Episodes
Welcome to the Leaving the Valley podcast. We want you to join our conversation.
We hope you’ll listen, learn, and share. We also would love to hear from you. Leave us a comment and become an active part of our mental health community.
Episode 069 : TBA
We’re taking a hiatus while Kimi has her second baby (due early 2023). Check our social media for updates about our return. Happy Holidays!
Episode 068 : The Suicidal Thoughts Workbook w/ Dr. Gordon, Part II
In the conclusion of our chat with Dr. Kathryn Hope Gordon, author of “The Suicidal Thoughts Workbook,” we examine one of the leading causes for suicidal thinking: the end of a relationship. It is well understood that…
Episode 067 : The Suicidal Thoughts Workbook w/ Dr. Gordon, Part I
We often discuss that the road to meaningful change involves putting one foot in front of the other day after day. This is true for long term goals like learning a new language, for example. You practice …
Episode 066 : Challenges to Latin American Mental Health
We continue part II of our conversation with Clara Rosenzweig, Director of Vecino Health Centers, a low cost/no cost mental health provider in Houston, Texas. Vecino Health emphasizes care in a…
Episode 065 : Honoring the Dead - Dia de los Muertos & the Challenge of Suicide
We look at the Mexican tradition of Dia de los Muertos. Our special guest, Clara Rosenzweig, Licensed Professional Counselor and Director of Vecino Health Centers, shares memories of growing up in Mexico…
Episode 064 : Showing Up to a Suicide, Part II
In the conclusion of our talk with Fire Captain Scott Shaunfield, we zoom out and look at the broader effects of traumatic stress on First Responders. We ask Capt. Shaunfield to illuminate the damage…
Episode 063 : Showing Up to a Suicide, Part I
In the conclusion of our talk with Fire Captain Scott Shaunfield, we zoom out and look at the broader effects of traumatic stress on First Responders. We ask Capt. Shaunfield to illuminate what this type work related…
Episode 062 : Myth BUSTED -- No One Will Miss Me When I'm Gone
In our series on busting myths that surround mental health, we examine common misconceptions around the topic of suicide. Today, we talk about something that we’ve heard from many suicidal people, “No one will miss…
Episode 061 : 988 -- The Conversation Continues, Part II
We continue our conversation about the purpose and function of 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. As with our prior episode, we take a hard look at some of the opinions shared in a post about 988. It seems fair to describe…
Episode 060 : 988 -- The Conversation Continues, Part I
One of our absolute favorite things is getting feedback from our audience. In today’s episode, we discuss an online post that an audience member shared with us about 988, the new Suicide and Crisis Lifeline…
Episode 059 : We Call 988
Major mental health news! The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has a new 3-digit phone number, 988. This is a huge victory for mental health advocates! This new number is much easier to remember than…
Episode 058 : Losing Two Brothers to Suicide, Part II
We continue our heartfelt conversation in part II of our chat with special guest, Dennis Gillan. Dennis has the unfortunate distinction of having lost two brothers to suicide over the span of eleven years…
Episode 057 : Losing Two Brothers to Suicide, Part I
Losing one brother to suicide is an unimaginable grief. Our guest today, Dennis Gillan, lost two brothers to suicide over the span of 11 years. Dennis has transformed his misery into his mission and now runs a suicide…
Episode 056 : LGBTQ+ Youth & Suicide, Part II
In part two of our series on LGBTQ+ youth and their elevated risk for suicide, we finish our chat with Austin Davis Ruiz (he/him) of the Montrose Center. The Montrose Center is an affirming space for Houston’s LGBTQ+ …
Episode 055 : LGBTQ+ Youth & Suicide, Part I
When we discuss groups that are more at risk for suicide, amongst the most vulnerable, are LGBTQ+ youth. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people. LGBTQ+ young people are more than 4x…
Episode 054 : Jay's Journey, Part II
In part II of our chat with Jay Shifman, public speaker and host of the “Choose Your Struggle” podcast, we talk about his road to recovery. Jay describes the days after his unsuccessful attempts to end…
Episode 053 : Jay's Journey, Part I
What happens if the medicines you’re prescribed are actually making you worse, not better? What happens if the doctor you turn to for help isn’t helping? Our guest, Jay Shifman, public speaker and…
Episode 052 : The Science Behind Suicide
What does the research behind suicide help us understand about those who end their lives? What do we need to understand about suicide in order to keep those we love safe?
Episode 051 : What Have We Learned About Suicide Prevention?
Oh my, it’s episode 51! Wow! We have learned so much on suicide prevention that we wanted to pause or a moment and recap. Suicide is a taboo topic. Incredibly common, but rarely discussed openly.
Episode 050 : Juvenile Justice & Suicide, Part II
In part two of our conversation on suicide prevention in juvenile detention centers, Dr. Leah Saulter, describes how “dorm culture” affects attitudes towards being put on suicide alert…
Episode 049 : Juvenile Justice & Suicide, Part I
Suicide is the number one cause of death in the juvenile justice system. Though the numbers of completed suicides annually are relatively low, suicide attempts an threats of suicide in the…
If rich, famous, beautiful people can die by suicide, what does that mean for the rest of us? The recent suicide of Cheslie, Miss USA 2019, was shocking. Research supports that after a high-profile person dies…
Episode 047 : Anger & Suicide, Part II
In part two of our conversation, we look at how anger may be part of the grieving process when we lose someone to suicide. Anger is a normal stage in processing loss. When suicide is involved…
Episode 046 : Anger & Suicide, Part I
We often think of depression as a possible symptom for suicide, but anger can also become lethal. Excessive anger if often a sign of depression. In fact, anger is usually a mask we wear to hide how sad…
Episode 045 : You Say You Want a Resolution?
It’s a new year…again?! So why does it feel like nothing’s changed? The idea of “resolution” mean something has ended, but for many of us the reality of COVID-19 is still not over. In that case, does it even make…
Episode 044 : Avoid Harmful Therapy
Can therapy ever be harmful? That’s the question that first sprang to my mind when talking with an acquaintance about her problematic experiences in counseling. Luckily, I knew a great therapist I could…
Episode 043 : Surviving the Holidays
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… or is it? There is so much to do and so little time to do it. Let’s face it, the holidays are tough. Whether you’re navigating tricky family dynamics or simply feeling…
Episode 042 : A Warrior's Journey: Overcoming PTSD and Suicidal Thoughts, Part II
In the conclusion of our conversation with Sergeant Aaron Quinonez (Sgt. Q), we learn about his long road towards getting diagnosed with PTSD and his advice for dealing with a mental health crisis…
Episode 041 : A Warrior's Journey: Overcoming PTSD and Suicidal Thoughts, Part I
In this special episode, we talk with Sgt. Aaron Quinonez (Sgt. Q) about his personal journey in overcoming childhood trauma, homelessness, two tours of duty in Iraq, PTSD, and suicidal ideation…
Episode 040 : Shame & Suicide
Shame around suicide is pervasive and exists in many different forms. We may feel ashamed if we’ve lost someone to suicide. We may feel shame if we’ve ever had suicidal thoughts. We sometimes even use…
Episode 039 : Why Won't Therapy Work, Part II
Why do some people claim, “Therapy didn’t work fro me”? In part two of our series, we discuss some of the issues that stand in the way of success in therapy. Some quit before they’ve really given the process…
Episode 038 : Why Won't Therapy Work, Part I- I Know Better
We’ve heard it before. “Therapy can’t work for me! My problems are too complicated!” Or “My friends know me better.” Or a million other reasons why people are skeptical to reach out to a mental health…
Episode 037 : Postpartum Mental Health & Suicide, Part IV
We’ve spent the last several episodes establishing what PMADs are and how they may develop. In this episode we want to talk specifically about how PMADs, especially if left untreated, may influence suicidal…
Episode 036 : Postpartum Mental Health & Suicide, Part III
In the third part of our conversation with Sherry Duson from the Center for Postpartum Family Health, we focus on some of the most hot button issues for new parents: Breastfeeding vs formula…
Episode 035 : Postpartum Mental Health & Suicide, Part II
In this episode we continue to explore the relationship between Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) and suicide with our guest Sherry Duson. She shares her knowledge on the sense of shame…
Episode 034 : Postpartum Mental Health & Suicide, Part I
Suicide is a leading cause of maternal death in the first year following childbirth. Yet, the importance of postpartum mental health is rarely discussed during pregnancy. Having a new baby is supposed to be…
Episode 033 : Grieving a Suicide, Part II
We continue our conversation with Whitcomb Terpening of the Semicolon Group on grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide. In this episode, we focus on the idea of how you “should” remember…
Episode 032 : Grieving a Suicide, Part I
We’ve spent the majority of our podcast covering suicide prevention. This week, we’re focusing on mourning the loss of someone to suicide. Particularly, we’re looking at feelings of grief when someone dies…
Episode 031 : The Workplace & Suicide
This week, we received a great question about what to do if you suspect your colleague is suicidal. People are beginning to return to public spaces after over a year of social distancing…
Episode 030 : Firearms & Suicide
Our mission on Leaving The Valley is to help reduce suicides. You simply cannot have a conversation about suicide prevention and not talk about weapons. Accessibility of a firearm leads to an increased…
Episode 029 : Mental Illness & Suicide
One of the most high risk groups for suicide are people with a mental illness. Unfortunately, 15% of people with a mental illness will die by suicide. Mental illness is a real illness and widely misunderstood…
Episode 028 : Veterans & Suicide
On average, 17 Veterans die a day from suicide. Veterans are one of the most high-risk groups for suicide. Many Veterans have experienced long absences from their family and friends which may present…
Episode 027 : Is Suicide Contagious?
Suicidal thoughts are not contagious the way viruses or germs are, but it is well researched that suicides may occur in clusters. There is also usually a spike in the number of suicides after a well-know figure dies…
Episode 026 : Myth Busted: They're Not "Really" Suicidal
One of the biggest obstacles in suicide prevention is that many people don’t believe someone when they’re suicidal. As we speak, there are people debating whether Meghan Markle, was “really suicidal…
Episode 025 : Breakups & Suicide
Breaking up STINKS! It’s hard even under the best of circumstances. After a breakup, people often describe feelings of depressions, anxiety, and isolation. The CDC reports that after breakups people are also…
Episode 024 : First Responders & Suicide, Part II
In Part II of our conversation, we explore the substantial difference in suicide rates between First Responders and the general population. Research suggests that police officers may be 50% more suicidal…
Episode 023 : First Responders & Suicide, Part I
First Responders, such as firefighters, police, and EMS, risk their lives to respond to our emergencies. The courage and bravery that these individuals possess is extraordinary. However, they see untold tragedy…
Episode 022 : New Year...Now What?
2020 for was one heck of a hard year. Never has one year taken such a toll in so many different ways. We are politically and physically divided unlike ever before…and yet there is also a sense of a breaking dawn…
Episode 021 : Talking Teen Mental Health, Part III- Advice for Parents
In the conclusion of our conversation with guest, Natalie Alyssa Sanchez, recent high school grad and advocate for teenage mental health, we learn about where teens get advice and who they confide…
Episode 020 : Talking Teen Mental Health Part, II- Facing the Suicide of Peers
We’re continuing the conversation with our guest, Natalie Alyssa Sanchez, recent high school graduate and advocate for teenage mental health. In Part II of our talk the theme of teen and pre-teen suicide…
Episode 019 : Talking Teen Mental Health, Part I- COVID 19 & Teen Mental Health
We’ve talked at length about what parents should know in order to help stop youth suicide. For this episode we’re exploring how COVID-19 may have affected teen mental health. We invited a special guest…
Episode 018 : What Parents Should Know About Suicide, Part III
In the conclusion of our three part series on youth suicide, we explore information for the parents of young adults. Additionally, we discuss questions from parents that are important regardless of the age…
Episode 017 : What Parents Should Know About Suicide, Part II
In Part II of our series we continue our conversation about what parents should know about youth suicide. Today we’ll be narrowing in on how you to know if your child is suicidal. In addition, we divide…
Episode 016 : What Parents Should Know About Suicide, Part I
We’re beginning a three part series on what parents should know about suicide. We felt like it was time to begin exploring this topic because we’ve received questions from our audience around this…
Episode 015 : Myth BUSTED: Don't Ask, "Are You Suicidal?"
Many people worry, “Is it bad to ask someone if they’re suicidal?” We may believe that just by asking, we could put a dangerous idea in someone’s head. However, the reality is that’s NOT TRUE….
Episode 014 : Substance Abuse and Suicide
Abusing drugs and alcohol can have a huge effect on our physical and emotional health. However, can substance abuse really increase the risk for suicide? Simply put, yes…
Episode 013 : PTSD and Suicide, Part II- Why Are They Linked?
In Part II of our series on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, we ask why does PTSD have a relationship to suicide? The severe symptoms, lack of a safe space, and demographic make up of some of the groups more…
Episode 012 : PTSD and Suicide, Part I- What Is PTSD?
We’ve been talking about mental health conditions that have an unfortunate relationship to suicide. This week we begin a two part series on PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and suicide. In Part I…
Episode 011 : Depression and Suicide
Depression is a word that is commonly used to describe different levels of sadness. Sometimes, we say someone’s depressed when they’ve suffered a great loss. Other times we say we’re depressed after we…
Episode 010 : Myth- Only "Crazy" People Think About Suicide
We’re excited to be starting an on-going segment on our show where we look at various misconceptions and myths that surround suicide. We’re kicking this new segment off by looking at the most common…
Episode 009 : Is There a "Cure" for Suicide?
Can suicide be cured? Well, that probably depends on how you define “cure.” If you’re looking for a pill or a shot that will make someone’s thoughts of suicide go away, that option doesn’t exist…
Episode 008 : Hospitalization for Suicide
For some, dark thoughts may get so severe or imminent that it is time to discuss hospitalization for suicide. Many of us may be scared of what could happen if we, or someone we love, needs to be hospitalized…
Episode 007 : How to Find a Therapist for Thoughts of Suicide
In an ideal world, we’d all know exactly how we’re feeling. We’d be honest with ourselves. Likewise, we’d be candid when talking to others. In the real world, though, we’re not always clear…
Episode 006 : Antidepressants and Suicidal Thoughts
Antidepressants for suicidal thoughts are commonly used with people at risk. In fact, medications for depression are among the most frequently prescribed drugs in the country…
Episode 005 : What Does Treatment for Suicide Look Like?
There are many forms of treatment for suicide, which may include medication, talk therapy, or a combination of the two. In a worst case scenario, calling 911 or hospitalization may be necessary.
Episode 004 : Suicide and Global Crisis
COVID-19 and the economic global crisis will likely lead to a rise in suicide attempts. A federal helpline experienced an 891% increase in calls for assistance in March 2020 over the previous year…
Episode 003 : COVID-19 & Good Mental Health (Especially If You Are Suicidal)
Let’s face it the current situation stinks. Overnight, COVID-19 crashed our world: our health, economy, even our social relationships, and some of us have lost even more. We are all struggling to adjust…
Episode 002 : What to Do If Someone You Care About is Suicidal
How can you help if someone you care about is suicidal? According to the Center for Disease Control in 2016, 91.4% of people who died by suicide told someone else of their plans…
Episode 001 : What to Do If YOU Are Suicidal
How do you know if YOU are suicidal? Most people are not great judges at knowing if their thoughts are dangerous. There is a tendency to deny or try to hide how bad we are feeling…
Episode 000 : Welcome to Leaving The Valley
Hello and welcome to “Leaving The Valley.” We’re having a father-daughter talk about suicide. Why? Well, because suicide, unfortunately, is all too common…