In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Dr. Selma Gaily-Luoma to explore the transformative role of agency in suicide prevention. Agency, defined as the sense of control and capacity to influence your thoughts, behaviors, and circumstances, is a cornerstone of psychological resilience. We delve into how fostering a sense of agency can be a powerful antidote to feelings of entrapment and despair that often accompany suicidal crises.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Luke Bayliss, a researcher from Australia who is doing fascinating work around the concept of agency in suicide prevention. Our conversation challenged the traditional approach of restricting choices and instead explored how expanding options and empowering individuals might be more effective. Luke's research, which started as an open-ended exploration of suicide attempt survivors' stories, revealed something profound about personal agency and decision-making in the pathway to suicide attempts.
