Run This World with Nicole DeBoom Podcast
Episodes
Tuesday Mar 15, 2022
Tuesday Mar 15, 2022
Trigger warning: This episode may include discussions about suicide, mental illness, substance abuse and self-harm. If these topics are sensitive to you, proceed with caution. It may also contain strong language and is intended for an adult audience.
If you are feeling suicidal, thinking about hurting yourself, or are concerned that someone you know may be in danger of hurting himself or herself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988.
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally.
Veterans can now dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Veteran Crisis Line.
Suicide warning signs can be found at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website (Afsp.org).
Today we come together to connect and share.
Jean Mellano is the founder of the Touched by Suicide series & Steve Tarpinian's surviving partner
Michael Lovato is the narrator & a friend of Steve's who was deeply touched by his tragic suicide
Nicole DeBoom is the series co-collaborator with Jean, podcast engineer & interviewer
This project was originally concepted as a single episode podcast with the objective of destigmatizing suicide and mental health. It turned into a 10-part series plus this epilogue with a much greater message to share - that suicide is so much more pervasive than we ever imagined and that we are not alone in our suffering.
We learned so much through creating this series & we hope you did too.
Notables:
In the weeks and months before he passed, Steve contacted several people that he was close to, but did not normally speak to on a regular basis. It almost seemed like he wanted to say goodbye, or "clean up his side of the fence" if there were any unresolved issues.
Everyone grieves differently. When a person is grieving one lost due to suicide, some loved ones may be unintentionally hurt by the actions taken by others who are also mourning the loss.
Adam Sud’s ("An Attempter" episode) quote "Suicide is not about someone trying to end their life, suicide is someone trying to end their pain" explains so much.
Kevin Hines ("A Golden Gate Jump Survivor" episode) had instant regret as soon as his hand left the railing. Did Steve have that regret before he took his own life?
As difficult and painful as it is to hear the stories of those touched by suicide, it helps us "get it".
It is human nature to be silent about the cause of death when it is suicide. This in turn propagates the stigma.
We combat helplessness by being helpful.
Suicide does not discriminate. There is no one profile type that can describe someone who may take their own life. People who die by suicide can be in the depths of despair or they can be at the pinnacle of their life (having it all).
There are so many who are silently suffering.
Steve’s legacy is helping others. He helped so many tap into themselves.
People cannot relate to mental pain like they can relate to physical pain.
We tried to finish the Epilogue on a happy note, but we were not able to. This podcast is not light listening and also is very painful for many to listen to. It was also very painful for us to create. In the podcast, Michael jokingly alluded to Steve's voice being not so great. To bring a smile to your face, click on any of these youtube links below to see Steve at his best - creative, funny and playful.
The Touched by Suicide Podcast Series demonstrates that there is so much collateral damage resulting from suicide. The interviewees bravely revealed their vulnerabilities and raw feelings. Hopefully, this project will inspire conversation about suicide. That in itself will help reduce the stigma. Thank you for listening, for your support and for sharing with anyone who needs to hear this right now.
Medical Advisory:
The Run This World Podcast & the Touched by Suicide series does not provide crisis, counseling or direct services. The information and resources contained on this site are not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Please consult a mental health professional before making changes to your treatment plan.
Please be sure to share this podcast with anyone who needs to hear it right now. Thank you for listening.
Music credit: "Forgiveness" by Sensho from Upbeatt.io
Saturday Mar 12, 2022
Saturday Mar 12, 2022
Trigger warning: This episode may include discussions about suicide, mental illness, substance abuse and self-harm. If these topics are sensitive to you, proceed with caution. It may also contain strong language and is intended for an adult audience.
If you are feeling suicidal, thinking about hurting yourself, or are concerned that someone you know may be in danger of hurting himself or herself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988.
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally.
Veterans can now dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Veteran Crisis Line.
Suicide warning signs can be found at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website (Afsp.org).
Today we hear the perspective of a man who attempted suicide by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. His name is Kevin Hines. He was 17 years old when he decided to take his life. Kevin shares his story, including the fact that he regretted his decision the second his body left the rail. He openly discusses his personal mental health issues, how he has learned to live with, but not act on, his suicidal feelings, and how connections and love form his foundation. Today Kevin travels the world sharing strategies for positive mental health, some of which you will hear right now. Please note - All of the resources Kevin shares are listed in the show notes for future reference.
Resources:
https://www.youtube.com/kevinhines
Award-winning video "It was an instant regret"
"The Art of Wellness 2.0" includes incredible daily life guidance
HINESIGHTS Podcast
Kevin Hines website
Notable quotes:
"The voice in my head said jump now, so I did"
"Your suicidal thoughts do not have to become your actions"
"I live with chronic thoughts of suicide. They plague me but will never kill me"
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional"
"The millisecond my hands left the rail it was instant regret."
Medical Advisory:
The Run This World Podcast & the Touched by Suicide series does not provide crisis, counseling or direct services. The information and resources contained on this site are not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Please consult a mental health professional before making changes to your treatment plan.
Please be sure to share this podcast with anyone who needs to hear it right now. Thank you for listening.
Music credit: "Forgiveness" by Sensho from Upbeatt.io
Thursday Mar 10, 2022
Thursday Mar 10, 2022
Trigger warning: This episode may include discussions about suicide, mental illness, substance abuse and self-harm. If these topics are sensitive to you, proceed with caution. It may also contain strong language and is intended for an adult audience.
If you are feeling suicidal, thinking about hurting yourself, or are concerned that someone you know may be in danger of hurting himself or herself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988.
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally.
Veterans can now dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Veteran Crisis Line.
Suicide warning signs can be found at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website (Afsp.org).
Today we hear the perspective of a surviving partner. Her name is Jean Mellano. Steve and Jean met in 1981 and were together for over 33 years. Theirs was a love story and a tragedy. In 2013, Steve started slipping away and his depressions were becoming more frequent and longer in duration. Even though he sought professional help, he could no longer make decisions and was no longer capable of running his business.
For any survivor who is listening, this episode is so powerful because Jean shares her struggles before and after Steve’s death. Like many survivors, memories continue to surface at often unexpected times. After she finished this interview, Jean remembered something important that she wanted to make sure we include.
A few weeks before he passed, in a phone conversation, Steve shared with her that he was so afraid. When she asked what he meant, he could not—or did not want to—explain what he feared. Little did she know, he probably realized he was literally “losing his mind” and had no control over it. He felt he had no options left. Steve was her Ironman, her rock of support who got her through cancer and the passing of her parents—how could he possibly feel so vulnerable and alone? And how could she not know? These are the thoughts that continue to surface, even 7 years later. Sadly, this is common for survivors, so if you are going through this, you are not alone.
Notables:
Jean often says that she had no idea he would try to take his own life. Less than 30 minutes before he passed, she received this text message from him.
The things Jean remembers about their early days
Belly laughs: Steve already made her laugh so much. A good belly laugh is how Steve helped diagnose her tonsil cancer
Pity Parties: When Jean was going through a particularly tough chemo session, Steve took out some party hats and
"What the f*ck is she so happy about?"
It's so easy to look back and wonder...
When you live with someone who is suffering, the changes can be so small and incremental that it's hard to really know when they change into something more serious.
Ativan was used to treat Steve's anxiety and depression - Jean believes it's possible that the drugs that helped early on stopped working
Parkinson's: Jean was diagnosed with Parkinson's shortly after Steve died. She believes the grief and stress triggered her Parkinson's.
Survivor's guilt is real and universal
Grief and recovery resources were not easy to find at that time
Jean feels she perpetuated the stigma about Steve's suicide by telling a local reporter not to include the cause of his death. Shortly after that initial response, she changed her attitude and openly shared about Steve's suicide.
As Jean says, "She put her head in the sand."
Steve's mission in life was to help people as evidenced by his career choices; lifeguard, applying to the FDNY, coach. He cared so much about helping others; it was tough to accept that he couldn't help himself.
Resources: Facebook groups for survivors are more available now and can be very helpful, the AFSP is doing great things to support survivors and raise awareness, the suicide prevention hotline does a great job to help direct people
Medical Advisory:
The Run This World Podcast & the Touched by Suicide series does not provide crisis, counseling or direct services. The information and resources contained on this site are not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Please consult a mental health professional before making changes to your treatment plan.
Please be sure to share this podcast with anyone who needs to hear it right now. Thank you for listening.
Music credit: "Forgiveness" by Sensho from Upbeatt.io
Friday Mar 04, 2022
Friday Mar 04, 2022
Trigger warning: This episode may include discussions about suicide, mental illness, substance abuse and self-harm. If these topics are sensitive to you, proceed with caution. It may also contain strong language and is intended for an adult audience.
If you are feeling suicidal, thinking about hurting yourself, or are concerned that someone you know may be in danger of hurting himself or herself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988.
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally.
Veterans can now dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Veteran Crisis Line.
Suicide warning signs can be found at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website (Afsp.org).
Today we hear from Mike Barone, one of Steve's friends. Mike met Steve in July 2005 when he decided to do a Half IRONMAN for his 40th birthday. He needed a group to train with; he found Team Total Training and joined them for a swim training session. He "just did what the long-haired guy on the surfboard told him to do." After post-workout drinks, he had found his crew! Mike was shocked to learn about Steve's suicide. He remembers Steve as a beautiful person who helped so many others.
Notables:
Steve's great talent was in building community
"Beauty is in the Balance" - a philosophy Steve touted but struggled to adhere to himself
Working together: fun & positive environment fostered by Steve
Steve cared so much how others were feeling
Warning signs: There really weren't any until Steve called Mike a month or so before his death
Suicide awareness seems to have increased: Mike feels more aware and open about suicide and mental health
How much pain was that person in to think suicide is the alternative
Medical Advisory:
The Run This World Podcast & the Touched by Suicide series does not provide crisis, counseling or direct services. The information and resources contained on this site are not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Please consult a mental health professional before making changes to your treatment plan.
Please be sure to share this podcast with anyone who needs to hear it right now. Thank you for listening.
Music credit: "Forgiveness" by Sensho from Upbeatt.io
Sunday Feb 27, 2022
Sunday Feb 27, 2022
Trigger warning: This episode may include discussions about suicide, mental illness, substance abuse and self-harm. If these topics are sensitive to you, proceed with caution. It may also contain strong language and is intended for an adult audience.
If you are feeling suicidal, thinking about hurting yourself, or are concerned that someone you know may be in danger of hurting himself or herself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988.
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally.
Veterans can now dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Veteran Crisis Line.
Suicide warning signs can be found at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website (Afsp.org).
Today we hear from a woman who was coached by Steve Tarpinian. Deb Savarese discovered triathlon when she decided to do a triathlon to celebrate her 50th birthday. She signed up for a tri clinic and shortly afterward joined Steve's training group, Team Total Training. Deb misses Steve greatly. She feels he is still with us. She can still hear his voice especially when she's swimming.
Notables include:
Steve really knew how to make beginners feel welcome
Steve loved and embraced all his athletes; he was a mentor and a friend
Steve impacted Deb in a huge way: she is not afraid to take on challenges, she is able to believe in herself more, she thinks bigger, works harder and really embraces discipline - all things she learned from Steve
Even when a person we know dies by suicide, they can still be with us. As Deb says, “Steve is still her coach”
It's difficult to know how serious a suicidal person's struggles are. At times Steve seemed moody, not easy to approach, withdrawn versus his usual bubbly, social self.
When Steve died, Deb knew right away that he took his own life because of struggles she had heard he was having. The last time she saw him, he did not look well. His appearance had changed, he was disheveled, distracted.
The only warning sign Deb can remember is that Steve called her twice right before he died which was not something he ever did. He never called to chat. In retrospect, she feels he was trying to say good bye.
The only way to open the door about mental health is to talk about it. Deb has since learned it's okay to ask someone if they are thinking of taking their own life. We shouldn't be afraid to pry.
Medical Advisory:
The Run This World Podcast & the Touched by Suicide series does not provide crisis, counseling or direct services. The information and resources contained on this site are not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Please consult a mental health professional before making changes to your treatment plan.
Please be sure to share this podcast with anyone who needs to hear it right now. Thank you for listening.
Music credit: "Forgiveness" by Sensho from Upbeatt.io
Sunday Feb 20, 2022
Sunday Feb 20, 2022
Trigger warning: This episode may include discussions about suicide, mental illness, substance abuse and self-harm. If these topics are sensitive to you, proceed with caution. It may also contain strong language and is intended for an adult audience.
If you are feeling suicidal, thinking about hurting yourself, or are concerned that someone you know may be in danger of hurting himself or herself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988.
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally.
Veterans can now dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Veteran Crisis Line.
Suicide warning signs can be found at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website (Afsp.org).
Today we hear from a former professional athlete and good friend of Steve Tarpinian. Rip Esselstyn knew Steve as an athlete, coach & a friend who was always up for an adventure. Rip's stories about their shared time together brings Steve, the inspiration behind this series, to life.
Notables:
Steve was an outgoing, approachable, empathetic person, both interested in others and interesting himself! The point is that people struggling with mental health issues can seem exactly the opposite of what we may think.
Steve opened up to Rip about his depression and hospitalization, and looking back, Rip says, "I think we all feel like we could have been better friends" when they're gone.
It seemed surreal that Steve would take his own life. This is a common reaction to so many people who attempt or die by suicide.
Rip feels there is still a barrier to discuss suicide because mental health is so private and can feel invasive to ask directly.
Rip's final thoughts, "I would tell Steve how much I love him, what an absolute gem of a human being he is. So sorry he is hurting this much and in so much pain. Let’s fly out to Kona and swim out to the buoy and see the dolphins again. You will be missed more than you know."
Medical Advisory:
The Run This World Podcast & the Touched by Suicide series does not provide crisis, counseling or direct services. The information and resources contained on this site are not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Please consult a mental health professional before making changes to your treatment plan.
Please be sure to share this podcast with anyone who needs to hear it right now. Thank you for listening.
Music credit: "Forgiveness" by Sensho from Upbeatt.io
Sunday Feb 13, 2022
Sunday Feb 13, 2022
Trigger warning: This episode may include discussions about suicide, mental illness, substance abuse and self-harm. If these topics are sensitive to you, proceed with caution. It may also contain strong language and is intended for an adult audience.
If you are feeling suicidal, thinking about hurting yourself, or are concerned that someone you know may be in danger of hurting himself or herself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988.
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally.
Veterans can now dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Veteran Crisis Line.
Suicide warning signs can be found at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website (Afsp.org).
Today we hear from Michael Stewart - a man who has been touched closely by suicide twice. Steve Tarpinian was a father figure to Michael, a man who helped guide him into the sport of triathlon which became his passion in his younger years. Michael raced at the highest level of triathlon from age 9 through 16 until he started to experiment with drugs and alcohol. He stopped racing triathlons, went off to college and didn't maintain an active relationship with Steve. When Steve died, Michael never truly processed his suicide.
Less than three years later, Michael suffered another terrible loss to suicide - his father Mike Stewart. On Michael's 61st day sober, he arrived home to two detectives who delivered the news.
Michael is a truly special person, so strong and vulnerable in his journey. His perspective of a son who lost a father and a father figure is important - the people left behind will forever struggle to pick up the pieces.
Notables:
Mental health, depression & addiction were open topics of communication, as his dad suffered from alcoholism and depression
Michael defines himself as having an addictive personality - discussion about whether this is genetic or a result of upbringing
Hindsight: Michael expresses a desire for closure, wishing he would have said or done something that may have helped
Don't take everything at face value: Steve was a good actor and people didn't know what he was going through
People younger than Michael are more open and things are better in terms of awareness and suicide stigma
Advice: Pick up the phone when you are suffering. There is always someone to talk to
Medical Advisory:
The Run This World Podcast & the Touched by Suicide series does not provide crisis, counseling or direct services. The information and resources contained on this site are not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Please consult a mental health professional before making changes to your treatment plan.
Please be sure to share this podcast with anyone who needs to hear it right now. Thank you for listening.
Music credit: "Forgiveness" by Sensho from Upbeatt.io
Sunday Feb 06, 2022
Sunday Feb 06, 2022
Trigger warning: This episode may include discussions about suicide, mental illness, substance abuse and self-harm. If these topics are sensitive to you, proceed with caution. It may also contain strong language and is intended for an adult audience.
If you are feeling suicidal, thinking about hurting yourself, or are concerned that someone you know may be in danger of hurting himself or herself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988.
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally.
Veterans can now dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Veteran Crisis Line.
Suicide warning signs can be found at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website (Afsp.org).
"Awareness generally precedes progress." - Dr. Andreski
Today we talk to a psychiatrist who has been treating suicidal patients and survivors of suicide loss for 45 years. Dr Stephen Andreski shares a clinical perspective on the different angles of suicide.
Dr. Andreski, MD, is a Diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, the former Medical Director of the Crisis Unit Capital District Psychiatric Center, & the former Director of Psychiatric Emergency Services at Albany Medical Center Hospital.
Notables include:
Why people attempt suicide: largely due to depression, a great sense of suffering, feelings of aloneness & that their situations are hopeless
Warning signs to note: Signs of depression, changes in behaviors, withdrawal from normal routines and community
Why do some people consider suicide a selfish act? Suicide is often a self-concerned act, but the attempter feels it's the opposite of selfish, as they feel the world would be better off without them.
Do you think suicides can be prevented? Not all people can be stopped from killing themselves even if they see a mental health professional.
Effects on survivors: Children of parents who die by suicide are 300-800 times more likely to attempt suicide
How have awareness and stigma changed: awareness is much greater than 45 years ago, and discussions are more common, but treatment may actually be harder to get.
Medical Advisory:
The Run This World Podcast & the Touched by Suicide series does not provide crisis, counseling or direct services. The information and resources contained on this site are not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Please consult a mental health professional before making changes to your treatment plan.
Please be sure to share this podcast with anyone who needs to hear it right now. Thank you for listening.
Music credit: "Forgiveness" by Sensho from Upbeatt.io
Sunday Jan 30, 2022
Sunday Jan 30, 2022
Trigger warning: This episode may include discussions about suicide, mental illness, substance abuse and self-harm. If these topics are sensitive to you, proceed with caution. It may also contain strong language and is intended for an adult audience.
If you are feeling suicidal, thinking about hurting yourself, or are concerned that someone you know may be in danger of hurting himself or herself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988.
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally.
Veterans can now dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Veteran Crisis Line.
Suicide warning signs can be found at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website (Afsp.org).
"Suicide is not about someone trying to end their life, suicide is someone trying to end their pain."
Adam Sud attempted suicide on August 21, 2012. He was 30 years old and he felt like his life was so difficult, he was so broken, so miserable, his suffering seemed so hopeless that he took a handful of pills and swallowed as many as he could. As his heart rate went up and down, he thought that was the last moment of his life, and he felt completely terrified.
When he woke up later, he had an unbelievable feeling of relief. He was glad he was still alive.
That was when he finally set forth a path to change. It started with a call to his family; a family he had effectively shut out and treated horribly, but who didn't hesitate to help.
Adam's story is powerful. His path today is a testament to the fact that we can change our lives even when they seem so hopeless and alone.
Notables:
Eating transformation: from piles of fast food every day to fully converted plant-based eater. Adam credits vegan eating for helping reverse many of the health problems he faced
Drug abuse: Starting with Adderall use in high school to treat ADHD, Adam spiraled to criminal drug behaviors over the course of a decade.
Family: Adam's story is a testament to the power of family. Adam blamed his dad (parents) for many of his problems. He admittedly treated them horribly, but they never stopped loving him and trying to help.
Rip Esselstyn's PlantStrong program: Adam shares the story of attending one of Rip's eating retreats at Whole Foods, and even though he didn't convert at that time, the experience was the foundation for a life metamorphosis.
Food as transformational "medicine:" When Adam entered a sober living facility, he got some great advice from his dad who said that he didn't know about the mental health diagnoses he had received, but he did know that some of the physical health diagnoses could be reversed. He told Adam to remember what he learned at Rip's retreat.
Make your new life habits as easy as possible to achieve: Adam created daily rituals that he could easily uphold to take away the guesswork and temptation.
And so much more.
You can find Adam Sud at @plantbasedaddict and check out his nonprofit @plantbasedforpositivechange - he is doing amazing things to help people!
Medical Advisory:
The Run This World Podcast & the Touched by Suicide series does not provide crisis, counseling or direct services. The information and resources contained on this site are not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Please consult a mental health professional before making changes to your treatment plan.
Please be sure to share this podcast with anyone who needs to hear it right now. Thank you for listening.
Music credit: "Forgiveness" by Sensho from Upbeatt.io
Sunday Jan 23, 2022
Sunday Jan 23, 2022
Trigger warning: This episode may include discussions about suicide, mental illness, substance abuse and self-harm. If these topics are sensitive to you, proceed with caution. It may also contain strong language and is intended for an adult audience.
If you are feeling suicidal, thinking about hurting yourself, or are concerned that someone you know may be in danger of hurting himself or herself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988.
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally.
Veterans can now dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Veteran Crisis Line.
Suicide warning signs can be found at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website (Afsp.org).
Today we hear the perspective of a mom. Her name is Ruth Tepler-Roth. In 2012, Ruth lost her 21 year old son, Jonathan, to suicide. Ruth was devastated when Jonathan took his life. She felt so alone. She remarked at the time Jonathan died, treatment for mental health was in the Dark Ages, much like cancer treatment was in the 1950s. Over time Ruth has learned to share Jonathan’s story openly which is the only way we can break the stigma about suicide. For parents who are listening, this interview is so important because Ruth had no idea Jonathan was struggling with suicidal thoughts until he attempted suicide the first time. We may think we know what’s going on with our children, but we don’t always know until something bad happens. Ruth talks about warning signs but forgot to mention an important one, so she asked us to include it here. Many people who are suffering self-medicate with drugs and alcohol in their quest to end their pain. If you notice this sign or the others mentioned in this interview, intervene before it’s too late.
Notables:
When Jonathan first attempted suicide and was unsuccessful, they decided to keep it a secret. Ruth believes that keeping suicide a secret perpetuates the shame for everyone.
Hindsight warning signs: changes in friends, mood stability, sleeping and eating patterns, Jonathan and Steve both said ‘I am not a good person’, and they would get angry, which was unusual for them
Rejecting love: Jonathan got upset when Ruth said to him "You are my sun, moon and my stars." He would say, "That's too much for me. I am not going to live that long."
What makes it very hard to know if someone is suicidal is that many people, including Jonathan and Steve, were incredible actors. They didn't want people to know.
We must attack the stigma by making it acceptable to talk about mental illness and suicide.
Ruth still harbors resentment toward the doctors and clinicians. She questions the process in getting help. It was not easy, not cheap, and she felt that the medical professionals missed so many important things. They were fooled.
She also believes that schools are ill-equipped to help and manage students with mental health issues.
It was tough to get an initial mental health diagnosis which was eventually labeled bipolar 2.
When asked what she would say to Jonathan today, "What a loss. The world is poorer with you."
Ruth believes that the conversation is changing - a podcast like this wouldn't have existed 10 years ago - but those who need help are still generally underserved.
Medical Advisory:
The Run This World Podcast & the Touched by Suicide series does not provide crisis, counseling or direct services. The information and resources contained on this site are not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Please consult a mental health professional before making changes to your treatment plan.
Please be sure to share this podcast with anyone who needs to hear it right now. Thank you for listening.
Music credit: "Forgiveness" by Sensho from Upbeatt.io