Trigger warning: This episode discusses suicide, which may be distressing for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental-health professional or a trusted support system. For a list of resources and more, visit the mental-health page of our website.
The word "suicide" carries significant weight. It’s a term we avoid, whisper in hushed tones or mention only with uncomfortable jokes to ease the tension. Those are all human reactions, but they also add to the stigma and isolation felt by those affected. It’s easy to forget that behind this word are real people: loved ones who we’ve lost, who we care about, who are silently enduring immense struggles.
In conjunction with Suicide Prevention Month, Uniquely Milwaukee is on a mission to turn silence into understanding and to replace stigma with compassion. Talking can be an important first step, which is why we carefully selected a lineup of guests to engage in crucial conversations that, we hope, will foster a more informed and empathetic perspective on suicide and its far-reaching effects.
In this episode, we start with understanding. You’ll hear from mental health experts Emily Vander Velden and Jeremy Schumacher, who guide us through the factors that contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. We explore its root causes, its profound impact on individuals and communities, and why suicide remains a critical public health concern that demands our attention and action.
Make sure you check back with us throughout September as the conversation continues with people from all corners of our community:
- Sept. 3: Overview and Understanding — In this opening episode, we dive into the complexities of suicide. Experts in mental health provide insights to the underlying issues that can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This episode will lay the foundation for a month of exploration, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of suicide and why it remains a critical public health issue.
- Sept. 10: Community and Connection — We explore the role of community and connection in suicide prevention by hearing from local organizations, support groups and individuals working to create safe spaces and strong support networks for those at risk.
- Sept. 17: Personal Stories — This episode takes a deeply personal turn, featuring the voices of individuals directly affected by suicide sharing their stories of loss, survival and resilience. If you'd like to contribute your own story, visit our mental-health page.
- Sept. 24: Grief, Healing and Recovery — Experts in grief counseling and mental health share strategies for coping with loss and finding a path to recovery. This episode also addresses the ongoing nature of grief and how individuals can find ways to honor their loved ones while moving forward. Listeners will gain insights to the delicate balance between mourning and healing, and the importance of self-care in this process.
