EP #1459: The Healing Power of Poetry, Art & Self-Care for Mental Health & Suicide Prevention with "The Hold on Campaign."

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Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Our guest is the internationally acclaimed arts activist, Dr. Diane Kaufman. Dr. Kaufman is a poet, artist, humanism-in-medicine awardee, retired child psychiatrist, and founder/director of the Hold On Campaign for Suicide Prevention. The Hold On Campaign uses the power of art to connect, express, and heal. Dr.Kaufman is a suicide attempt and suicide loss survivor who has Bipolar II Disorder. We explore Dr. Kaufman’s journey of lived mental health experiences, both personal and professional, including the impact of her own suicide attempt, and a family member, friend who was also a co-worker, patients, and celebrities dying by suicide, that ultimately inspired the creation of the Hold On Campaign. We discuss the myths about suicide, navigating mental health challenges both internally (thoughts and feelings) and externally (family and relationships), breaking through silence, shame, and stigma, and reaching out for help to receive support and treatment. How suicidal thinking and mental illness effects our ability to think clearly, regulate emotions, have hope, and see purpose and meaning in life are topics of discussion, as well as how the expressive arts can play an important role in healing. In addition, Dr. Kaufman’s internationally award-winning songs on behalf of mental health well-being (she is the lyricist) and the true stories behind these songs are shared. Spreading awareness of the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline number is emphasized. To learn more about the Hold On Campaign for Suicide Prevention please see www.holdoncampaign.org.