boiler than a thermostat! DISCLAIMERS AND CONTENT WARNINGS SUICIDE - Sam speaks briefly about his own experiences with suicidal thoughts GENDERED LANGUAGE – Sam and I use binary language to discuss men and women as we are speaking about biological sex. I hope the language we’ve used is not exclusionary, but I am always open to improving the way I talk about any issues raised in the show, so please let me know if you have any feedback RESOURCES FROM SAM: Mojo Clinic www.themojoclinic.com [http://www.themojoclinic.com/] Book a free of charge call to discuss possible testosterone deficiency: www.themojoclinic.com/get-started [http://www.themojoclinic.com/get-started] New youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgt0gD7bRuti0BjSsci_CMg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgt0gD7bRuti0BjSsci_CMg] Great book on Testosterone Replacement Therapy by Dave Lee: https://advancedfundamentalhealth.com/store/p/trt101 [https://advancedfundamentalhealth.com/store/p/trt101] Book Sammentions on intrusive thoughts: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27214340-overcoming-unwanted-intrusive-thoughts [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27214340-overcoming-unwanted-intrusive-thoughts] Directory if looking for someone to help optimise/improve your mental health (others available) many offer remote/zoom/video sessions: www.bacp.co.uk [http://www.bacp.co.uk/] COLLABORATORS Solving Suicide is brought to you by Dark Coffee [https://www.darkcoffee.co.uk/]– development coaching to get your work and wellbeing working better together so you can feel like a badass in business. Host: Alice Lyons [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicelyons/]from Dark Coffee Music: ‘Solving Suicide’ by Steve Leggett  [https://www.instagram.com/steve.leggett91/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D] Podcast editing: Steve Leggett If you have any questions or would like to give us any feedback, you can email Alice at talk@darkcoffee.co.uk [talk@darkcoffee.co.uk] To apply to be on the show, just fill in this form.  [https://fm3o50zq2bt.typeform.com/to/EMqF4C64]