E014 Elisa Brewer-Singh Suicide Concepts and Myths

Let’s Be Well Together Podcast - Episode 14
Date: May 3, 2022

Participants: John Webster, Sammy Damaren, Julie Wilson, Cameron Earnshaw and Sheila Webster
Guest: Elisa Brewer-Singh

Start times and Segment Segments:

[0:00:19] What’s On Your Mind: Sheila and Sammy explore the giver syndrome. Human givers are expected to give time and money and love and more. Others benefit from it. Givers feel that they must always be happy and pretty and calm and generous and more. That’s tough sometimes. We need to include ourselves and give ourselves time. We can also ask for help.

[0:09:35] Expanding Minds Interview: [Social and Mental Wellness] We’re joined by Elisa Brewer-Singh of the Waterloo Suicide Prevention Council, for the first to two interviews. This one focuses on general concepts and myths associated with suicide.

Link: Language Matters: Safe Communication for Suicide Prevention

Support contacts:
Canada Suicide Prevention Service – available 24/7 – 1-833-456-4566
In Kitchener-Waterloo – Here 24/7 - Addictions, Mental Health & Crisis Services Waterloo – Wellington –
1-844-437-3247

[0:24:25] Adventures of the Starving Artist: Cameron talks with mixing engineer Charles Volk, who started up his very own music industry business. They share a degree of awkwardness that many artists feel about simultaneously pursuing art and ensuring that they earn based on what they are worth.
Connect with Charles on Instagram: @charleshenryvolk
or on his website: https://www.charleshenryvolk.com

[0:35:54] Move That Body: Julie and John wish they could snack after supper, but that doesn’t work for either of them. So what can they do? Herbal tea anyone?

[0:39:48] Running Popup: John explains why he doesn’t connect with feeling “proud”, but more often feels deeply “appreciative”.

[0:43:50] Flipside of the Coin: Sheila and John had an amazing experience at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, years back. They enjoy the memory.

Quotes and Take-Aways:

Sheila – I do enjoy it. I am a giver and I like making people happy. I like the outcome. It brings joy to my life. But I must put myself into one of the groups of the people I need to make happy.

Sammy – We could think about what can we do, as givers. One thing we can do is to say “no”. When I’m anxious or I have too much on my plate, it’s okay to say “no” and to set boundaries.

Elisa – A really common definition of suicide, which is often shares is: Suicide is an attempt to solve a problem of intense emotional pain, but with impaired problem solving skills.

Elisa – The phrase “commit suicide” has become an outdated phrase. Oftentimes it implied a moral failing. Instead we’ve shifted that language to “died by suicide”, which is judgment neutral.

Elisa – There are a number of myths about suicide we often share about.

  • For example, one which will often hinder a conversation is that talking about suicide will give a person the idea to consider suicide.

  • Another example is that suicides occur without warning. Most often there have been prior warning signs, or as we like to call them an invitations for help.

Charles – Don’t rush. Every time I’ve tried to rush anything, it’s backfired on me. I would feel frustrated if things were not going as fast as I wanted, and then I would beat myself up about it. Playing the long game works better, and understanding it’s really going to take time. You have way more time than you think.

Bulletin Board Quote brought to you by Sammy: They might think, Sheila’s being very rude. She’s not doing what I want her to do.

Guest Information:
Elisa Brewer-Singh is the Executive Director for the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council. She brings her passion for suicide prevention and a master’s degree in Spiritual Care and Counselling from Wilfrid Laurier University which she uses to support the dialogue around suicide, advocate for better access to services and supports, and journey alongside individuals bereaved by suicide. Elisa’s work includes a Regional, Provincial, and National focus on providing hope, help, and healing for those who have been touched by suicide. Her desire is to see communities where everyone is engaged in the work of suicide prevention, intervention and postvention (hope, help and healing). Outside of her work, she enjoys spending time with her family including her husband, two sons and dog, and can often be found listening to music, playing board games or reading a good book.

Website for Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council: https://wrspc.ca

Connect with Let’s Be Well Together Podcast:
website: https://letsbewelltogether.com
Follow our Instagram account: @lets.be.well.together⁠ use hashtag #letsbewelltogetherpodcast
Provide input on Instagram using hashtag #letsbewelltogetherinput
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Lets.Be.Well.Together

Thanks for joining us,
(-(-_(-_-)_-)-)   Your wellness check-in team
John, Sammy, Cameron, Sheila and Julie

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E015 Elisa Brewer-Singh Suicide and Seeking Help

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E013 Adrian DeCoo Helping People is Rewarding