Karissa Lewis - We're Not Better Off Without You

About this episode

<p>Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15 to 44.</p> <p>💌&nbsp;subscribe to our newsletter, <em>my imperfect email,</em> here - <a href="http://bit.ly/45NyQDy">http://bit.ly/45NyQDy</a></p> <p>On average in Australia, 9 people die by suicide each day, and for every suicide, it is suggested 135 people find themselves in the impact zone.</p> <p>Today we speak to Karissa Lewis, a lived experience practitioner, who sits with those in perhaps their darkest moment, in the hours, days and weeks after someone they know has died by suicide.</p> <p>We discuss what a lived experience practitioner is, how it is professionalised, and how postvention (done well) is the most incredible prevention.</p> <p>Going into specifics, Ryan asks Karissa what the impact zone is like in a school environment, and how you can know what to say, what to do, and how to talk to children about suicide with honesty and age-appropriate language.</p> <p>Karissa is candid with Hugh, Ryan, and Josh about the stigma of suicide, which prompts Josh to share a story about the complicated nature of the word &lsquo;choice&rsquo;. And we get some scientific evidence of the power of a good cry.</p> <p>Life is not better off without you.</p> <p>To watch this incredible episode on YouTube, follow this link:</p> <p>🫖&nbsp;Other Imperfects episodes mentioned on this episode</p> <ul> <li>Dr Emily - Grief Lightening - <a href="https://bit.ly/4nijyxP">https://bit.ly/4nijyxP</a></li> <li>Samuel Johnson - A Life of Vulnerability - <a href="https://bit.ly/4mK0zvW">https://bit.ly/4mK0zvW</a></li> </ul> <p>📖&nbsp;Things to read</p> <ul> <li>Is crying good for you? - <a href="https://bit.ly/41ys2Iy">https://bit.ly/41ys2Iy</a></li> <li>Zone of Fabulousness by Vikki Reynolds - <a href="https://bit.ly/3I0i5Nv">https://bit.ly/3I0i5Nv</a></li> </ul> <p>📱Things to download</p> <ul> <li>Beyond Now - Safety Planning App - <a href="https://bit.ly/466T9Mo">https://bit.ly/466T9Mo</a></li> </ul> <p>💻Things to check out</p> <ul> <li>Social Futures StandBy Support After Suicide - <a href="https://bit.ly/4mHWZ5s">https://bit.ly/4mHWZ5s</a></li> <li>National Centre for Childhood Grief - <a href="https://bit.ly/466ONop">https://bit.ly/466ONop</a></li> <li>Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work (there&rsquo;s lots!)</li> <li>Living Works Australia - ASIST 2 Day Course - <a href="https://bit.ly/429tNMz">https://bit.ly/429tNMz</a></li> </ul> <p>🎟️Things to buy tickets for</p> <ul> <li>Together Again, Imperfects Live Show - <a href="https://bit.ly/47VT9Bc">https://bit.ly/47VT9Bc</a></li> </ul> <p>🚨If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide;</p> <ul> <li>Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.</li> <li>13YARN (Aboriginal &amp; Torres Strait Islander Crisis Support Line) &ndash; 13 92 76</li> <li>Please call 000 in an emergency</li> <li>StandBy Support After Suicide &ndash; 1300 727 247</li> </ul> <p>🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase the Vulnerabilitea House Cards here -&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz">http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz</a></p> <p>🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel)&nbsp;<em>My Imperfect Life,</em>&nbsp;click here -&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz">http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz</a></p> <p>🩵To join our patreon community, <em>A Little More Imperfects,</em> follow this link - <a href="http://bit.ly/4mqunxu">http://bit.ly/4mqunxu</a></p> <p>🩷 AND you can subscribe to <em>A Little More Imperfects</em> through Apple Podcasts too, here - <a href="http://bit.ly/4mq5BO5">http://bit.ly/4mq5BO5</a></p> <p>The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you&rsquo;re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>