The word suicide, all by itself and regardless of context, can elicit anxiety, grief, anger, and other raw emotions. One of my goals as a mental health professional, is to advocate for open discussions of suicide. Why? Because I want to actively role model how facing, embracing, and discussing suicide directly can shrink the threatening nature of the word—and also shrink the anxiety, grief, and anger that people feel when they hear the word.
Just yesterday, Paula Fontenelle, author of “Understanding Suicide” (see Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Suicide-Living-loss-prevention/dp/1691504831), posted a podcast and video of her and I discussing suicide. As always, when I look at and listen to myself, I feel a bit shy about sharing this. The mirror (or video recording) is never as flattering as I wish it to be. However, I love that Paula is so dedicated to this topic and that she was willing to have me as a guest on the 1st anniversary and 40th episode of her show.
You can access a video of the show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDmY8kgf6Zc
You can access the audio (podcast) of the show here: https://bit.ly/3muZ2eD
If you want to know more about Paula and her interests and expertise, you can link to her in all of the methods listed below:
Website | Podcast | YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
Thanks for reading, listening, and watching. I wish you all the best this weekend and beyond!
John
John Sommers-Flanagan 
Always appreciating your expertise, thinking, and suggestions. I can hear your voice! Thank you for adding to my counseling toolbox and stretching my thinking to include current, practical, good stuff. Make it a good day in your corner of the world.
Hi Terri,
Thanks for your appreciation . . . I appreciate it right back. I hope all is well in your life. . . or at least as well as things can be.
Best,
John