This podcast is part of WPSC’s StigmaFree in Washington initiative, a partnership with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Take the StigmaFree Pledge: end stigma, create hope.
In this episode, Anita Sulaiman, Chair of WPSC’s Addressing Stigma And Bias Workgroup, talks to Carrie Thompson, teacher, writer and suicide loss survivor and Mark Leeper, Executive Director of Disability Action Center – Northwest, Inc., a suicide survivor, about mental health and suicide. We thank our two guests for their courage and eloquence in sharing their personal stories, giving us a window into what it is like to be struggling with mental illness. What you are about to hear is an incredibly candid and insightful conversation on subjects that, for too long, have been taboo.
This interview is refreshingly frank. Some of the difficult questions we tried to answer: Does stigma play a role? How does it impact a person who has a mental health condition? How do you cope? What do they, as a suicide and suicide loss survivor, want people to know? What do they wish people knew? How does one find support? Where do we go from here?
Our aim is to lift the veil of stigma on mental illness and suicide and shine a light on the underlying issues, so that those among us who live with mental health conditions can get the support they need to lead healthy lives. Additional resources can be found on our website: https://www.qualityhealth.org/wpsc/other-resources/public-resource-center/#1616535969890-2924806f-5374.
Originally Recorded December 14, 2021
Trigger Warning:
The following podcast is a candid interview that contains mentions and descriptions of suicide, self-harming acts as well as other references to mental health disorders that some listeners may be sensitive to or find disturbing. Please know that resources for help and support are available. Listener discretion is advised.
