Mental illness ran in Meg's family. Suicide forced them to talk about it.
Nov 18, 2023
auto_awesome
Meg Kissinger, a journalist covering mental health, shares personal experiences and insights on suicide, breaking the silence and stigma, her family's experience with mental illness, the impact on the family, lack of mental health care, and confronting personal trauma through stories of mental illness.
Growing up in the 1960's and 70's, there was a lack of understanding and language around mental illness, contributing to shame and secrecy surrounding the topic.
Discussing mental health openly and offering love, understanding, and direct support can help individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Deep dives
Growing up in a family affected by mental illness
Meg Kissinger reflects on her experience growing up in a family with mental illness, discussing the lack of understanding and language around the topic at the time.
The impact of mental illness on Meg's family
Meg shares the struggles her family faced with her sister Nancy's mental health issues and subsequent suicide attempts, highlighting the shame and secrecy surrounding mental illness during that era.
Lessons learned and advice for discussing suicide
Meg discusses the importance of discussing mental health and suicide openly, based on her personal experiences and years of reporting on the topic. She emphasizes the necessity of love, understanding, and asking direct questions to offer support to those struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Pulitzer prize finalist Meg Kissinger grew up in the 1960's and 70's, steeped in feelings of shame and guilt about the mental illness that plagued her family.
Now a journalist covering mental health, she's made it her mission to share stories of lost loved ones and the systems that failed them.
This episode explores the topic of suicide. Please take care while listening and don't hesitate to reach out for support if you need it. You can reach Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode