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
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.
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, […]
I’m immensely thankful to have been asked to be a panelist for the upcoming Mental Health Policy event centered around peer work. I hope you will join this Zoom conversation […]
Hello, I am a public speaker, and I can make you cry if I want to.
But, can I make you laugh?
Many in the field of suicide prevention are aware of the importance of safe messaging.
Safe messaging stems from the Werther Effect and is meant to ensure that as we are communicating about suicide, mental health, and prevention, we are not also unintentionally doing damage, creating stress, or perpetuating stigma. While the concept of safe messaging is something, many professionals understand the importance of. We also know it is an ongoing struggle to help others outside of the field understand why safe messaging is so important.
Meaningful Engagement of Lived Experience The WHO recently released a framework for meaningful engagement of lived experience. It is important to respectfully and fairly include people with firsthand experience in […]
Tune in today for the Crisis Jam at 11 CST/ 12 EST, where I will discuss Lived Experience initiatives through the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. If you’d like to learn […]