DeepSummary
In this episode of the These Fukken Feelings Podcast, Micah and Rebecca welcomed Sarah Gear, a mental health professional and suicide loss survivor, to discuss her journey in the field of suicide prevention and trauma response. Sarah shared her personal experiences of losing three friends to suicide at a young age and how it shaped her career path. She highlighted the importance of listening without judgment and creating safe spaces for people to share their stories.
Sarah delved into her work with men's mental health, emphasizing the need to understand and address the societal pressures and stigmas that prevent men from seeking help. She also discussed her collaborative book projects where men shared their stories of resilience and personal growth through difficult life experiences, using the "hero's journey" storytelling model.
The conversation touched upon the concept of "soul exhaustion," which Sarah introduced as a way to conceptualize the essence of one's being beyond mental health labels and diagnoses. She encouraged finding supportive communities and seeking help when needed, emphasizing that recovery is possible, even after the darkest of times.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The power of storytelling and sharing personal experiences as a pathway to understanding, empathy, and healing.
- The importance of creating safe spaces and supportive communities for people to openly discuss mental health struggles without judgment or stigma.
- The concept of "soul exhaustion" as a way to conceptualize the essence of one's being beyond mental health labels and diagnoses.
- The need for cultural humility and understanding different approaches to addressing mental health issues, particularly in the context of men's mental health.
- The resilience and strength of individuals who have overcome traumatic experiences, and the inspiration that their stories can provide to others.
- The role of anticipatory grief and the challenges of supporting loved ones who may be at risk for suicide.
- The importance of listening without judgment and providing a supportive presence for those struggling with mental health issues.
- The potential for recovery and personal growth, even after the darkest of times, and the hope that this message can offer to those in need.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “You know what? The best way to help people understand why an officer might end their life, but also what happens to their family and what happens to the department is to tell the story.“ by Sarah Gear
- “I'm surrounded by the most amazing human beings on earth.“ by Sarah Gear
- “You know, listen, if you're a victim of a crime, it's never, under any circumstances, your fault. I don't care what you were wearing, I don't care what you were drinking, I don't care what you said. I don't care how you walked. I don't. I don't care. We live in a culture, and I. We could talk for hours about this that loves to victim blame and shame loves it. And frankly, it puts people at risk for suicide.“ by Sarah Gear
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Episode Information
These Fukken Feelings Podcast©
Micah Bravery and Producer Crystal Davis
1/10/24