Before You Kill Yourself: a suicide prevention podcast.

In today's episode we discuss:What we often do when suicidal urges riseWhy small, immediate actions can be life-savingThe psychology behind choosing connection over isolationHow resistance, not resolution, can carry us through a crisisSimple decisions that protect life in the most fragile momentsIf you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

In today's episode we explore the quiet but powerful human need for touch—and how its absence can deepen despair and loneliness, especially for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.Why asking “Who thinks about sex more?” misses the deeper question of touchHow men and women often experience and imagine touch differentlyThe evolutionary and emotional roots of skin hungerWhy physical contact—non-sexual, non-romantic—can be life-savingReal-world insights from survivors and ways to reach out, or be reachedIf you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

Lauren Henry Brehm joined the podcast to discuss her book The French Court: Essays from One Family's Legacy of Mental Illness and her journey through mental health, family trauma, and personal transformation.Opened up about her grandmother’s undiagnosed OCD and its generational impactShared her own suicide attempt and living with Autism Spectrum DisorderReflected on her divorce after 29 years of marriageDescribed her experience in the psychiatric ER and ongoing therapyDiscussed psychiatric medications: Cymbalta, Buspar, Lamictal, TrazodoneMemorable quotes:“I don’t want to escape my life, I just don’t want it to hurt so much.”“A smile is the shortest distance between two people.”“I learned that I have something to offer everyone.”Purchase Book: https://tinyurl.com/French-Court Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

In this episode, we explore the subtle, often missed moments of human connection—and what they reveal about our deeper needs.A brief exchange with a mailman sparks reflection on communication and misunderstandingThe physical sensation of a missed connection—what it tells usWhy we often choose efficiency or comfort over connectionHow being unseen can create deep emotional painThe power of pausing, noticing, and trying again—with empathyThrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.In this episode:Learn why emotions are like storms and feelings are the stories we tell about themDiscover how movement helps with emotions, while naming helps with feelingsExplore a simple 3-step tool for when you're in crisis:Name the feelingNotice the story you're tellingIdentify what you need right nowHear how this awareness can keep you grounded in your most overwhelming moments

Dive into the emotional landscapes of conversation with insights on pillow talk, couch talk, and kitchen talk. Each setting offers a unique space for vulnerability, self-reflection, and dynamic discussions. Discover how to have meaningful dialogues with yourself and the importance of these settings in forming connections. Historical and literary examples enrich the conversation, making the exploration both entertaining and thought-provoking.

In today's episode we discuss: Explore the life and legacy of Boeing whistleblower John BarnettHear key excerpts from his powerful final noteAnalyze the emotions, thoughts, needs, and wants expressed in his writingDiscuss the impact of workplace retaliation on mental healthReflect on how systems meant to protect whistleblowers may fail themOffer resources for those struggling with suicidal thoughtsThrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

In this episode Jess Feliciano shares:What led to her first suicide attemptWhy breakups and heartache are so painfulWhy therapy is not enough to heal usHow to trust yourself to love againHow to set boundaries and communicate needsEfficacy of Dialectical Behavioral TherapyHow getting ice cream led to communityIf you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

We discuss ways we isolate and how to slowly emerge to re-engage with the world around us.

We discuss Tony Stark's (yes, that's his real name) three suicide attempts and his road to creating a life worth living.Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.