Shows
Leaving The ValleyThe Suicidal Thoughts Workbook w/ Dr. Gordon, Part IIIn the conclusion of our chat with Dr. Kathryn Hope Gordon, author of “The Suicidal Thoughts Workbook,” we examine one of the leading causes for suicidal thinking: the end of a relationship. It is well understood that people who perceive themselves as alone are at a higher risk for suicidal thinking. Dr. Gordon explains how the perception of “feeling isolated” can sometimes be different than outward appearance might suggest. Well-loved, highly popular people die by suicide. There is often a tendency for those close to an individual who is struggling to dismiss the risk of suicide. We explore why that can...2022-12-1530 min
Leaving The ValleyThe Suicidal Thoughts Workbook w/ Dr. Gordon, Part IWe often discuss that the road to meaningful change involves putting one foot in front of the other day after day. This is true for long term goals like learning a new language, for example. You practice a bit each day and gradually become better. This is especially true of mental health goals, like managing and even overcoming suicidal thoughts. In this episode we had the opportunity to chat with Dr. Kathryn Hope Gordon about “The Suicidal Thoughts Workbook." Dr. Gordon’s book creates practical tools for people to use on an “as needed” basis to develop more positive self-thin2022-12-0139 minLeaving The ValleyChallenges to Latin American Mental HealthWe continue Part II of our conversation with Clara Rosenzweig, Director of Vecino Health Centers, a low cost/no cost mental health provider in Houston, Texas. Vecino Health emphasizes care in a person’s native language and serves a predominantly Latin American population. Clara describes the need for services like the one’s provided by Vecino Health and some of the cultural stigmas that may prevent LatinX individuals from asking for help.2022-11-1734 minLeaving The ValleyHonoring the Dead – Dia de los Muertos & the Challenge of SuicideWe look at the Mexican tradition of Dia de los Muertos. Our special guest, Clara Rosenzweig, Licensed Professional Counselor and Director of Vecino Health Centers, shares memories of growing up in Mexico. Clara recalls the customs she participated in at that time of year. Dia de los Muertos is steeped in traditions around honoring loved ones who have passed. As a podcast about mental health, we couldn't help but reflect on how suicide often complicates the memory of our loved ones. How is honoring our lost loved ones changed by a suicide? Not just for Latin Americans, but for...2022-11-0329 minLeaving The ValleyShowing Up to a Suicide, Part IIIn the conclusion of our talk with Fire Captain Scott Shaunfield, we zoom out and look at the broader effects of traumatic stress on First Responders. We ask Capt. Shaunfield to illuminate the damage this work-related condition creates, not just on himself, but on the men and women he serves with. We look at well-supported research that describes what exposure to suicide does to increase suicidal ideation. The number one cause of death for First Responders is not line of duty deaths. It's suicide.2022-10-2030 minLeaving The ValleyShowing Up to a Suicide, Part IIn one of our most heartfelt and difficult conversations, we talk with Fire Captain Scott Shaunfield about what it's like to arrive on the scene of a suicide. First Responders’ jobs include responding to everything from burning buildings, car wrecks, and even suicide attempts. Responding to a suicide is a traumatic event for First Responders and often leaves a lasting effect. Additionally, there is a cumulative toll to experiencing so many different suicides and suicide attempts that puts First Responders at a greater risk for suicide themselves. The guilt and pain that occurs after losing someone to suicide affects Fi...2022-10-0643 minLeaving The ValleyMyth BUSTED – No One Will Miss Me When I’m Gone"No one will miss me when I'm gone." This is absolutely FALSE. When someone dies, whether by suicide or other causes, we always mourn them. Grief, rage, sadness, etc. are incredibly common when there is a loss. In terms of suicide, it is categorically untrue to think that your death would somehow go unnoticed. Suicides bring on all the emotions associated with loss and have an extra helping of guilt. Perhaps when someone is saying, "no one will miss me," what they really are saying is "I am feeling so isolated." Another example of what "no one will miss...2022-09-1541 minLeaving The Valley988 – The Conversation Continues, Part IIWe continue our conversation about the purpose and function of 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. As with our prior episode, we take a hard look at some of the opinions shared in a post about 988. In exploring the ideas of this post, we hope to clarify some of the misconceptions expressed and also offer context. In this episode, we jump right in on a comment about psych wards. Lastly, we zoom in on the emphasis on asking “What does help look like for you?” When is it appropriate to focus on that question and when do you have to be m...2022-09-0140 minLeaving The Valley988 – The Conversation Continues, Part IOne of our absolute favorite things is getting feedback from our audience. In today's episode, we discuss an online post that an audience member shared with us about 988, the new Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which we discussed in our last episode. In this post, there are a lot of statements about what 988 is and what will happen if you call it. Like any good social media content, there are some views we agree with and others that we find problematic. What's the internet for if not to stir the pot?! In this episode, we go on the record about...2022-08-1833 minLeaving The ValleyWe Call 988Major mental health news! The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has a new 3-digit phone number, 988. This is a huge victory for mental health advocates! This new number is much easier to remember than the previous 1-800 number. It also marks a tremendous influx of funding from the Biden administration to create and expand call centers and secondary call centers, call centers in Spanish, and improved website chat room functionality. In addition to a new number, even the name has changed. It’s now called “988 Suicide & Prevention Lifeline.”2022-08-0439 minLeaving The ValleyLosing Two Brothers to Suicide, Part IIWe continue our heartfelt conversation in part II of our chat with special guest, Dennis Gillan. Dennis has the unfortunate distinction of having lost two brothers to suicide over the span of eleven years. Though Dennis has known true hardship, one thing that sticks out when you speak with him is that he still holds on to great hope. Dennis mentions time and again that he "had to keep living." In order to keep going, he had to find a way to live through his pain and regain joy.2022-07-2139 minLeaving The ValleyLosing Two Brothers to Suicide, Part ILosing one brother to suicide is an unimaginable grief. Our guest today, Dennis Gillan, lost two brothers to suicide over the span of 11 years. Dennis has transformed his misery into his mission and now runs a suicide prevention organization called Half a Sorrow Foundation. As a junior in college, the last thing in the world that was on Dennis’ mind was death, but then he got a call from his sister to return home. Their eldest brother, Mark, had died by suicide. Eleven years after Mark died, Dennis’s younger brother, Matthew, also ended his life. Dennis describes the impo...2022-07-0734 minLeaving The ValleyLGBTQ+ Youth & Suicide, Part IIIn part two of our series on LGBTQ+ youth and their elevated risk for suicide, we finish our chat with Austin Davis Ruiz (he/him) of the Montrose Center. Austin shares both the hard hitting facts and his own personal experience with the challenges LGBTQ+ youth face today. From bullying, to the stresses of the pandemic, to homelessness, we explore what makes LGBTQ+ youth more at risk for depression and suicide. Importantly, we also discuss ways we can support this vulnerable population.2022-06-1627 minLeaving The ValleyLGBTQ+ Youth & Suicide, Part IWhen we discuss groups that are more at risk for suicide, amongst the most vulnerable, are LGBTQ+ youth. LGBTQ+ young people are more than 4 times as likely to attempt suicide as their peers. We talk with Austin Davis Ruiz (he/him) of the Montrose Center about the myriad of reasons LGBTQ+ youth face such high risk of suicide.2022-06-0236 minLeaving The ValleyJay’s Journey, Part IIWhat happens after you survive two suicide attempts? In part II of our chat with Jay Shifman, public speaker and host of the "Choose Your Struggle" podcast, we talk about his road to recovery. Jay describes the days after his unsuccessful attempts to end his life, the time he spent in a hospital, and then a very difficult stretch in a rehab facility. Today, Jay continues his work to raise awareness and end the stigma that surrounds mental health and addiction.2022-05-1930 minLeaving The ValleyJay’s Journey, Part IWhat happens if the medicines you're prescribed are actually making you worse, not better? What happens if the doctor you turn to for help isn't helping? Our guest, Jay Shifman, public speaker and host of the "Choose Your Struggle" podcast, shares his long journey back to himself. As an adolescent, Jay was diagnosed as bipolar. The medicines he was prescribed to treat his disease led him to years of prescription drug misuse, addiction, and two suicide attempts. Jay is not bipolar, but it took years of struggle and nearly dying for Jay to finally figure that out.2022-05-0531 minLeaving The ValleyThe Science Behind SuicideWhat does the research behind suicide help us understand about those who end their lives? In this episode, we discuss how isolation, feeling like you're a burden, and access to means overlap to become a lethal recipe for some people. We look at how impulsivity factors into suicidal ideation as well as things like substance misuse, mental illness, and trauma. Additionally, we discuss how in repeated studies, as countries modernize, rates of depression and suicide rise. What does living in a more industrialized world do to our mental health and why?2022-04-2141 minLeaving The ValleyWhat Have We Learned About Suicide Prevention?Oh my, it’s episode 51! Wow! We have learned so much on suicide prevention that we wanted to pause for a moment and recap. Suicide is a taboo topic. Incredibly common, but rarely discussed openly. The goal of this show has been to raise the level of discourse on suicide. How can we prevent it, if we don’t know what we’re looking for? In this episode, we discuss what we’ve learned thus far and what some of the biggest revelations for us have been.2022-04-0736 minLeaving The ValleyJuvenile Justice & Suicide, Part IIIn part two of our conversation on suicide prevention in juvenile detention centers, Dr. Leah Saulter, describes the limited resources and high burnout rates of staff. Suicide alerts require extra attention. For some young people, manipulating the staff may be a cure for boredom or an opportunity for secondary gain. However, many of the threats are legitimate, and, even if the threat of suicide is a form of manipulation, it can still be a highly dangerous ploy. Additionally, you cannot talk about suicide rates in youth correctional institutions and not ask yourself, "How did these young people wind up...2022-03-1728 minLeaving The ValleyJuvenile Justice & Suicide, Part ISuicide is the number one cause of death in the juvenile justice system. Though the numbers of completed suicides annually are relatively low, suicide attempts and threats of suicide in the juvenile justice system are high. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Leah Saulter, Psychologist, who specializes in trauma. Dr. Saulter has spent years working with young men in detention centers in Texas and Ohio. We ask Dr. Saulter about the mental health of young people in the justice system. We also discuss what has happened to these young people that would lead them to imprisonment at such...2022-03-0330 minLeaving The ValleyCelebrity & SuicideIf rich, famous, beautiful people can die by suicide, what does that mean for the rest of us? The recent suicide of Cheslie Kryst, Miss USA 2019, was shocking. Research supports that after a high-profile person dies by suicide, rates of suicide also go up. Additionally, there is a cost to fame. It is harder for well-known figures to ask just anyone for support, even when they're in danger. There is enormous pressure to stay at the top and high levels of fame can be extremely isolating. Much of what we are taught is that if you work hard and a...2022-02-1738 minLeaving The ValleyAnger & Suicide, Part IIIn part two of our conversation, we look at how anger may be a part of the grieving process when we lose someone to suicide. Anger is a normal stage in processing loss. When suicide is involved, anger may be directed at the individual who died, or at another friend or family member, and even at yourself for failing to prevent the death. Additionally, we discuss considerations for how anger may affect some of our most vulnerable groups. What should we be aware of in terms of red flags for anger in groups that already have high levels of...2022-02-0342 min
Leaving The ValleyAnger & Suicide, Part IWe often think of depression as a possible symptom for suicide, but anger can also become lethal. Excessive anger is often a sign of depression. In fact, anger is usually a mask we wear to hide how sad or disappointed we feel. Most of us are more comfortable sharing that we are mad rather than sharing that we have become depressed. These stigmas about anger and sadness often prevent us from properly assessing when someone is at risk for suicide. If we are unaware of the relationship between anger and suicide, we may miss the signals that someone we...2022-01-2039 min
Leaving The ValleyYou Say You Want a Resolution?It’s a new year…again?! So why does it feel a little like nothing’s changed? The idea of “resolution” means that something has ended, but for many of us the reality of COVID-19 is still not over. In that case, does it even make sense to make a resolution? Whether acknowledged or not, change happens to each of us. Our advice is to take some stock of what you are grateful for. If your resolution is about improving your mental health, working with a therapist could be an amazing tool to achieving that goal. Additionally, if you’re feeling d...2022-01-0528 min
Leaving The ValleyAvoid Harmful TherapyCan therapy ever be harmful? That's the question that first sprang to my mind when talking with an acquaintance about her problematic experiences in counseling. Asking for help is hard. There is a tremendous stigma that surrounds speaking with a therapist. In some examples, working with a therapist who is a bad fit for you can even be harmful. It can inflict new psychological damage and be re-traumatizing. If your counselor is judgmental, unavailable, or a bad listener, perhaps it is time to work with someone else.2021-12-1644 min
Leaving The ValleySurviving the HolidaysIt's the most wonderful time of the year... or is it? There is so much to do and so little time to do it. Let's face it, the holidays are tough. Whether you're navigating tricky family dynamics or simply feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of finding the perfect gift, many of us experience the holiday blues. What are some ways we can cope with the stresses of this time of year?2021-12-0248 min
Leaving The ValleyA Warrior’s Journey: Overcoming PTSD and Suicidal Thoughts, Part IIIn the conclusion of our conversation with Sergeant Aaron Quinonez (Sgt. Q), we learn about his long road towards getting diagnosed with PTSD and his advice for anyone dealing with a mental health crisis. Additionally, Sgt. Q shares his insights on how the faith-based community can better support those struggling with mental health issues. Also, we ask Sgt. Q for his list of things NOT to do when going through a hard time.2021-11-1839 min
Leaving The ValleyA Warrior’s Journey: Overcoming PTSD and Suicidal ThoughtsIn this special episode, we talk with Sergeant Aaron Quinonez (Sgt. Q) about his personal journey in overcoming childhood trauma, homelessness, two tours of duty in Iraq, PTSD, and suicidal ideation to living a life of service and mental health advocacy. Sgt. Q has turned his experiences with trauma into a calling, helping fellow veterans find healing through his award winning non-profit, Q-Missions. Sgt. Q recalls his early childhood trauma and how it further impacted his time serving in Iraq. He candidly discusses what it is like to suffer from PTSD. He explains the feeling of inadequacy that led h...2021-11-0434 min
Leaving The ValleyShame & SuicideShame around suicide is pervasive and exists in many different forms. We may feel ashamed if we lost someone to suicide. We may feel shame if we've ever had suicidal thoughts. We sometimes even use shame as a tactic to try and stop someone from taking their own life. We talk with Dr. Jana Tran, psychologist, about shame. Dr. Tran has spent many years serving high-risk groups for suicide through her work at the VA and serving First Responders at the Houston Fire Department. Dr. Tran examines the message "suicide is selfish." It is harder to seek help when...2021-10-2147 min
Leaving The ValleyWhy Won’t Therapy Work? Part II- Opening UpWhy do some people claim, "Therapy didn't work for me"? In part two of our series, we discuss some of the issues that stand in the way of success in therapy. Some quit before they've really given the process a chance or are inconsistent about therapy. Additionally, people are often reluctant to seek help, believing they can relying on friends and family for support. If you are suicidal, it is highly unlikely that your loved ones know enough about mental health to provide the exact support you need. If you want to benefit from therapy, be consistent, be honest...2021-10-0734 min
Leaving The ValleyWhy Won’t Therapy Work? Part I- I Know BetterWe've heard it before. "Therapy can't work for me! My problems are too complicated!" Or "My friends know me better." Or a million other reasons why people are skeptical to reach out to a mental health professional. In terms of suicide prevention, you've got to be willing to give help a chance. It's quite common for people, even suicidal people, to drop out of therapy after only a couple of sessions. Like any other endeavor, in order for therapy to be successful, you've got to put in the work. Research backs this up. Therapy can benefit everyone, including you. 2021-09-1632 min
Leaving The ValleyPostpartum Mental Health & Suicide, Part IVSuicide is a leading cause of death for moms within the first year of childbirth. Many people have a hard time understanding how a new mom could contemplate taking her own life. However, there are many parts of being a new parent that overlap with conditions that are known to increase the likelihood of a suicide attempt. Lack of sleep, stress, feeling isolated, feeling like the situation is hopeless, or that you are somehow a burden are hugely related to suicidal thoughts. Additionally, giving birth can be a triggering experience and bring up unresolved trauma from the past. Many...2021-09-0249 min
Leaving The ValleyPostpartum Mental Health & Suicide, Part IIIIn the third part of our conversation with Sherry Duson from the Center for Postpartum Family Health, we focus on some of the most hot button issues for new parents. For example, breastfeeding versus formula, infertility, and marital satisfaction post-child. These issues can be deeply polarizing. The strong emotions around these topics may prevent many new parents from speaking up when confronted with challenges. In general, the less people are able to talk about their struggles the more isolated they may become. We know isolation is hugely related to suicidal thought. Being a new parent is already pretty lonely. L...2021-08-1936 min
Leaving The ValleyPostpartum Mental Health & Suicide, Part IIIn this episode, we continue to explore the relationship between Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) and suicide with our guest Sherry Duson. Sherry is the founder and director of The Center for Postpartum Family Health in Houston, TX. She shares her knowledge on the sense of shame some women feel around the struggles of being a new mom. In those moments, it is easy to feel isolated and to get trapped in a train of thought that says you are an unfit mother. We know that feeling isolated is related to suicidal thoughts.2021-08-0540 min
Leaving The ValleyPostpartum Mental Health & SuicideSuicide is a leading cause of maternal death in the first year following childbirth. Yet, the importance of postpartum mental health is rarely discussed during pregnancy. Some moms get the "Baby Blues," others may develop Postpartum Depression or Postpartum Anxiety. Let's talk about Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) and how it relates to maternal suicide. We have a special guest with us for this episode, Sherry Duson. Sherry is the Founder and Director of The Center for Postpartum Family Health in Houston, TX. Sherry gives us insight into why so many new moms feel blindsided by the transition into m...2021-07-1528 min
Leaving The ValleyGrieving a Suicide, Part IIWe continue our conversation with Whitcomb Terpening of The Semicolon Group on grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide. In this episode, we focus on the idea of how you "should" remember someone who ended their own life. In general, when someone passes we don't normally focus on the way they died. If someone has a heart attack, we don't typically dwell on the fact that their heart gave out. However, with suicide, many people narrow in on the manner of the individual's death. This may be, in part, because many people feel a degree of responsibility...2021-07-0138 min
Leaving The ValleyGrieving a Suicide, Part IWe've spent the majority of our podcast covering suicide prevention. This week, we're focusing on mourning the loss of someone to suicide. Particularly, we're looking at feelings of grief. We have a special guest with us this week, Whitcomb Terpening - Licensed Clinical Social Work Supervisor. Grief is a normal part of mourning any death. However, when someone dies of suicide, grief may be complicated by feelings of guilt, responsibility, anger, or shame. Society frowns on discussing suicide. This may leave those who are already grieving a suicide even more isolated. Additionally, there is often a faulty idea of...2021-06-1733 min
Leaving The ValleyThe Workplace & SuicideAs people re-enter their workplaces after over a year of social distancing, it is inevitable that our mental health needs may look a little different than they did before the pandemic. Employers may need to be more sensitive towards the emotional needs of their employees and this may include an emphasis on suicide prevention. Even on the job there are things we can do to prevent suicide. If you notice a co-worker is struggling, it is appropriate to check-in with them. Many people fear asking if someone is suicidal. It is much harder to live with the feelings of...2021-06-0336 min
Leaving The ValleyFirearms & SuicideOur mission on Leaving The Valley is to help reduce suicides. You simply cannot have a conversation about suicide prevention and not talk about firearms. Accessibility of a firearm leads to an increased risk of suicide. Over half of all suicides occur with a firearm. Additionally, the majority of deaths caused by guns are suicide (Not homicides.) The decision to end one's life is often impulsive. When a firearm is accessible, people may impulsively use it in a suicide attempt. When a weapon is used in a suicide attempt, it is almost always lethal.2021-05-2037 min
Leaving The ValleyMental Illness & SuicideUnfortunately, 15% of people with a mental illness will die by suicide. Mental illness is a real illness and widely misunderstood. Like any major illness, if left untreated, having a mental illness can be fatal. We wanted to talk with experts on this subject, so we consulted with Dr. Mitch and Dr. Sharon Young. They are a husband and wife team with over four decades of expertise in treating those with mental illness. In this episode, we discuss what mental illness is, how to treat it, and how to prevent suicide for those with mental illness.2021-05-0648 min
Leaving The ValleyVeterans & SuicideOn average, 17 Veterans die a day from suicide, making them one of the most high-risk group for suicide. Many Veterans have experienced long absences from family, which may present challenges when they return home after leaving the military. Some may be suffering from PTSD or substance use. Others may be returning to rural environments, which can be far from services that they need. In this episode, we sit down with Brent Arnspiger, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Suicide Prevention Coordinator at Veterans Affairs (VA) in Houston. Arnspiger shares the robust resources the VA provides for Veterans struggling with suicide. 2021-04-1549 min
Leaving The ValleyIs Suicide Contagious?Suicidal thoughts are not contagious in the way viruses or germs are, but it is well researched that suicides may occur in clusters. There is also usually a spike in the number of suicides after a well-known figure dies by suicide. People who are already struggling are the most likely to be influenced by the suicide of a celebrity or member of their community. Clusters of suicides may occur in schools, families, or among people of common backgrounds. 2021-04-0133 min
Leaving The ValleyMyth BUSTED: They're Not Really SuicidalOne of the biggest obstacles in suicide prevention is that many people don't believe someone when they say they're suicidal. As we speak, there are people debating whether Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, was "really" suicidal. Suicidal thoughts are incredibly common. It doesn't matter how wealthy or well-known someone is. Anyone is capable of sliding down "The Ramp" to suicide. There is a tendency to dismiss the threat of suicide. Sometimes we dismiss someone's cries for help because we can't imagine that they'd actually follow through with it. Other times, we may feel like an individual is just seeking at...2021-03-1841 min
Leaving The ValleyBreakups & SuicideBreaking up STINKS! It’s hard even under the best of circumstances. After a breakup, people often describe feelings of depression, anxiety, and isolation. We know that feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and burdensomeness are related to suicidal thoughts. After a breakup, it's pretty normal to feel many of those emotions, which is why breakups can become a trigger for suicide. 2021-03-0439 min
Leaving The ValleyFirst Responders & Suicide, Part IIIn Part II of our conversation, we explore the substantial difference in suicide rates between First Responders and the general population. Research suggests that police officers may be 50% more suicidal than the average citizen and that risk is even higher for firefighters. In fact, more firefighters die by suicide than in the line of duty. Why do we spend so much money on physically protecting our First Responders but so little on protecting their mental health? 2021-02-2525 min
Leaving The ValleyFirst Responders & Suicide, Part IFirst Responders, such as firefighters, police, and EMS, risk their lives to respond to our emergency situations. In doing so, First Responders may see untold tragedy, experience bodily harm, lose colleagues in the line of duty, and spend tremendous amounts of time away from their families. There is a dark truth that being a First Responder means you are more likely to face thoughts of suicide. We focus a lot on First Responders’ physical health. Not enough is being done to protect the MENTAL health of the brave men and women who show up when we need them most.2021-02-0434 min
Leaving The ValleyNew Year...Now What?2020 was an incredibly challenging year. For so many, the simple act of ringing in a new year felt like a victory. Many are cautiously optimistic that 2021 may usher in healing physically, politically, and economically. Yet, 2021 is off to a rocky start. How do we hold on to hope in light of all we still have to face? For many a new year is also a time to make resolutions, but is that even a good idea given the world we live in today? If so, how can we make our resolutions stick?2021-01-2138 min
Leaving The ValleyTalking Teen Mental Health, Part III: Advice to ParentsIn the conclusion of our three part series on teen mental health, our guest, Natalie Alyssa Sanchez, talks with us about the pressures teens face today and where they go for advice. Natalie, a recent high school grad and youth mental health advocate, shares about the sometimes overwhelming pressures to be academically successful. She also talks about how issues at home have a very real effect on teen mental health and offers some advice to parents about how to better communicate so that teens will listen. 2021-01-0731 min
Leaving The ValleyTalking Teen Mental Health, Part II- Facing the Suicide of PeersIn Part II of our conversation with recent high school graduate and youth mental health advocate, Natalie Alyssa Sanchez, we explore how and when she first learned about suicide. Natalie opens up about a friend of hers who practiced self-harm in middle school and later admitted that he was suicidal. We explore how to help a peer in danger, the pressure to keep their “secret,” and attention seeking behavior.2020-12-1729 min
Leaving The ValleyTalking Teen Mental Health, Part I: COVID-19In this special episode, we invite a guest onto our show to help us better understand the mental health needs of teens today. Our guest, Natalie Alyssa Sanchez, recent high school graduate and teenage mental health advocate, opens up about the pressures of academic life and the challenges of navigating complex friendships. She also shares her experience of how COVID-19 has affected her and her peers and positive and negative coping strategies. 2020-12-0322 min
Leaving The ValleyWhat Parents Should Know About Suicide, Part III- Info for Parents of Young AdultsIn the conclusion of our three part series on youth suicide, we share info specific to the mental health needs of young adults. As kids head off to college or move out of the house, there are often different mental health challenges that can arise. While some young adults settle into their new independence, others have a much harder time adjusting, especially if they have a diagnosed mental illness or have needed extra care and attention to thrive. We also go over questions from our audience about things every parent should know about suicide prevention, regardless of the age of...2020-11-1934 min
Leaving The ValleyWhat Parents Should Know About Suicide Part II: How Do You Know If Your Child Is Suicidal?In Part II of our series, we continue our conversation about what parents should know about youth suicide. In this episode we explore how to tell if your child is suicidal. Many, many parents do not realize until it is too late that even young children can be vulnerable to suicide. There are many ways to help a young person, but it starts by not dismissing the feeling that your child could be in danger. If they’ve been through a triggering event and their behavior starts changing, such as their grades slipping, it might be time to ask the...2020-11-0534 min
Leaving The ValleyWhat Parents Should Know About Suicide Part I: Why Kids Become SuicidalYoung people are amongst the most vulnerable to thoughts of suicide. Suicide is the number two leading cause of death for people ages 10-34. However, parents often fail to recognize the danger their children may be in until it is too late. In this episode, we’ll explore what might cause a young person to become suicidal. We’ll discuss how violence and sadness are pretty typical experiences for young people. We’ll also look at how the internet, social media, and cyberbullying may add to the stresses of childhood. Lastly, we’ll discuss how a lack of emotional tools an...2020-10-1520 min
Leaving The ValleyMyth BUSTED: Don’t Ask “Are You Suicidal?”One of the most common misconceptions we hear about suicide is that you shouldn't ask about it. Many people fear that asking someone in distress if they have thought about killing themselves will plant the idea in that person’s head. The truth is that asking is a GOOD idea! It offers an often lifesaving connection to someone who feels they have run out of options, but how you ask and how you react matters.2020-10-0134 min
Positive Recovery MDEPISODE 17: How to Build the Bridge from Isolation, with Leaving the ValleyWhile people with severe mental illness are at a greater risk of taking their lives, psychiatric illness isn’t the only commonality behind suicidal tendencies. Despite popular misconceptions, work life balance and other external stressors can also contribute to suicide. Our guests this week dispel the myths behind suicide and mental health awareness in an attempt to broaden the conversation around suicide prevention. This week, we are speaking with Dr. Sam Buser & Kimi Buser-Clancy, the hosts of Leaving The Valley: “What YOU Should Know About Suicide”, to help individuals dealing with suicidal tendencies find hope and healing. We disc...2020-09-2941 min
Leaving The ValleySubstance Abuse and SuicideCan substance abuse really increase the risk for suicide? Yes. When under the influence of drugs or alcohol, our decision making is impaired, and people are not known for their great judgement when drunk or high. Often substance abuse can increase feelings of depression which may increase suicidal thoughts. Additionally, those who have struggled with giving up substance use may feel like it is hopeless or that they are a burden. These feelings are a part of the decent into “The Valley of Suicide” We’ll discuss if the type of substances makes any difference in suicidality and how to kno...2020-09-1739 min
Leaving The ValleyPTSD and Suicide, Part II- Why Are They Linked?In Part II of our series on PTSD and its relationship to suicide we’ll explore why those who suffer from PTSD are at risk of death by suicide. Additionally, we’ll cover important info for groups more vulnerable to thoughts of suicide and the critically important progress that has been made in treating PTSD and ending its symptoms.2020-09-0333 min
Leaving The ValleyPTSD and Suicide, Part I- What Is PTSD?PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) affects more than just combat vets. For example, first responders report levels of PTSD that are about equal to those of combat vets. Any traumatic event can potentially trigger PTSD, like violence, rape, car accidents, or even natural disasters. Let’s discuss what PTSD really is, who can get it, and how. What does trauma do to the brain and what are symptoms of PTSD? Join us for part one of this conversation. 2020-08-2034 min
Leaving The ValleyDepression and SuicideDepression is a word that gets tossed around so lightly that sometimes we forget what it really means or the danger it poses. We’re providing a crash course in depression and its symptoms. Does it look like crying a lot? What about anxiety or even anger? Can it look different from men to women? Do these things make you more vulnerable to suicide? Why?2020-08-0640 min
Leaving The ValleyMyth BUSTED- Only "Crazy" People Think About SuicideWe’ve started a new, on-going segment on “Myths About Suicide” because there are a lot of them out there and they are just not helpful. If we really want to get serious about suicide prevention, we need to look at the way we talk about and perpetuate ideas about suicide. One incredibly common myth is that only “crazy” people think about suicide. This type of thinking can lead us to dismiss the warning signs that people often demonstrate when something has gone wrong. 2020-07-1624 min
Leaving The ValleyIs There a "Cure" for Suicide?Wouldn’t it be great if there was a magic pill we could take that would instantly make us feel better? There isn’t, but there are various ways we can deal with depression, anxiety, isolation, and feelings of being a burden that may help us feel better. With the right tools and work on ourselves we may be able to leave troublesome thoughts behind and know what to do if they ever pop up again. 2020-07-0224 min
Leaving The ValleyHospitalization for SuicideA person who is contemplating suicide needs care, connection, and oversight. Sometimes this is more than can be provided within the home, and that's where hospitalization comes into play. However, many of us have outdated ideas of what being hospitalized might look like--we’re imagining people in white coats, keeping you against your will. The reality is very different. Let’s talk about what it’s actually like to be hospitalized. What’s the difference between voluntary and involuntary hospitalization? Does insurance cover hospitalization? How long is someone in there? What’s the average day like? Kimi and Sam explore al...2020-06-1833 min
Leaving The ValleyHow to Find a Therapist for Thoughts of SuicideNot every therapist is trained on how to help someone with suicidal thoughts. Some lack experience in how to intervene with thoughts of suicide, and some may feel overwhelmed with fear that a patient's life may be in danger. If you’re further down “The Ramp,” you need to be working with someone who is an expert on suicide prevention. Unfortunately, most people are in denial about how dangerous thoughts of suicide are. We’ll cover how to find the right therapist, asking for referrals, confidentiality, and how culture comes into play in finding a good fit for a therapis2020-06-0435 min
Leaving The ValleyAntidepressants and Suicidal ThoughtsIs there a pill you can take that will make your thoughts of suicide disappear? No. But are there medications that can help? Maybe. We’ll discuss if someone with thoughts of suicide should be on a drug, like an antidepressant, what the pros and cons are, what the benefits might be, and where to get psychiatric medicines. 2020-05-2131 min
Leaving The ValleyWhat Does Treatment fo Suicide Look Like?There’s a connection between what treatment for suicide looks like and how far down “the ramp” you are. We’ll discuss the variety of options out there including counseling, medications, and hospitalization. We’ll also discuss what should be on a suicide safety plan and cover specific information for groups that are more vulnerable to thoughts of suicide. 2020-05-0737 minLeaving The ValleySuicide and Global CrisisCOVID-19 and the economic global crisis will likely lead to a rise in suicide attempts. Historically, suicide has increased during times of upheaval caused by economic instability or health epidemics. Kimi and Sam discuss how past historical crises can inform our understanding of COVID-19 and the current economic fallout, offer strategies to prepare us for the mental health challenges ahead, and provide targeted information for those groups most likely to become suicidal. 2020-04-1639 min
Leaving The ValleyCOVID-19 and Good Mental Health Especially if You Are SuicidalCOVID-19 has turned our world upside down. It’s okay to feel anxious, scared, or overwhelmed right now. Kimi and Sam talk about ways to manage during this hardship by acknowledging the reality, working on acceptance, focusing on the positive, and suggesting strategies for coping with the down days.2020-04-0242 min
Leaving The ValleyWhat to Do if Someone You Care About Is SuicidalMost people who have thoughts of suicide mention it to at least one person. This is our chance to intervene, but most of us don’t know what to say or are sometimes too afraid to ask the right questions. We’ll walk you through ways to encourage your loved one to reach out for help and give tips to connect you to the relevant resources.2020-04-0236 min
Leaving The ValleyWhat to Do if YOU Are SuicidalWhether you are in absolute crisis mode, having some dark thoughts, or know somebody who is in need of help, Kimi and Sam explain the slide down “The Ramp” into the "Valley of Suicide." There’s useful info for people ranging from those who find themselves thinking “sometimes I wish I wouldn’t wake up” to those who are all the way to making an active plan. If you’ve had thoughts of suicide, take them seriously. Ask for help. We discuss where, how, and when it’s time to get help and even ideas for low cost options in your communit2020-04-0232 min
Leaving The ValleyWelcome to Leaving The ValleyWhat if we all knew a little more about suicide? What if it weren’t so hard to just talk about it? Join Kimi Buser-Clancy, an actor, writer, and optimist, and her dad, Dr. Sam Buser, a psychologist and expert on suicide and its treatment, as they try to unpack the difficult subject of what YOU should know about suicide in a conversational format that is informative, warm, and sometimes even humorous.2020-03-1308 min