S Word Stories

In filmmaking there are hours — sometimes hundreds of hours — of footage that never makes it into the film. If Director Lisa Klein had it her way, the film would probably just be hundreds of hours long. But since she was overruled, we knew we had to share these stories in a new way.

When it comes to suicide, we just can’t afford to leave these critical conversations on the cutting room floor.

Welcome to the #SWordStories. We bring you ‘Stories’ and ‘Voices,’ personal essays and short videos speaking up about suicide from attempt survivors, experts, plus the ‘Latest News’ as we head out on the road to spread The S Word.

’13 Reasons Why Not’ is a collection of personal stories from people who have lived through suicidal thoughts. The name is coined from a controversial Netflix original series, 13 Reasons Why.

Join the conversation and follow along with the #SWordStories on Facebook  and Instagram.

Warning: If you struggle with self-harm or suicidal thoughts, some of these stories could be potentially triggering. You can contact the  Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or the Crisis Text Line by texting START to 741-741 for free and confidential support.

Community Screening in Lancaster CA

By |2023-09-12T12:22:47-07:00August 31st, 2023|Latest News|

In support of National Suicide Prevention Month, there was a free community screening of  THE S WORD presented by The Erick A Garcia You Are Enough Foundation at City of Hope in Lancaster, California on Saturday, September 9th. Director Lisa Klein, Jean Toh from the film and a panel of local mental health professionals conducted [...]

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Lisa Klein Essay for Mindsite News

By |2023-06-01T10:38:16-07:00May 31st, 2023|Latest News|

THE S WORD director, Lisa Klein, recently wrote an essay for Mindsite News about her mother, Jackie Klein, who was a journalist for more than 50 years in Southfield, Michigan. Jackie was “the voice of Southfield.” As we close out Mental Health Awareness Month, this story is a reflection on the ambiguities of love and [...]

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Leah Harris in Passengers Journal

By |2023-03-21T10:29:54-07:00March 21st, 2023|Latest News|

Leah Harris, who was highlighted in THE S WORD, is featured in this month's Passengers Journal with her story "Built to Last." Passengers Journal is an online and fully-voiced literary and visual arts publication that seeks artists whose work challenges and perhaps offends the norms of our structurally oppressive society. Below is the introduction and [...]

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Carson High School Screening

By |2022-10-05T15:15:42-07:00October 5th, 2022|Latest News|

Lisa Klein, director of THE S WORD, had the pleasure of speaking to the Carson High School Performing and Media Arts students recently. Lisa spoke about THE S WORD, the inspiration behind making the film and what she hoped to achieve with its release. Additionally, Lisa shared what it's like to be a film director, [...]

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Understand Suicide Podcast Interview

By |2022-09-29T14:34:07-07:00September 29th, 2022|Latest News|

THE S WORD director, Lisa Klein, was interviewed by Paula Fontenelle for her podcast Understand Suicide. Paula Fontenelle was a noted journalist, a published author, and public relations professional working with high profile politicians and organizations across Brazil when her father took his life in 2005. As a former journalist, her first instinct on the path [...]

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Socially Relevant Filmmaking Interview

By |2022-05-19T10:54:40-07:00May 18th, 2022|Latest News|

Lisa Klein and Doug Blush recently did an interview at KUCI Irvine. Isha Gupta is the host of Being Aware with Isha on Air, a Public Affairs Show that broadcasts weekly on KUCI 88.9 FM Irvine (the University of California, Irvine's radio station). The show spreads awareness on a variety of societal concerns and features [...]

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My Mother’s Ghostbuster Boyfriend on Slate

By |2022-05-17T13:14:22-07:00April 28th, 2022|Latest News|

THE S WORD director, Lisa Klein, wrote an article for State of Mind on Slate.com recently. State of Mind is a partnership of Slate and Arizona State University that offers a practical look at our mental health system—and how to make it better. My Mother's Ghostbuster Boyfriend: Haunted by three suicides and an overdose, my [...]

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The Art of Documentary Film Creation

By |2021-05-19T16:37:34-07:00May 18th, 2021|Latest News|

MadPix Films co-founders Lisa Klein and Doug Blush have partnered with the Port Townsend Film Festival to offer The Art of Documentary Film Creation. The online documentary filmmaking seminar will be taught by Lisa and Doug who are PTFF’s 2021 Filmmakers-in-Residence (remotely, this year!). The goal of the nine-week class is to give students a [...]

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My Experience Making The S Word

By |2020-12-21T11:46:58-08:00December 21st, 2020|Latest News|

Thank you to Kelechi Ubozoh, who is featured in The S Word, for allowing us to share her blog post entitled Behind The Documentary. Kelechi posted this piece on the release of The S Word on Prime Video.  Kelechi is a Mental Health Consultant, Writer and Public Speaker.  For more information, visit her website. Here's [...]

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Dear Family Podcast

By |2020-10-14T16:43:57-07:00October 14th, 2020|Latest News|

Lisa recently did an interview with Rachel Steinman who hosts the Dear Family podcast. Rachel is a teacher, writer and mental health advocate. As described by Rachel, "Dear Family, is a love letter about our complicated families and achieving mental wellness." Listen to the full interview for Lisa’s personal experience with multi-generation suicide in her [...]

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More Than A Month

By |2020-09-06T12:58:58-07:00September 4th, 2020|Latest News|

From Director Lisa Klein:  September is National Suicide Prevention Month, which creates more awareness within the general public, a good thing. But I have long held the belief that it's equally important to keep this momentum going throughout the other 11 months of the year. When I read this blog by Des I asked to share [...]

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Of Two Minds Educational Release

By |2020-08-26T12:42:16-07:00August 26th, 2020|Latest News|

Take your best day and your darkest moment…and multiply it by a million. OF TWO MINDS is an award-winning feature documentary that explores the extraordinary lives, struggles and successes of a few of the over five million Americans living with bipolar disorder. Personal stories of harrowing events, medical mazes, discrimination and the efforts of social [...]

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Disability Book Series

By |2020-04-21T13:12:58-07:00April 21st, 2020|Latest News|

Kelechi Ubozoh, featured in THE S WORD, and LD Green will be sharing readings from their recently published book, We've Been Too Patient: Voices from Radical Mental Health. They feel their experience with their own mental health has given them each heightened capacity to navigate a shifting world with resilience and grace. Join us for [...]

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We Are All in This Together

By |2020-03-24T17:14:34-07:00March 24th, 2020|Latest News|

Hi, I just wanted to reach out and say THE S WORD team is thinking about you, our S WORD community, and hope that everyone is healthy and safe in their homes. Or outside walking or running or whatever helps you deal with this unprecedented time in our lives.  Isolation is a weird thing - [...]

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Nyla Talks Podcast with Craig Miller

By |2020-02-18T18:02:50-08:00February 18th, 2020|Interviews, Latest News|

Director Lisa Klein and Craig Miller, who is featured in THE S WORD, brought the film to Lithuania last year through the American Film Showcase, a film diplomacy program organized by the U.S. Department of State and the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. While in Lithuania, Craig sat down for an interview [...]

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MECCA Screening

By |2020-01-24T09:03:58-08:00January 24th, 2020|Latest News|

MECCA (Multi-Ethnic Collaborative of Community Agencies), in collaboration with the Be Well OC Suicide Prevention initiative, hosted a screening of THE S WORD on Saturday, January 17 in Orange County, CA. MECCA, a collective impact coalition working to eliminate ethnic and racial disparities and improve the quality of life for underserved multi-ethnic communities, sought to [...]

The S Word shows in Ukraine

By |2020-01-21T19:25:40-08:00January 21st, 2020|Latest News|

On Saturday, January 18, a community showing of THE S WORD was held at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine. The screening was part of the American Film Showcase, a film diplomacy program organized by the U.S. Department of State and the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts. AFS brings award-winning, contemporary films [...]

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Live Through This in People Magazine

By |2019-10-30T15:17:25-07:00October 30th, 2019|Latest News|

Our very own Dese'Rae Stage and her Live Through This project were recently featured in People Magazine. The full-length piece includes background information on Des and the organization, as well as some of her portraits of attempt survivors, accompanied by their stories. Hopefully readers will walk away with a better understanding of suicide after hearing [...]

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Misunderstanding Mental Illness

By |2019-09-24T09:10:07-07:00September 24th, 2019|Voices|

In this conversation, Craig Miller, Kelechi Ubozoh, Wilma Townsend and Keris Myrick discuss longstanding misconceptions regarding mental illness.

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Screening in Pittsburgh

By |2019-09-13T09:56:35-07:00September 13th, 2019|Latest News|

Lisa took The S Word to Pittsburgh, PA recently for a screening organized by UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital. The standing-room-only audience participated in a spirited post-screening conversation that emphasized peer to peer support. One special highlight of the evening was an impromptu performance by panelist Jamie Kunning, who performed a heartfelt rendition on the ukulele [...]

Social Media

By |2019-09-03T07:42:56-07:00September 3rd, 2019|Voices|

Keris Myrick, Wilma Townsend, Amelia Lehto and Dr. Bill Schmitz discuss how social media fits into the suicide prevention dialogue.

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There’s Help

By |2019-08-06T11:03:34-07:00August 6th, 2019|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, Kelechi Ubozoh, attorney Skip Simpson and Leah Harris share their thoughts on the value of hope in otherwise dire circumstances.

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We’ve Been Too Patient

By |2019-07-29T14:02:27-07:00July 29th, 2019|Latest News|

Kelechi Ubozoh, who is featured in The S Word, and L. D. Green are the co-editors of a new book titled We’ve Been Too Patient: Voices from Radical Mental Health--Stories and Research Challenging the Biomedical Model.  A collection of 25 unflinching stories and essays from the front lines of the radical mental health movement. While [...]

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Lived Experience Advocates

By |2019-07-09T10:06:57-07:00July 9th, 2019|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, Kelly Davis, Dr. Bill Schmitz and Cara Anna discuss the value of lived experience for suicide prevention.

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Medical System Failures

By |2019-06-11T12:41:45-07:00June 11th, 2019|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, Iden Campbell McCollum, Dr. April Foreman and Leah Harris analyze the failures of the medical model.

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Reel Mind Film Series

By |2019-05-29T16:56:15-07:00May 29th, 2019|Latest News|

Our very own Kelechi Ubozoh traveled to Rochester, NY to be a part of the 11th Annual Reel Mind Theater and Film Series. This month-long festival features films, performances and discussions that address the social stigma of mental illness and behavioral disorders, while providing a message of hope that recovery is possible. THE S WORD [...]

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Media

By |2019-05-21T11:11:43-07:00May 21st, 2019|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, Andrew Solomon, Dr. Kita Curry and Katie Hardy discuss the influence of the media on suicide prevention.

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KPCW Park City Interview

By |2019-05-13T08:29:17-07:00May 8th, 2019|Latest News|

In advance of screening The S Word for Connect Summit County in Park City, Utah, Lisa was interviewed by Tim Henney for his show The Mountain Life. The free community screening will be held on May 14th. For more information, visit our event page. You can listen to the full interview here. Lisa also did an [...]

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Support Networks

By |2019-04-30T15:36:11-07:00April 30th, 2019|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, Kelechi Ubozoh, Janet Bivens, Leah Harris and Dr. John Draper discuss how anyone can be there for someone when they are struggling - not just mental health professionals.

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The S Word Goes to Lithuania

By |2019-04-24T16:12:22-07:00April 24th, 2019|Latest News|

Craig Miller and I brought THE S WORD to Lithuania through the American Film Showcase, a film diplomacy program organized by the U.S. Department of State and the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. The trip was beyond any and all expectations I may have had going in. Lithuania is a country with [...]

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Talk to Someone

By |2019-04-09T09:41:29-07:00April 9th, 2019|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, Kelechi Ubozoh, Dr. Craig J. Bryan and Wilma Townsend discuss the life-saving significance of talking to someone about your struggles.

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Asking For Help

By |2019-02-25T16:20:44-08:00February 26th, 2019|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, Dese'Rae Stage, Kelechi Ubozoh, Dr. John Draper and Shari Sinwelski discuss the often life-saving importance of asking for help.

Life

By |2019-02-12T11:49:49-08:00February 12th, 2019|Stories|

Everyone has their one “go-to” person. You know, the person you call when you’re happy, sad, angry, bored, scared and everything else in-between. The person who listens when you need it, talks when you don’t want to and believes in you when you have a hard time believing in yourself. For my entire life, this [...]

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Our Stories

By |2019-02-06T07:43:03-08:00February 6th, 2019|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, “Our Stories,” psychologist Dr. Bill Schmitz and attempt survivor and mental health advocates Craig Miller and Leah Harris talk about how life can change and we can come back from the bottom, with a focus on connection and societal change.

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Empathy

By |2019-01-16T16:48:48-08:00January 15th, 2019|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, “Empathy,” CEO of Didi Hirsch, Dr. Kita Curry and attempt survivors Kelechi Ubozoh, Kelly Davis, Misha Kessler and Leah Harris discuss the importance of empathy and understanding versus judging and shaming when talking to people about suicide.

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Lived Experience

By |2019-01-18T09:32:42-08:00December 26th, 2018|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, “Lived Experience,” attempt survivor and mental health advocate Leah Harris, attempt survivor and creator of “Live Through This” Dese’Rae Stage, and lead suicidologist Dr. Thomas Joiner discuss the life-saving value of lived experience in preventing future suicides.

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O Magazine Interviews

By |2018-12-18T16:24:25-08:00December 18th, 2018|Latest News|

The December issue of O Magazine published an article titled "Inside America's Suicide Crisis,"  featuring Dese'Rae Stage, Kelechi Ubozoh and Ann Taylor of The S Word. Take a look at the article: "After surviving a suicide attempt at age 23, Dese’Rae Stage felt profound loneliness.“I was too ashamed to talk about it,” she says. “In [...]

Self-Compassion and Teen Suicide: A Mother’s Quest to Break Barriers

By |2018-12-12T07:54:32-08:00December 11th, 2018|Stories|

My son Benji reminds me of Lovejoy, the glowing green comet that visited earth a few years ago for the first time in 11,500 years. Both are beautiful and rare, other-worldly phenomena transiting my life. Benji died by suicide on May 7, 2015, at age 15. I still struggle sometimes to believe this isn’t just [...]

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Transformation Twitter Chat

By |2018-12-10T17:43:17-08:00December 10th, 2018|Latest News|

The S Word director Lisa Klein will participate in #ElevateTheConvo on December 13 at 5:00 PM PST/8:00 pm EST.  #ElevateTheConvo is a much needed conversation about resilience, recovery and transformation after a suicide crisis. Join us on Twitter with the hashtag #ElevateTheConvo. Discussion will be moderated by Sally Spencer-Thomas (@sspencerthomas).

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Youth Suicide

By |2018-12-04T20:02:31-08:00December 4th, 2018|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, “Youth Suicide,” college students and Active Minds representatives Sarah Abelson and Erica Cooke, Director of Counseling (Bridgewater University) Randy Hook, attempt survivors Kelly Davis, Leah Harris and Misha Kessler, and actress and loss survivor Mariette Hartley muse over what individuals would miss if they took their own lives.

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From Traffic Cop to Ted Talk

By |2018-11-20T08:54:03-08:00November 20th, 2018|Stories|

It was in March of 1990 when I pinned on my badge, took the peace officer oath and began my career with the California Highway Patrol (CHP). I was stationed in Alameda County - Hayward to be exact, just south of Oakland, California. A busy place with a high auto collision rate and higher than [...]

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Media Exploitation

By |2018-11-13T09:03:28-08:00November 14th, 2018|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, “Media Exploitation,” attempt survivors Craig Miller, Dese’Rae Stage, Leah Harris and Kelechi Ubozoh discuss potential harms of the “if it bleeds, it leads” style of journalism that is often used when describing a suicide or suicide attempt.

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Screenings in Ohio

By |2018-10-30T09:24:01-07:00October 30th, 2018|Latest News|

The S Word was back in Ohio recently, with Lisa presenting the film at the Performing Arts Center at Kent State University, hosted by NAMI of Tuscarawas and Carroll Counties. Earlier in the day, Lisa met with students at Dover High School, visiting several classes and participating in meaningful discussions with the kids. Local community [...]

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Loss

By |2018-10-22T09:50:32-07:00October 24th, 2018|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, “Loss,” loss/attempt survivor and suicide prevention advocate Iden Campbell, artist David Best, and loss survivors Shauna and Jean Toh contemplate loss and how to turn pain into purpose.

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Screening in Jakarta, Indonesia

By |2018-10-21T12:26:16-07:00October 21st, 2018|Latest News|

On Tuesday, October 16 THE S WORD participated in our first screening for the American Film Showcase. The film was shown at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, followed by a Q & A with Lisa participating via Skype. AFS brings award-winning contemporary American films to audiences around the world, offering a view of American [...]

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American Film Showcase

By |2018-10-15T09:17:54-07:00October 12th, 2018|Latest News|

The S Word is so excited to be part of the American Film Showcase as our film will now be screened internationally. The mission of AFS is to convey social justice around the world through film. Check out the roster of amazing films of which we have the honor to be a part: visit American Film [...]

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St. Joseph’s Health-St. Mary

By |2018-10-05T10:27:24-07:00October 5th, 2018|Latest News|

On Thursday, September 27, THE S WORD traveled to Victorville, CA for a screening hosted by St. Joseph's Health, St. Mary and student organizations from Valley Victor College where the event was held. The afternoon began with a resource fair, followed by a welcome from Dr. Gloria Peak, Director of St. Joseph's/St. Mary. The post-screening [...]

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Connectedness

By |2018-10-02T09:19:23-07:00October 3rd, 2018|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, “Connectedness,” Kelechi Ubozoh and Leah Harris (attempt survivors and mental health advocates) and psychologist Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas discuss how to talk about the importance of relating to connecting with our community. We are our brothers and sisters' keepers.

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KGO-TV San Francisco Interview

By |2018-09-28T08:50:38-07:00September 28th, 2018|Latest News|

Director Lisa Klein and Kelechi Ubozoh were featured in a great piece from KGO-TV in San Francisco recently that focused on suicide prevention. Lisa and Kelechi were in the Bay Area for a screening of the film in Martinez, hosted by Contra Costa County Health Services. It was a packed house for the film which [...]

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Gwynn’s Song: Leaving Unmasked Faces

By |2018-09-20T10:02:07-07:00September 26th, 2018|Stories|

My name’s Gwynn Lanning and I’m a musician, composer, Suicide prevention advocate, and LGBTQ rights activist. I’ve been composing music for ten years and view it as both a profession and a kind of personal/communal therapy. Over the years, I’ve played at LGBTQ community events, senior citizens homes, and local shops. My goal as a [...]

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Psychology Today Article

By |2018-09-24T09:40:05-07:00September 24th, 2018|Latest News|

Below is an article written by Julie K. Hersh for Psychology Today after participating in a panel discussion following a screening of The S Word presented by The VA North Texas Health Care System. “What can I do for my friend who is suicidal?” This may not be the exact question our panel was asked after [...]

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Buckeye Visit

By |2018-09-17T16:21:27-07:00September 17th, 2018|Latest News|

Mental Health America of Franklin County, Ohio sponsored a free screening on the Ohio State University campus. MHA welcomed Lisa to town with a luncheon held in her honor earlier in the day. Later that evening THE S WORD was shown to a capacity audience in the Ohio Union Theater on campus, followed by a [...]

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Talk About It

By |2018-11-17T10:33:40-08:00September 12th, 2018|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, “Talk About It,” best-selling author Andrew Solomon and psychologists Dr. Thomas Joiner and Dr. Kita Curry posit that talking about suicide reduces the fear surrounding getting help and moving forward.

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Chautauqua Institution Film Festival

By |2018-08-24T10:42:08-07:00August 24th, 2018|Latest News|

The S Word was honored to have been a part of the Chautauqua Institution's week of programming entitled Documentary Film as Facilitator: Storytelling, Influence and Civil Discourse." This theme was explored through Chautauqua’s renowned lecture series, that featured talks by famed documentarian Ken Burns and Washington Post film critic Ann Hornaday. The S Word screened [...]

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The Suicide Zone

By |2018-08-21T09:54:10-07:00August 22nd, 2018|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, “The Suicide Zone,” psychologists Dr. April Foreman, Dr. Bill Schmitz and Dr. John Draper discuss a variety of ways in which people can move past the suicide zone and toward a life worth living.

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The Medical Model

By |2018-07-31T09:29:51-07:00August 1st, 2018|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, “The Medical Model,” lead suicidologist Dr. Thomas Joiner, attempt survivor and mental health advocate Iden Campbell and attorney Skip Simpson discuss what the medical profession can learn from people with lived experience.

Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Screening

By |2018-07-17T15:14:45-07:00July 16th, 2018|Latest News|

Sonoma County Supervisor Shirlee Zane hosted a free community screening of The S Word followed by a panel discussion on July 11th.  We want to thank everyone involved for putting this wonderful event together and give a special shout out to the women of the California HOPE organization. Lisa first met Supervisor Zane when she [...]

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Collective Responsibility

By |2018-07-09T10:51:55-07:00July 11th, 2018|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation “Collective Responsibility,” attempt survivor and mental health advocate Leah Harris, best-selling author Andrew Solomon and psychologist Dr. April Foreman talk about what we can do as a community to help others through a suicidal crisis.

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Dese’Rae and Kelechi on CNN and CBS This Morning

By |2018-06-26T11:27:32-07:00June 26th, 2018|Latest News|

The sad news of several recent high-profile deaths by suicide has sparked a much-needed national conversation. The S Word's Dese'Rae Stage and Kelechi Ubozoh participated in two recent network television programs on the subject. Dese'Rae was a part of "Finding Hope: Battling America's Suicide Crisis," a CNN Town Hall hosted by Anderson Cooper. To view [...]

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Surviving Loss

By |2018-06-19T15:02:59-07:00June 20th, 2018|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, “Surviving Loss,” loss survivors Katie Hardy, Amelia Lehto, Shirlee Zane and Jean, John and Shauna Toh consider the seemingly interminable questions that arise from the suicide of a loved one.

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Unmasking

By |2018-05-30T07:20:12-07:00May 30th, 2018|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation “Unmasking,” attempt survivors Kelechi Ubozoh, Leah Harris and Iden Campbell and psychologist Dr. April Foreman discuss the power of taking off the mask and ending the silence surrounding suicide - opening a much-needed conversation that could save lives.

Directing Change Awards

By |2018-05-29T13:28:20-07:00May 29th, 2018|Latest News|

More than 1,000 guests attended the red-carpet awards ceremony and top films screening in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday, May 22nd to celebrate the achievement of young filmmakers across the state. Lisa was honored to receive a Directing Change award for Outstanding Film with Messaging around Suicide Prevention. Lisa was also thrilled to hand out [...]

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How I Found My Voice

By |2018-05-22T19:12:10-07:00May 22nd, 2018|Attempt Survivors, Stories|

On July 18, 1993, I attempted suicide. I was at the point where the emotional pain was just too much for me. I had struggled with depression as far back as I could remember. As a child at the time, I didn’t know it was called depression - I was just sad. I wondered why [...]

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Stanislaus County Community Screenings

By |2018-05-21T15:50:38-07:00May 21st, 2018|Latest News|

We would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to the Stanislaus County Suicide Prevention Advisory Board for all their efforts in presenting four free community screenings of The S Word in downtown Modesto, Ceres, Patterson and West Modesto. Every screening featured Spanish subtitles and the Q & A panel discussion with Lisa in Ceres [...]

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Wyoming Governor’s Conference

By |2018-05-15T09:54:56-07:00May 15th, 2018|Latest News|

Lisa had the honor of presenting The S Word at the the Third Annual Governor’s Conference in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Q & A afterward reflected an engaged and deeply thoughtful audience reaction. Thank you Richard Barrett for inviting us and for the warm reception. And, as you can see, Lisa got to meet the governor. [...]

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Self Care

By |2018-06-04T15:07:17-07:00May 10th, 2018|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, “Self Care,” attempt survivor and mental health advocate Leah Harris, loss survivor and mental health advocate Mariette Hartley and artist David Best share their stories of self care and connecting with others and how those simple things can save lives and revive the human spirit.

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Detroit Free Press Feature on The S Word

By |2018-04-17T11:01:16-07:00April 17th, 2018|Latest News|

In advance of our two screenings at the FREEP Film Festival, Ellen Piligian, wrote a wonderful article about Lisa and The S Word for The Detroit Free Press: Lisa Klein knows the silence of suicide all too well. “The S Word,” her documentary screening Saturday and Sunday at Freep Film Festival, examines suicide through stories [...]

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Cleveland Events

By |2018-04-11T12:42:48-07:00April 11th, 2018|Latest News|

In early April THE S WORD took part in the Cleveland International Film Festival. In addition to the usual post-screening Q & A sessions, Lisa participated in a flurry of activities,  including an appearance on “Mental Illness and Friends,” a live comedy talk show. Lisa was interviewed by host Deena Nyer Mendlowitz, who infuses the [...]

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Hope

By |2018-06-04T15:10:41-07:00April 11th, 2018|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, “Hope,” attempt survivor and suicide prevention advocate Eduardo Vega, attempt survivor and speaker Craig Miller, and psychologist Dr. Bill Schmitz talk about how essential hope is in the battle against suicide and suicidal ideation.

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Temple University

By |2018-04-07T09:03:41-07:00April 6th, 2018|Latest News|

Dese‘Rae joined Lisa for the Q & A at the College of Public Health sponsored screening at Temple University on April 2nd.  Des also brought her amazing photography to the pre-screening resource event. You can visit her website, Live Through This, to learn more about her journey. Thank to you everyone at Temple for a [...]

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Port Townsend High School

By |2018-04-05T12:06:45-07:00April 4th, 2018|Latest News|

Lisa and Kelechi recently visited Port Townsend High School in Port Townsend, WA to show THE S WORD and visit with students. After a screening attended by more than 200 kids, students were split into small discussion groups, each led by a teacher or counselor. Lisa and Kelechi circulated throughout, participating in frank, heartfelt conversations. [...]

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Means Restriction

By |2018-06-04T14:43:34-07:00March 29th, 2018|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, “Means Restriction,” suicidologist Dr. Thomas Joiner, attempt survivor and mental health advocate Leah Harris, and psychologist Dr. April Foreman discuss the importance of restricting the lethal means that could lead to someone dying by suicide.

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Cloverdale Screenings

By |2018-03-23T14:06:56-07:00March 23rd, 2018|Latest News|

THE S WORD recently descended on the town of Cloverdale, CA in beautiful Sonoma County. The day began with a screening of the new one-hour, school-friendly version at Cloverdale High School, followed by a group discussion with director Lisa Klein. The students were blown away by the film, which elicited comments such as “I think [...]

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Mayo Clinic Screening

By |2018-03-19T19:59:38-07:00March 19th, 2018|Latest News|

We were honored to screen The S Word at the Mayo Clinic, presented by the Center for Humanities in Medicine. A panel discussion followed the film featuring director Lisa Klein, Natalia Chimbo-Andrade, Community Bridges, INC in Arizona, Emily LaFlamme, Program Coordinator, Be Connected and  Allison Schmitt, eight-time Olympic medalist in swimming.   Dr. Bright, Vice Chair [...]

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Good Docs Interview

By |2018-03-15T13:07:01-07:00March 15th, 2018|Latest News|

An intimate conversation with Lisa Klein on her film The S Word and suicide survivors by Sean Steinberg of Good Docs. "Lisa Klein joins us to discuss her new film, The S-Word, which follows suicide survivors on their inspiring, and at times, tragic, road to regaining their lives. In an intimate discussion, Lisa discusses her [...]

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Victoria Valvo

By |2018-03-13T09:56:29-07:00March 13th, 2018|13 Reasons Why Not|

13 Reasons Why Not are personal stories from people who have lived through suicidal thoughts. The name is coined from a controversial Netflix original series, 13 Reasons Why. The show tells the story of a high school girl who died by suicide after creating tapes explaining why she killed herself. Each tape mentions a different [...]

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University of Arkansas Screening

By |2018-03-08T12:13:28-08:00March 8th, 2018|Latest News|

The Pat Walker Health Center Counseling and Psychological Services sponsored a screening of The S Word followed by a Q & A with director Lisa Klein and Dese'Rae Stage who is featured in the film. Thank you to the University of Arkansas for an amazing night! Dese'Rae and Lisa with University of Arkansas grad students [...]

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Intent

By |2018-06-04T14:39:16-07:00March 7th, 2018|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation “Intent,” attempt survivors Craig Miller and Kelechi Ubozoh and loss survivors Shauna, Jean and John Toh discuss how intent comes into play when dealing with suicidality.

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Gabriel Reyes

By |2018-06-05T14:39:05-07:00March 1st, 2018|Stories|

I thought THE S WORD was a “sword”.  My favorite weapon is a sword. Imagination can take you anywhere. My imagination takes me to places like Wyoming and China. A suicide attempt at age 8 doesn’t define me. I can re-imagine myself. –Gabriel Reyes, Age 9

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Article by Lisa for Lifeline Crisis Center

By |2018-02-28T13:54:21-08:00February 28th, 2018|Latest News|

Lisa recently wrote the following article about The S Word which appeared on Medium: As I tour the country with our documentary, THE S WORD, it’s been interesting to gauge the reactions, from waiters to Lyft drivers to random people who ask what I’m doing in FILL IN THE BLANK city. When I tell them [...]

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The Medical Model

By |2018-06-04T14:36:03-07:00February 15th, 2018|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, “The Medical Model” Psychologists Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas, Dr. Thomas Joiner and mental health advocate Leah Harris discuss how suicide prevention goes well beyond the medical model alone.

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Casper Wyoming Events

By |2018-02-15T12:50:32-08:00February 15th, 2018|Latest News|

It was a jam-packed day in Casper Wyoming. Craig Miller, who is featured in The S Word, joined director Lisa Klein for all the events. The day started with an interview at the K1 Morning radio show. Then, they were swept away to Roosevelt High School to speak with an assembly of students and faculty. [...]

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Western Michigan University Screening

By |2018-02-12T11:19:41-08:00February 12th, 2018|Latest News|

The Screening of The S Word and Q & A led by director Lisa Klein was part of Western Michigan University's Lee Honors College's Spring 2018 Lyceum Lecture Series: Mental Health Matters: College Student Mental Health in the 21st Century. We were so pleased to be part of the the ongoing discussion and Lisa was [...]

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Indiefest San Francisco Screenings

By |2018-02-08T15:59:26-08:00February 9th, 2018|Latest News|

We had the pleasure of screening The S Word at Indiefest in San Francisco on February 3rd and February 7th.  Director Lisa Klein and Kelechi Ubozoh, who is featured in the film, led the Q&A's. Thank you to the Roxi Theater and the SF Indiefest for two great shows! SF Indiefest is a year-round, non-profit [...]

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ESPN Radio Interview

By |2018-02-08T13:41:07-08:00February 8th, 2018|Latest News|

LaFern Cusack is an award-winning on-air talent and producer, generating awareness and social change through digital and multi-platform content. She is best known for producing and hosting 'The Experience with LaFern Cusack' on ESPN LA Radio as well as creating galvanizing business and social influencers. LaFern recently interviewed director Lisa Klein about The S Word [...]

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Brookings Institution Screening

By |2018-02-15T12:58:50-08:00February 7th, 2018|Latest News|

The S Word was screened at The Brookings Institution in Washington DC to a packed house on Monday, February 5th.  It was an amazing night for all of us and we thank everyone at  Brookings  for making this such a wonderful event. Brookings also displayed the photography exhibit by Dese 'Rae Stage (Live Through This) [...]

A Letter from our Community

By |2018-02-01T11:47:09-08:00February 1st, 2018|Latest News|

As we continue to take our film out to communities, we are struck by the personal stories that continue to emerge every day. And one thing we never want to do is get complacent with the statistics and think "Oh, another one..."  No, that's not okay and this letter that came to us this morning [...]

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Alexa Alban

By |2018-01-29T09:41:47-08:00January 29th, 2018|13 Reasons Why Not|

13 Reasons Why Not are personal stories from people who have lived through suicidal thoughts. The name is coined from a controversial Netflix original series, 13 Reasons Why. The show tells the story of a high school girl who died by suicide after creating tapes explaining why she killed herself. Each tape mentions a different [...]

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Lived Experience

By |2018-06-04T14:32:43-07:00January 25th, 2018|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, “Lived Experience,” attempt survivors Leah Harris and Kelechi Ubozoh and lead suicidologist Dr. Thomas Joiner discuss how sharing our stories and understanding that it’s okay not to be okay can help us focus on life.

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California PTA Conference

By |2018-01-25T11:03:26-08:00January 25th, 2018|Latest News|

Director Lisa Klein and Community Outreach Director Patrica Harris DiLeva were pleased to attend the California PTA Legislation Conference in Sacramento on January  22nd to present information and have a conversation about The S Word. CAPTA connects families, schools and communities and is part of the foundation of the public-education system and a trusted messenger to [...]

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USC Screening

By |2018-02-05T11:07:38-08:00January 19th, 2018|Latest News|

We had an amazing night at the University of Southern California screening presented by the School of Cinematic Arts on January 16th. Director Lisa Klein and producer Doug Blush are USC Film School alumni and it was with great pleasure that they screened The S Word in the Ray Stark Theater.  A thoughtful discussion led [...]

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Sharing Stories: How I Learned to Stop Fearing Attempt Survivors

By |2018-06-04T13:14:41-07:00January 19th, 2018|Loss Survivor, Stories|

It was about a year after my son Noah’s suicide, at a conference for survivors of suicide loss, when I first heard someone describe what led to their own suicide attempt. My hackles bristled so fiercely I couldn’t hear the details. I resisted being dragged inside that bleak and scary place, as if despair were [...]

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Psych Central Podcast Interview

By |2018-01-10T09:30:33-08:00January 10th, 2018|Latest News|

You can listen to The S Word director Lisa Klein this Thursday at 6:30 a.m. PST on the award-winning podcast, The Psych Central Show - with hosts with Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales.  The link below will be live on Thursday, January 11 for the interview: Listen to Psych Central Podcast. Hosted by Gabe [...]

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Seeking Help

By |2018-06-04T13:10:37-07:00January 5th, 2018|Seeking Help, Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, “Seeking Help,” Kita Curry (Didi Hirsch CEO), Leah Harris, Misha Kessler and Kelly Davis (attempt survivors) and Mariette Hartley (loss survivor), share their insights regarding the importance of asking for help when feeling suicidal

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Crisis Calling – Part Two

By |2018-06-05T15:28:02-07:00December 20th, 2017|Stories|

I’ll never forget the bitter winter morning a few years ago when my life would be forever changed, as it would for a woman we’ll call Rose - a young, single, working mom with another on the way. Rose wanted what we all want - a better life for her kids. I could easily relate. [...]

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How to Respond

By |2018-06-04T13:07:25-07:00December 13th, 2017|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, “How to Respond,” psychologists Eduardo Vega and Craig Bryan and mental health advocate Leah Harris, enlighten us about how to respond to someone who is suicidal.

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The S Word Stories on Tumblr

By |2018-01-10T09:30:58-08:00December 13th, 2017|Latest News|

We’re pleased to announce The S Word Stories and Voices series of posts have moved to the Tumblr community. We invite you to follow us on Tumblr as we post new stories each week from the inspiring individuals we met while filming The S Word. You can still keep up with the Latest News on The S Word [...]

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Coping with Suicide Loss

By |2018-06-04T12:57:44-07:00December 8th, 2017|Understanding Suicide, Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, "Coping With Suicide Loss,” mental health advocates Samantha Nadler, Jean Toh, Shauna Toh and Mariette Hartley share the depth of their losses and how they continue to cope, showing us how it's not about what you alone could have done -- it's about what you're doing now.

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Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas TEDx Talk

By |2017-12-07T15:51:05-08:00December 7th, 2017|Latest News|

Our good friend and suicide prevention advocate, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, recently did a talk  for TEDx Crestmoor Park Women called Stopping Suicide with Story. Take a look:   Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas knows first hand the challenges and stigma we face with suicide prevention and mental health. At the heart of all social movements [...]

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Exeter Hospital Screening

By |2017-11-20T15:09:54-08:00November 20th, 2017|Latest News|

The S Word was screened by the Exeter Health Resources Suicide Prevention Initiative in partnership with Regional Public Health Networks, NAMI New Hampshire, Youth Suicide Prevention Assembly and NH Suicide Prevention Council. Joining director Lisa Klein for the panel discussion were Dese'Rae Stage and Craig Miller who are both featured in the film.  Thank you [...]

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Kevin’s Song Conference Screening

By |2017-12-19T13:54:15-08:00November 16th, 2017|Latest News|

We were so pleased to be part of the Kevin's Song conference this year in Plymouth, Michigan. The S Word was screened before a full house and followed by a wonderful panel discussion. Sally Spencer Thomas, Jen Losey James, Katie Hardy, Karen Marshall, Amelia Lehto, and Lisa Klein at the conference. Sally [...]

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Jewish Family Service Detroit Screening

By |2017-11-17T13:35:35-08:00November 14th, 2017|Latest News|

We had a full house at the Maple Theater for the screening presented by The Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit, followed by a panel discussion.  Proceeds from the screening benefited A Single Soul, a program at Jewish Family Service, that provides a range of suicide prevention, education and training. A big thank you to [...]

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Los Angeles Post-Screening Q&A Video

By |2017-11-01T13:07:47-07:00November 1st, 2017|Latest News|

The hometown premiere of THE S WORD was part of the ArcLight Documentary Series held on Sunday, October 22nd in Santa Monica. The panel for the Q & A featured director Lisa Klein, producer Doug Blush and cast members Kelechi Ubozoh, Craig Miller and Jean Toh.  Marjan Safania, President of the International Documentary Association and [...]

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Loss to Profound with Val

By |2017-10-26T17:45:40-07:00October 26th, 2017|Latest News|

Lisa was interviewed on October 24th by radio and TV host Val Uchendu for his show Loss to Profound with Val on the Universal Broadcasting Network.  Val's show airs live every Tuesday at 11:00 am. "The show's new segment, "Becoming Profound," is about turning your loss, an unfavorable event/incident into Positive to Inspire others or provide [...]

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Being There to Respond

By |2017-10-25T07:13:12-07:00October 25th, 2017|Seeking Help, Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, "Being There to Respond,” mental health advocates DeQuincy Lezine, Dese’Rae L. Stage and Leah Harris help us learn how to be there to respond to individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts and feelings.

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Arclight Doc Series – Los Angeles Premiere

By |2017-12-19T14:04:34-08:00October 24th, 2017|Latest News|

On Sunday, October 22, THE S WORD made its hometown debut with a sold-out screening and Q&A session, as part of the ArcLight Theatre's prestigious Documentary Series. THE S WORD crew was joined by cast members Kelechi Ubozoh, Craig Miller, Jean Toh and Ann Taylor plus  friends and supporters at a post-screening celebration. Many thanks [...]

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The S Word in Sacramento

By |2017-10-24T11:35:35-07:00October 23rd, 2017|Latest News|

It was a full day in Sacramento, topped off by a phenomenal screening attended by 500+ at the historic Sacramento Crest Theater! First up, Lisa presented clips of the film and conducted a Q&A for employees at the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). Next, Lisa, Joseph Robinson (Program Manager, Each Mind Matters) Stan Collins [...]

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The S Word KXLU Interview

By |2017-10-20T14:46:51-07:00October 20th, 2017|Latest News|

Director Lisa Klein, producer Doug Blush and editor Josh Bayer sat down with Christine Palma of KXLU Radio at Loyola Marymount University for an in depth discussion about The S Word. Thanks so much to Christine for providing a wonderful platform to to highlight the film! Click here to listen to the full interview.  

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Arts in Global Health

By |2017-10-18T09:01:42-07:00October 17th, 2017|Latest News|

Nikki Daurio is a junior at Harvard. She connected with Lisa and The S Word after dealing with her own suicidal ideation freshman year. She may still have her bad days, but the important thing is, since she's had treatment and found inspiration from others, she knows how to cope with them. Two of her [...]

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Being a Parent with Suicidal Thoughts

By |2017-10-09T14:47:00-07:00October 11th, 2017|Attempt Survivors, Hope|

I am a more compassionate parent to my son because I live with suicidal thoughts. And it took me until this moment to realize that. Since trying to end my life over 15 years ago, I have seen a lot of doctors, tried a lot of different therapies, and a lot of diagnoses have been [...]

Atlanta Screening

By |2017-10-10T10:23:54-07:00October 10th, 2017|Latest News|

It was great having Kelechi Ubozoh and her mom, Janet Bivens, who are both featured in The S Word, join the Q&A with director Lisa Klein in Atlanta. We appreciated the insightful dialogue with the audience. Kelechi Ubozoh and her mom, Janet Bivens.   Thank you to everyone at Behavioral Health Link for hosting [...]

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Johnson County Suicide Prevention Screening

By |2017-10-06T12:25:28-07:00October 6th, 2017|Latest News|

We had an amazing time in Olathe, Kansas and want to thank everyone at the Johnson County Suicide Prevention Coalition for hosting us and putting together the panel of local police and mental health professionals that accompanied Lisa for a great discussion. Earlier that morning, Lisa did a live interview with Charlie Keegan at KSHB-TV.  [...]

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Understanding Suicidal Thoughts

By |2017-10-04T09:38:14-07:00October 4th, 2017|Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, Leah Harris, Kelechi Ubozoh and Dese'Rae L. Stage tell us that suicidal thoughts are not unique to one group of people, they can happen to anyone.

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University of Utah Screening

By |2017-09-26T12:34:41-07:00September 26th, 2017|Latest News|

A very big thank you to the University of Utah for a wonderful screening. The Q & A that followed was especially emotional for director Lisa Klein when 9-year old Eli Najarian raised his hand and said the following: "Thank you for making this movie and helping me and future generations. "  Needless to say, [...]

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Iowa City Screening

By |2017-09-22T11:28:57-07:00September 22nd, 2017|Latest News|

The Iowa Crisis Center screened The S Word in Iowa City at The Englert Theatre.  Beau Pinkham, the Director of Crisis Intervention Services, led a panel discussion with director Lisa Klein, Keri Neblett, an assistant professor in the UI’s School of Social Work and board member for the Iowa Chapter of the American Foundation for [...]

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Hotel Room Drapes

By |2017-09-20T10:15:35-07:00September 20th, 2017|Attempt Survivors, Stories|

The dark hotel room lurked around me; the cold blue and gray carpet oozing the dank sani-odor of disinfectants and air freshener. Hotel rooms are the Rorschachs of the soul, commoditized dwelling units designed as homes away from homes but always failing. What you see in a hotel room is what you bring to the [...]

Port Townsend Film Festival Screenings

By |2017-12-19T13:57:35-08:00September 19th, 2017|Latest News|

A big thank you to the Port Townsend Film Festival for an amazing weekend! The S Word was screened twice followed by a Q&A with director Lisa Klein and producer Doug Blush.  We appreciate all the wonderful people who came out to support the film and this incredible film festival!

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Oakland County Michigan Screening

By |2017-09-29T14:43:42-07:00September 14th, 2017|Latest News|

Oakland County, Michigan Youth Suicide Prevention hosted a screening of The S Word followed by a meaningful panel discussion. Thank you, Royal Oak Theater, for giving Lisa Klein a big hometown welcome!  Visit the Oakland Community Health Network for information about their programs. We also appreciate Maddie Forshee writing about our homecoming for CandGNews.  You [...]

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Physical Health Bias in the Medical System

By |2017-08-25T12:28:09-07:00September 13th, 2017|Experts, Loss Survivor, Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, "Physical Health Bias in the Medical System,” psychologist Dr. April Foreman, psychologist Dr. William Schmitz Jr. and suicide loss survivor Shirlee Zane tell us why the medical system is failing our society when it comes to mental health and suicide prevention.

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Suicide Awareness and Prevention Conference

By |2017-09-14T15:15:27-07:00September 10th, 2017|Latest News|

The S Word was screened at the 2nd Annual Suicide Awareness and Prevention Conference: Shattering the Silence, held at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital in Glendale, CA in recognition of  Worldwide Suicide Prevention Day.  Having courageous conversations about depression and suicide was the topic for the Q&A with director Lisa Klein via Skype from Detroit. Organized [...]

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Screening for The Trevor Project

By |2018-08-14T15:33:32-07:00August 29th, 2017|Latest News|

The S Word was screened at the Trevor Foundation followed by a wonderful and heartfelt discussion led by director Lisa Klein and Kelechi Ubozoh who is  featured in the film.  Thank you to the Trevor Project for all that you do! The Trevor Project was founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning [...]

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The Cost of Medical System Failures

By |2017-08-22T19:13:44-07:00August 23rd, 2017|Experts, Loss Survivor, Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, "The Cost of Medical System Failures,” NYT best-selling author Andrew Solomon, suicide loss survivor Shirlee Zane and psychologist Dr. April Foreman tell us why the medical system is failing our society due to cost and stigma.  

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SAMHSA Voice Awards

By |2017-09-12T09:58:12-07:00August 19th, 2017|Latest News|

The S Word is the proud recipient of a 2017 Voice Award.  Director Lisa Klein accepted the award and was joined on stage by Producer Doug Blush along with Kelechi Ubozoh and Ann Taylor who are both featured in film. The Voice Awards program honors consumer/peer/family leaders in recovery from mental health conditions and/or addictions. These [...]

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Story Telling and Suicide Prevention

By |2017-09-12T09:56:52-07:00August 10th, 2017|Interviews, Latest News|

Director Lisa Klein was the guest on a recent Sally Spencer-Thomas podcast about why storytelling is so critical in effective suicide prevention. Intimate, vulnerable, inspiring stories let us know we are not alone. Stories of recovery allow us to see a road map before us that leads us out of our despair. To listen to [...]

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Calling Crisis

By |2017-07-19T10:12:10-07:00July 18th, 2017|Stories|

When I tell people what I do for a living, I typically get one of three reactions: #1 “Oh wow! I could NEVER do THAT!”; #2 “So, do you get sexual callers?”; or, most commonly, #3 Silence. The conversation is stopped in its tracks. I am one of those mythical creatures that works on a [...]

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“LIVE THROUGH THIS WITH ME”

By |2017-08-10T09:00:56-07:00July 5th, 2017|Attempt Survivors, Lived Experience, Stories|

I tried to kill myself in the summer of 2006. I was 23. I spent a month deeply entrenched in an exhaustive cycle of breaking up and getting back together with Emma*, the girl I'd loved for three years. She was cheating on me, but neither of us could sever ties with the other.

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Ceiling in the Floor

By |2017-05-01T14:34:09-07:00May 2nd, 2017|Loss Survivor, Stories, Surviving Suicide|

When I was asked to speak at Brandon Toh’s memorial service, I had no idea of the journey it would take me on. The speech that I wrote ended up inspiring a full-length production called "Ceiling in the Floor, ” a theater/music/dance piece that tells the story of our friendship and features his incredible music. [...]

Suicide From the Other Side

By |2017-04-18T09:35:05-07:00April 18th, 2017|Loss Survivor, Stories, Understanding Suicide|

My flip phone says 3 missed calls 2 from home 1 from him I assume her phone died so she used his to call me and I quickly relive the night before up in the wee morning hours listening to her tears telling her it'll be okay get to yoga center yourself you only want to be with someone who [...]

The Suicide Layer Cake

By |2017-04-07T16:28:47-07:00April 11th, 2017|Attempt Survivors, Lived Experience, Stories|

Layer One - Lies The blackness arose from the lies. The layers of blackness slowly turned to grays and browns. Each color representing some new form of deflection, self-preservation, or justification to make sure I never had to face the pain directly. Those layers let in peaks of light and, at very rare times, happiness. [...]

Retrospect

By |2017-03-01T16:46:12-08:00March 1st, 2017|Lived Experience, Loss Survivor, Stories|

Read Director Lisa Klein's recently published piece on Mental Health on The Mighty. Looking back at loss and lessons learned along the way, “How could he have done that to us? It was so selfish.” I wondered this as well, until I started talking with and listening to people with lived experience – people who [...]

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Crisis Hotlines

By |2017-08-21T13:39:30-07:00February 17th, 2017|Crisis Hotline, Experts, Seeking Help, Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, "Crisis Hotlines," Director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Dr. John Draper, Founder of Trans Lifeline, Greta Martela, and National Suicide Prevention Lifeline's Shari Sinwelski tell us how hotlines have transformed suicide prevention, and continue to save lives every single day.

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Teens, College & Suicide Prevention

By |2017-08-21T13:40:02-07:00February 17th, 2017|Attempt Survivors, College, Experts, Teens, Understanding Suicide, Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, "Teens, College & Suicide Prevention," suicide prevention advocate and attempt survivor, Misha Kessler, psychologist and CEO of Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, Dr. Kita Curry, and college suicide prevention advocacy group, Active Minds, discuss the impact mental health support on college campuses can make for students.

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Talking About The “S” Word

By |2017-08-21T13:40:35-07:00February 17th, 2017|Attempt Survivors, College, Experts, Teens, Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, "Talking About The 'S' Word," psychologist Dr. April Foreman, Mental Health Advocates Keris Myrick & Wilma Townsend, and college suicide prevention advocacy group Active Minds tell us why we have to talk about suicide, and why the silence surrounding it is far more terrifying.

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Seeking Help & Suicide Prevention

By |2017-05-03T12:31:16-07:00February 17th, 2017|Attempt Survivors, Experts, Seeking Help, Voices|

In this 3-part conversation, "Seeking Help & Suicide Prevention,” psychologist and CEO of Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, Dr. Kita Curry, suicide attempt survivor, Samantha Nadler, and leading suicidologist, Dr. Thomas Joiner, tell us why we can't do it all ourselves, and why asking for help doesn't make you "less than," it makes you human.

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These Things I Do, That Others May Live

By |2017-02-17T14:45:41-08:00February 15th, 2017|Attempt Survivors, Experts, Lived Experience, Stories, Veterans|

From the very start of my training as a clinical psychologist, I was interested in suicide prevention and have wanted to work with individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts. As an early career psychologist, I worked with and provided treatment to hundreds of suicidal individuals. When I deployed to Iraq in 2009, however, my relationship with [...]

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Did Somebody Lose Their Marbles?

By |2017-02-17T16:46:03-08:00February 8th, 2017|Attempt Survivors, Lived Experience, Stories, Surviving Suicide|

After shooting the film “The Crucible,” during which I had a manic episode, I returned to Los Angeles and had to find a new agent. I told him at my interview I had bipolar disorder. He said, “Oh, honey, I’ve had actors wander off sets for weeks on a binge. You are the least of [...]

Mentally Prepared: Fixing Mental Health Policies at Harvard

By |2017-02-15T14:31:20-08:00January 31st, 2017|College, Lived Experience, Stories|

My name is Nikki Daurio and I’m currently a sophomore at Harvard University. Last year, I developed depression and suicidal ideation so I decided to seek help. I noticed several flaws within the Mental Health Services on campus and encountered several paradoxes in the public health system. Following that, I decided to dig deeper and [...]

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Finding Life After Death: The Day I Died Didn’t Take Away My Pain

By |2017-02-10T09:31:46-08:00January 26th, 2017|Stories, Suicide Prevention, Surviving Suicide|

Writing this is hard because even though I’ve spoken about my personal struggles in public and on video those are distant memories. Almost 18 years since my last attempt and 17 years since my last mental health break and hospitalization. I wonder will I lose business opportunities because this attempt is so fresh? How will [...]

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I Don’t Deserve to Be Called a Survivor

By |2017-02-10T09:31:52-08:00January 17th, 2017|Stories, Suicide Prevention, Surviving Suicide|

I don’t deserve to be called a survivor. I’m just some guy. I never thought my story was worth telling. I never even thought I’d be alive right now. In October 2009, I had just returned home from serving in the army due to being discharged after a mental breakdown. The whole reason I had [...]

Editor and Camera Operator

By |2017-02-10T09:32:02-08:00January 3rd, 2017|Stories, Suicide Prevention, Surviving Suicide|

Suicide. A real curveball. It was a topic I hadn’t thought too hard about until I was asked to shoot video for a suicide documentary — one that has since been titled “The S Word.” I remember my initial coffee meeting with Lisa Klein, the director of the film. She asked me if I would [...]

The “S-Word” Can Also Be the “T-Word”

By |2017-02-10T09:32:09-08:00December 20th, 2016|Stories, Suicide Prevention, Surviving Suicide|

I have had the privilege of knowing and working alongside many people who have survived the loss of a loved one to suicide, and others who have survived their own period of suicidal crisis. I have learned so much from these inspirational individuals. Perhaps the most important thing I have learned is that, “the ‘S’ [...]

After Robin Williams

By |2017-02-10T09:32:43-08:00December 14th, 2016|Stories, Suicide Prevention, Surviving Suicide|

“Excerpts from Rabbi Stacy’s Yom Kippur sermon at Congregation Rodef Sholom in Northern California. Rabbi Stacy delivered this a couple of months after the death of Robin Williams, but the message is still relevant today. This is a piece that pushes through any religious leanings, and strikes the core feelings that surround preconceived notions of mental illness [...]

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You — Yes, You — Can Save a Life

By |2017-02-10T09:32:49-08:00December 6th, 2016|Bipolar, Stories, Suicide Prevention, Surviving Suicide|

A few summers ago I was struggling financially, and as a result, I developed a severe ulcer. Then I found out I had cancer on my nose and would need reconstructive surgery. But the worst was yet to come: the man I loved left me—without a word, without any warning. This combination of events was [...]

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Closure Blooms

By |2017-02-10T09:32:54-08:00November 28th, 2016|Bipolar, Stories, Suicide Prevention, Surviving Suicide|

I tried to kill myself at Yale University when I was a student there 51 years ago. Returning to the 50th Reunion of the class of 1966, the class I didn’t graduate with, I sought closure to what has always been a painful experience.  A friend from those undergraduate years invited me to come. I [...]

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National Survivors of Suicide Loss Day

By |2017-02-10T09:32:58-08:00November 18th, 2016|Stories, Suicide Prevention, Surviving Suicide|

Any time there is a forum for people to talk about their shared experiences – that’s a good thing. Sometimes we just want to be around people who get it – it’s comforting. Having a day set aside to honor or memorialize people who have died by suicide or loved somebody who has, is a [...]

My Story, Rewritten

By |2017-02-10T09:33:03-08:00November 15th, 2016|Bipolar, Mental Health, Stories, Surviving Suicide|

Dark Days: I experienced many dark days from the ages of 4 to 40. I experienced various types of abuse and trauma during those years, and I began having symptoms of mental illness as early as 7. The symptoms weren’t always consistent, and my behavior was misconstrued as, “she is just being a bad girl,” [...]

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And we’re LIVE!

By |2017-02-10T09:33:09-08:00November 7th, 2016|Stories, Suicide Prevention, Surviving Suicide|

"And we're LIVE!" For two years, I start just about every weekly Suicide Prevention Social Media Chat (#SPSM) livestream with those words. Those words weren't intentional. It's just how things turned out. If you want to do a regular social media event about a topic that everyone says no one wants to talk about, I [...]

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The Iron Men of October

By |2017-02-10T09:33:14-08:00October 25th, 2016|Stories, Suicide Prevention, Surviving Suicide|

It is currently October 2016 and, as such, it has been nearly half a century since the formal study of understanding (and preventing) suicide was borne out into its own existence. In these past 50 years there have been many important discoveries and advances, but one thing has NOT changed, suicide remains a leading cause [...]

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Resilience

By |2017-02-10T09:33:20-08:00September 28th, 2016|Mental Health, Stories, Suicide Prevention|

I’ve lost 5 friends to it. I joined 1 of the 6 children’s response teams in the country and was floored at how inhumane I felt the “standardized” response we (society) continue to deploy. There is no intermediate response, so I wanted to empower everyone with the same skill that professionals have so they can [...]

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Waking Up Dead

By |2017-02-10T09:33:26-08:00September 26th, 2016|Stories, Surviving Suicide|

Every night, I would wish that the next morning I would wake up dead. Of course this is technically impossible. It was however a reflection of the deep emotional pain, anguish and hopelessness that I felt for so many years. Waking up dead did not mean waking up with the sudden ability to turn off [...]

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This is the Day that Changed Me

By |2017-02-10T09:33:31-08:00September 23rd, 2016|Stories, Surviving Suicide|

It is 8 am.  I shower.  Dress in black.  Get in the car.  Smoke.   I’m shaky.  A little nervous.  I tell myself I’m not.  Deep breathes.  Focus on driving.  Getting closer.  Maybe 20 minutes.  I’m just a person.  I am nobody.  Am I safe?  Do I trust my doctor?  Do  I trust these people?  Do [...]

The Alchemy of Healing

By |2017-02-10T09:33:42-08:00September 9th, 2016|Mental Health, Stories, Surviving Suicide|

For the last fifteen years, I’ve been “out” as a suicide attempt survivor. I’ve shared publicly what it felt like to be unable to live in my own skin, and what it was like to be a patient receiving treatment after suicide attempts. I’ve shared countless times about how the systems that were supposed to [...]

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Craig Miller: My Story

By |2017-02-10T09:33:51-08:00September 2nd, 2016|Stories, Surviving Suicide|

“Why?” As a suicide attempt survivor I can’t tell you how many times I have sat with people and tried to give them an answer to that question. When doctors would ask I would become frustrated, because they should be the ones with the answers. When family would ask I would feel guilty, because anything [...]

Understanding The S Word

By |2017-06-30T14:31:31-07:00August 26th, 2016|Stories, Surviving Suicide|

I’ve been here before. When the sadness is so thick it can choke me, and I have terrifying thoughts swirling in my mind trying to seduce me with an escape plan from my pain- it can be horrifying, especially because I am a suicide attempt survivor. Being a part of “The S Word” documentary has [...]

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Changing the Conversation around Suicide

By |2017-02-10T09:34:02-08:00May 10th, 2016|Mental Health, Stories, Surviving Suicide|

My name is Lisa Klein and I am currently directing a documentary called The S Word. Try telling someone you’re making a film about suicide and see what their reaction is. A long, uncomfortable silence. A concerned look. Clearing of the throat. Then I launch into my spiel – “It’s not going to be a [...]

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