Karissa Lewis - We're Not Better Off Without You

Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15 to 44.

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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.

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.

We discuss what a lived experience practitioner is, how it is professionalised, and how postvention (done well) is the most incredible prevention.

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.

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 ‘choice’. And we get some scientific evidence of the power of a good cry.

Life is not better off without you.

To watch this incredible episode on YouTube, follow this link:

🫖 Other Imperfects episodes mentioned on this episode

• Dr Emily - Grief Lightening - https://bit.ly/4nijyxP
• Samuel Johnson - A Life of Vulnerability - https://bit.ly/4mK0zvW

📖 Things to read

• Is crying good for you? - https://bit.ly/41ys2Iy
• Zone of Fabulousness by Vikki Reynolds - https://bit.ly/3I0i5Nv

📱Things to download

• Beyond Now - Safety Planning App - https://bit.ly/466T9Mo

💻Things to check out

• Social Futures StandBy Support After Suicide - https://bit.ly/4mHWZ5s
• National Centre for Childhood Grief - https://bit.ly/466ONop
• Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work (there’s lots!)
• Living Works Australia - ASIST 2 Day Course - https://bit.ly/429tNMz

🎟️Things to buy tickets for

• Together Again, Imperfects Live Show - https://bit.ly/47VT9Bc

🚨If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide;

• Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
• 13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Support Line) – 13 92 76
• Please call 000 in an emergency
• StandBy Support After Suicide – 1300 727 247

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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’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

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