Episode 12: “How can we help save a life?"

Suicide is one of those taboo topics that we push as far out of minds we possibly can. And for good reason. It’s utterly tragic when someone takes their own life. When their circumstances and emotional wellbeing reach such a point that they no longer feel they can go on. Where it feels so bleak, so hopeless, and a permanent escape is the only option. And so today we wanted to bring it front of mind, with a guest who is doing some incredible work in this space to help get us talking.

Mitch McPherson who is the founder of SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY – a not-for-profit organisation working in the mental health space, promoting positive mental health and prevent suicide by normalising conversations about mental health and encouraging people to seek help when they need it. Mitch established the organisation in 2013 after his younger brother Ty died by suicide, and has been a champion in the mental health space ever since - sharing that it’s OK to not be OK, that we can find help, and that we can help each other out in tough times.

Other References:

• Beyond Blue
• Lifeline or call 13 11 14
• Get Frank Podcast
• Mindframe
• Global stats on suicide
• Suicide rates by country
• Suicide by Emile Durkheim
• St Augustine on Suicide - See City of God Book 1 sections 17-23
• Why Religious belief provides a real buffer against suicide risk by David H Rosmarin in Psyche (7th August 2023)

Got questions?

You can shoot Aaron or Amy an email about anything by contact us at deeperquestions@thirdspace.org.au - We'd love to hear your brutally honest or delightfully encouraging thoughts on the show and the topics that come up each week. There's a good chance we have stuff on our website at Third Space too.

Feel free to suggest potential guests or topics as well. No doubt there are heaps of important ideas and stories out there worth hearing!


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