We ask mental health professionals to sit beside trauma, addiction, despair, and suicide -- and then train them as if they shouldn't be touched by it. Sarah Buino has spent her career challenging that fiction. In this episode, we dig into what it really means to be a wounded healer, and why clinician healing is not optional.
What if the most important measure of mental health is not symptom relief but whether someone is living the life they want? Dr. Mark Salzer of Temple University joins me to explore community inclusion, participation, and what the disability rights movement has been getting right that mental health has been missing.
Gambling addiction can remain invisible while consuming every part of a person's internal life. Saul Malek joins me to take us inside the hidden world of sports betting addiction -- the secrecy, chasing, shame, and suicidal despair -- and into the recovery that helped him find his way back and his voice as a prevention speaker.
Dr. Virna Little, co-founder of Zero Overdose, joins me to make the case that overdose safety planning belongs alongside suicide safety planning as a standard of care. We dig into joint safety planning, high-risk periods, and how healthcare systems and first responders can lead this life-saving shift.
The veterans most at risk for suicide are often the ones you least expect: no visible injury, no combat deployment, no outward signs of struggle. Air Force veteran Alicia Scovill joins me to unpack imposter syndrome, failed adaptation, and unfulfilled mission, and what it really means to show up for those who served.
We ask mental health professionals to sit beside trauma, addiction, despair, and suicide -- and then train them as if they shouldn't be touched by it. Sarah Buino has spent her career challenging that fiction. In this episode, we dig into what it really means to be a wounded healer, and why clinician healing is not optional.
The veterans most at risk for suicide are often the ones you least expect: no visible injury, no combat deployment, no outward signs of struggle. Air Force veteran Alicia Scovill joins me to unpack imposter syndrome, failed adaptation, and unfulfilled mission, and what it really means to show up for those who served.
In this episode of Hope Illuminated, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas sits down with Dr. Eva De Jaegere from Belgium to explore the stories behind suicide through the lens of psychological autopsy. Together, they discuss Dr. Eva’s research on suicide risk in middle-aged adults, revealing surprising findings about the role of work stress, financial worries, and the importance of open conversations about suicide and mental health. Discover how listening to the stories of both survivors and those left behind can bring healing, challenge stigma, and shape more effective prevention strategies. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in suicide prevention, lived experience research, and the power of storytelling to spark change.
In this inspiring episode of Hope Illuminated, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas sits down with Sandersan Onie, a global leader in mental health promotion and suicide prevention, for a powerful conversation about the importance of intellectual humility and meeting people where they are. Listen as Dr. Onie shares personal stories of overcoming trauma, highlights the critical role of religion and culture in suicide prevention, and reveals how he helped spark transformative policy change in Indonesia. The episode also explores using technology and empathic messaging to reach those in crisis, emphasizing community-based strategies that honor local beliefs and language. Tune in for practical insights, heartfelt storytelling, and actionable lessons for anyone passionate about mental health and saving lives.
Join Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas as she sits down with Lyseria Kursave, a resilient trans woman and union electrician, for an honest conversation about living authentically, navigating personal and professional challenges, and the intersection of gender identity and mental health. From overcoming isolation and workplace discrimination to the importance of community and allyship, this powerful episode of Hope Illuminated sheds light on the lived experiences and hope-filled advocacy of the trans community. Perfect for anyone seeking inspiration, education, or a deeper understanding of how solidarity and compassion make a difference in the fight for mental well-being and equality.
In this episode of Hope Illuminated, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas talks with Dr. Holly Wilcox from Johns Hopkins University to explore the transformative impact of the Good Behavior Game. They cover upstream approaches to suicide prevention, emphasizing skill-building in early childhood to improve mental health outcomes. Discover how focusing on education and emotional regulation can mitigate risks and build resilience in communities, potentially changing life trajectories. Join us in learning how a public health approach could be key to saving lives and augmenting quality of life.
