It can be confronting to sit and hold space for someone who is feeling suicidal. We have to manage our own feelings as well as hold space for their feelings. Before I had training in suicide prevention, I thought that …
Suicide Warning Signs
Warning signs are important. Know what to look for and reach out if in doubt. We often think that most suicides are caused by a one-off event, maybe a relationship break up, or the loss of a career or public …
Causes of Suicide
I read this week about 29 survivors who had all attempted suicide by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. ALL of them regretted their decision to jump AS SOON AS THEY JUMPED. In another article, Dr. Freedenthal found that of …
Suicide Statistics In Australia
Trigger warning for the next few days as we delve into the realities of suicide. When I look at these statistics, I feel really sad. If suicide rates can be taken to be somehow reflective of how we are doing …
When is Guilt Appropriate?
This gem came up in a therapy session many years ago. When my therapist said it to me, I asked her to repeat it so I could digest what she had just said. Yep…one of those moments. I was feeling …
Mental Illness Is The Result Of Normal Adaptations To Unhealthy Situations
Knowing that mental illness is the result of normal adaptations to unhealthy situations became clear to me when I read “The Boy Who was Raised as a Dog” by Dr. Bruce Perry. Trigger warning for this book – it does …
Types Of Triggers
Remember that triggers are NORMAL. It is about learning to recognise your personal triggers and work with them. This list is a great starting place for you to think about your triggers. If you feel to, try this exercise. If …
What is a Trigger?
When we talk about a ‘trigger’ in psychology, we are talking about something in the moment that reminds us of something in the past, it might be something you see, smell or hear. Imagine if your father was a large …
Signs I was Healing
Someone asked me recently, ‘How do I know I am getting better, is there some kind of check list?’ We had a giggle about it, but it got me thinking about the signs of healing. When I began my personal …
How To Heal From Scapegoating
Healing from scapegoating can take time because the role of scapegoat has been imprinted on you for such a long time. The first step is to validate the effect the behaviour has had on you. This is best done with …