In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Dr. Selma Gaily-Luoma, an esteemed scholar and psychologist, 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.For mor information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/unlocking-agency-in-suicide-prevention-with-dr-selma-gaily-luoma-episode-144

Join host Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas in a compelling conversation with Dr. Simon Hatcher from the University of Ottawa. The discuss the intricacies of police suicide, mental health challenges, and how these insights can aid high-risk industries. Discover the importance of involving lived experience in mental health research and the challenges faced by underserved populations. With personal stories, expert insights, and a focus on social justice, this episode sheds light on creating more inclusive and effective mental health support systems. Tune in to explore how we can better empower and uplift those facing mental health struggles. for more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/the-power-of-testament-addressing-social-justice-in-mental-health-research-among-our-most-vulnerable-populations-with-dr-simon-hatcher-ep-143

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. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/upstream-suicide-prevention-changing-lives-using-the-good-behavior-game-with-dr-holly-wilcox-ep-142

Join Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas as she discusses into the powerful role of lived experience in transforming suicide prevention strategies. In this episode of “Hope Illuminated,” featuring guests Kier McKechnie and Seonaid Stallan from Glasgow, Scotland, discover how integrating real-life experiences into policy and program development can inspire meaningful change. Learn about the innovative approaches taken by Scotland’s National Suicide Prevention Action Plan and the significance of honoring those who’ve navigated the profound challenges of suicide loss or survival. Together, they’re making a difference—one story at a time. for more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/how-scotlands-panel-is-shaping-suicide-prevention-with-personal-insights-from-keir-mckechnie-seonaid-stallan-ep-141

 In this powerful episode of Hope Illuminated, host Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas speaks with John Cornelius about generational trauma in tribal communities, his personal journey from Pine Ridge Reservation through military service to peer support specialist, and how Native communities are finding healing through cultural reconnection and community-driven solutions. A moving conversation about historical wounds and modern hope. For more information on this episode go to  https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/addressing-generational-trauma-in-indigenous-communities-with-john-cornelius-ep-140

Dr. Pierluigi Mancini shares his pioneering work in building culturally and linguistically responsive mental health services. Learn how addressing language barriers and cultural understanding can transform crisis intervention and addiction recovery outcomes for immigrant communities. An essential conversation about making mental health support accessible to all.For more information on this episode go to  https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/the-power-of-multilingual-support-in-recovery-with-dr-pierluigi-mancini-ep-139

Explore how agency and empowerment can transform suicide prevention with researcher Dr. Luke Bayliss. Learn why shifting from forced interventions to collaborative approaches that respect individual choice and dignity may be key to helping those in crisis reclaim control of their lives. Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas and Bayliss discuss groundbreaking research on agency in suicide prevention and practical ways to expand options beyond traditional crisis responses. for more information on this episode gp to  https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/empowerment-matters-how-understanding-personal-agency-can-transform-suicide-prevention-with-luke-bayliss-ep-138

Join host Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas and guest Barb Smith as they discuss supporting communities after suicide through active postvention. Learn about the vital role of loss teams, victim advocacy, and proactive outreach in helping survivors navigate grief, reduce isolation, and find hope. Discover evidence-based approaches that demonstrate why early intervention matters for those impacted by suicide loss. For more information on this eppisode go to  https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/supporting-communities-in-the-aftermath-of-suicide-why-we-need-to-be-proactive-with-barb-smith-ep-137

Dr. Renad Beidas joins me to discuss a compelling study highlighting the critical importance of firearm safety in pediatric care. Dr. Beidas brought profound insights from her recent research involving 30 clinics implementing firearm safety conversations as part of pediatric visits. The study’s two-pronged approach—using both an updated electronic health record template and additional facilitation—remarkably increased the program’s reach, with 49% of kids receiving the program when facilitation was involved, compared to a mere 22% with the template alone. This initiative responds to a pressing need for pediatricians to discuss secure firearm storage with parents, an effort underscored by the tragic statistic that firearm injuries are now the leading cause of death among youth. For more information on this episode go to  https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/one-minute-to-save-lives-teaming-up-with-pediatricians-and-families-to-keep-kids-safe-with-dr-rinad-beidas-ep-136

I had the profound honor of sitting down with Dr. Christine Moutier, the Chief Medical Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Dr. Moutier’s journey, deeply rooted in a culture of achievement and stoicism, stands as a testament to the transformative power of vulnerability. During our conversation, she shared the unique challenges she faced in medical school, encountering a severe mental health crisis that forced her to take a leave of absence. This pivotal period not only reshaped her approach to self-care but also ignited her passion for advocating mental health awareness within the medical profession. Dr. Moutier’s story brings to light the urgent necessity of recognizing and treating mental health just as seriously as physical health, encouraging medical professionals to embrace openness about their own struggles. For more information on this episode go to  https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/transforming-medical-culture-dr-christine-yu-moutiers-mission-for-mental-health-and-self-care-ep-135