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In Ep. 068 : The Suicidal Thoughts Workbook w/ Dr. Kathryn Gordon, Part II, we discuss some of the different theories that provide the framework for Dr. Gordon’s book. The Suicidal Thoughts Workbook book uses sound, empirically proven cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) methods. In our podcast, we have frequently described the utility of CBT for treating depressive symptoms and for suicidal thoughts in particular. In today’s blog, we want to describe one of the underlying principles …

What Am I Thinking? Read More »

In Ep. 067 : The Suicidal Thoughts Workbook with Dr. Gordon, Part I, our guest, Dr. Kathryn Hope Gordon, shares the tools she has developed for her workbook. Today, we wanted to go one step further and discuss other aids that can help: mental health apps for your smartphone. One expert recently stated that 10,000 such apps are now available. Whew! We don’t have time or space to review all of them, but we wanted to …

Mental Health Apps to Get You Out of Your Head Read More »

In Ep. 065: Honoring the Dead– Dia de los Muertos & the Challenge of Suicide, we discuss the stigma associated with suicide. For example, when a loved one has died by suicide, their survivors may deny that suicide was the cause of the death. It may be easier to claim someone had a “heart attack” instead of admitting that they killed themselves.  Denying Suicidal Thinking Denial also occurs among persons who have made suicide attempts …

Denial Is Dangerous Read More »

In Ep. 64: Showing Up to a Suicide, Part II, we talk with Firefighter Captain Scott Shaunfield about his role on a peer support team within the fire service.  Many first responder organizations (fire, police, EMS, and others) utilize some sort of peer support to assist their members in coping with traumatic exposures.  They are particularly valuable to First Responders because of the frequency of traumatic events in their work. Additionally, First Responders don’t always …

Lean on Me: The Value of Peer Support Teams Read More »

In Episode 63:  Showing Up to a Suicide, Part I, we chat with Fire Capt. Scott Shaunfield, a first responder with almost 30 years of experience. Captain Shaunfield shares that despite the years of service, one can never “get used” to seeing tragedy. At best, First Responders cope with what they’ve seen, at worst they may become victims themselves. Emergency Calls and Suicide Capt. Shaunfield gave us an insight of what it is like for …

You Never “Get Used To It”: First Responders & Suicide Attempts Read More »