Workplace Mental Health

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Trauma, Work, and the Courage to Stay Connected: Building a Trauma-Informed Workplace with Eli Embleton | Ep 69

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Trauma, Work, and the Courage to Stay Connected: Building a Trauma-Informed Workplace with Eli Embleton | Ep 69

We don’t always recognize how trauma shows up at work. Sometimes it is hiding in the shadows. The quiet withdrawal. The anger that simmers just below the surface. The exhaustion that no amount of sleep can fix.

In this moving and honest episode, Eli Embleton shares his story of how a life-threatening trauma in his family sent him down a path of depression, rage, and emotional disconnection. Work became his survival strategy, a place to avoid the pain, to push through, to appear “fine.” But under the surface, he believed he was a burden.

What saved him wasn’t just time or treatment; it was connection. Through storytelling, community, and purposeful work, Eli learned the art of what he calls “muscular vulnerability” -- the ability to share pain with strength. Today, as Dream Manager at Zachry Construction, Eli walks alongside others with similar stories, helping people reach instead of retreat.

A Lived Experience Perspective: A Construction Worker’s Story of Work-Related Suicide and Survival | Ep. 64

A Lived Experience Perspective: A Construction Worker’s Story of Work-Related Suicide and Survival | Ep. 64

Join Jorgen Gullestrup with guest speaker Justin Geange, as they discuss work-related suicide. Hosted by the IASP Suicide and the Workplace Special Interest Group. 

Lessons from Police Suicide Research: Improving Mental Health Support Across Industries with Dr. Simon Hatcher | Ep. 61

Lessons from Police Suicide Research: Improving Mental Health Support Across Industries with Dr. Simon Hatcher | Ep. 61

As someone who started their career in police psychology, I've always been deeply interested in understanding how high-risk professions impact mental health. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Simon Hatcher from the University of Ottawa about his fascinating research on police suicide and what we can learn from it to help other high-risk industries. Our conversation revealed some critical insights that can benefit workplaces across various sectors.

The Role of EAPs in Creating Psychologically Safe Workplaces with the President of CCA John Levy | Ep. 60

The Role of EAPs in Creating Psychologically Safe Workplaces with the President of CCA John Levy | Ep. 60

As a mental health advocate working with numerous employers, I frequently encounter organizations that underutilize one of their most valuable resources: their Employee Assistance Program (EAP). In my recent conversation with John Levy, president of CCA, we explored how companies need to shift their perception of EAPs from being just another employee benefit to viewing them as strategic partners in workplace wellbeing. This paradigm shift is crucial because when employers limit their understanding of EAPs to just providing therapy services, they miss out on a wealth of opportunities to improve their organizational health.

The Role of Employers in Firearm Safety and Suicide Prevention with US Army Veteran John Cornelius | Ep. 58

The Role of Employers in Firearm Safety and Suicide Prevention with US Army Veteran John Cornelius | Ep. 58

I had the privilege of hosting Arm Veteran, John Cornelius, who brought incredible insight into the pressing issue of firearm safety and suicide prevention. As workplace leaders, it’s common to question why firearm safety matters within our professional environments. Yet, as John eloquently explained, the alarming statistics make a compelling case for proactive measures. When it comes to our youth, the urgency escalates: about 82% of young people who die by firearm suicide obtain these weapons from friends or family members. This is why creating safer homes through responsible firearm storage is a critical aspect of suicide prevention.

Long-term Postvention Strategies for the Workplace with Tim De Goey | Ep. 55

Long-term Postvention Strategies for the Workplace with Tim De Goey | Ep. 55

I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Tim De Goey all the way from the Sunshine Coast of Australia, and, wow, did we dive deep into an important topic—workplace postvention. If you’re scratching your head on what that is, think of it as the action plan for when your workplace is rocked by a suicide, whether it’s a coworker, a family member, or even a retiree. We’re not talking about sweeping it under the rug; it’s about facing it head-on with empathy and a solid game plan. Tim shared some real gems, like breaking down the first crucial steps for workplaces to provide a safe space for people to grieve and process their sorrow. Can you believe that some places just try to march on like nothing’s happened? Yikes!