Speaking
Fearlessly Always
Welcome to my blog!
This is the space where I share professional insights, personal stories, creative writing, and day-to-day reflections. My writing chronicles my living experiences and acts as a place where I can personally offer you professional expertise and best practice ideas.
I hope you will join my journey and stay in touch!
❤️
SUSIE 수지
Research indicates that youth involved in the child welfare system have higher rates of suicide ideation and attempts than their peers. During Suicide Prevention Month, the National Center for Adoption […]
Delivered in Arkansas at a state peer (recovery/substance use prevention) conference on August 29, 2024. We need congruence, compelling approaches, and care on several levels. Sharing intimate details can be […]
The United States continues to be significantly impacted by suicide death despite years of attention, efforts and development. Death by suicide and attempts have increased over 30% since 2001 with pronounced increases among young children and people of color. Tremendous effort and insight across many government agencies has been put into a newly released National Strategy on Suicide Prevention and accompanying Federal Work Plan. Among the significant changes in this document compared with former Plans is extensive reference to people with lived experiences of suicide and a clear emphasis on equity and inclusion. In addition several contributing authors to the document are experts who also bring lived experience of suicide intensity and attempts.
To be honest, my experiences speaking were rather unpleasant the first several goes of it. I know I’ve said this recently, but it bears repeating. I mean, I spoke. People […]
In 2015, I had the privilege of training Marines HQ Command Staff over the course of a couple days. I was nervous. I felt like an imposter all the way […]
Lived Experience language is everywhere these days, from titles to resume’ descriptions. However, when it comes to “practicing” one’s lived experience in professional settings, many remain uncertain about the available […]
Context is compassionate. Context allows for informed decisions. Context provides for both people to step in with the chance to understand and connect. Do you prefer, “Can we talk?” Or […]
Disclosure is a complex process.
Yes, process.
We often think of disclosure in terms of information or even settings. Those in mental healthcare discuss disclosure practices in terms of sharing personal information with “patients.” Even the word “patient” influences the idea of client-appropriate disclosure.
Years ago, when I began my suicide prevention advocacy and mental health activism journey, I was eager, a bit naive, and almost openly accessible to anyone who might be in […]
More than 3,000 from across the world tuned in LIVE to my Safety is Skilled presentation this morning for the Mental Health Academy. I want to thank everyone for the […]
“Trauma dumping, unlike venting, is usually unsolicited where a person “dumps” their traumatic feelings, thoughts, and experiences onto another person who may not be prepared for it.” If you’re struggling, […]