Welcome to the Never the Same Podcast! Today, we dive into the science of suicide prevention with Jacinta Hawgood, a clinical psychologist, senior lecturer, and researcher at Griffith University.

Host Tony Pisani is joined by Jacinta, a leader in the field with nearly 25 years of experience, to discuss how structured approaches like the STARS Protocol are reshaping conversations about suicide. Together, they explore:

• How STARS (Systematic Tailored Assessment for Responding to Suicidality) bridges structured tools and personal stories.
• Why protective factors and client-driven care are essential for meaningful interventions.
• How suicide prevention is evolving, with new roles for non-clinical professionals and lived experience leaders.
• The biggest misconceptions about suicide, including fears around asking direct questions.

Jacinta also reflects on her career, how her thinking has changed over time, and why listening deeply is at the heart of effective care.

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(c) 2024. SafeSide Media, LLC.

In this episode, Dr. Tony Pisani, Kristina Mossgraber, and Dr. Melissa Dundas discuss the critical role primary care providers play in youth suicide prevention. They share personal insights, professional experiences, and practical strategies to support young people beyond just referrals to mental health services.

They cover how to build trust with youth, recognize warning signs, and create a culture of safety within healthcare settings and communities. Whether you're a clinician, educator, parent, or caregiver, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for fostering connection and providing effective support.

Note: This episode was originally released in 2023 through a collaboration with Aetna as “Practical Advice About Youth Suicide Prevention in Primary Care”. We loved this chat with Dr Dundas so much we wanted to share it again with our Never the Same Audience.

Guests:
Kristina Mossgraber is a suicide prevention advocate with lived experience and part of SafeSide’s faculty, dedicated to improving support systems for those struggling with mental health.
Dr. Melissa Dundas is a pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist passionate about integrating mental health support into primary care.

Host:

Dr. Tony Pisani is a clinical psychologist and educational media lead at SafeSide Prevention.

Mentioned Resources:

• Evidence-based suicide-specific treatments.
• Safety planning intervention.
• Improving cultural competence
• Reformulating Suicide Risk Formulation, foreseeable changes.

If you or someone you know needs support:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (US): 988
• Lifeline (Australia) - 1800 551 800
• Lifeline (New Zealand) - Phone: 0800 543 354 or Text 4357

Production Credits:
Hannah Mang, Senior Video Editor and Producer
Annie Lewis, Content and Communications Manager
Luke Pisani, Music

(c) 2024. SafeSide Media, LLC.

Dr. Tony Pisani interviews Dr. Arielle Sheftall, a leading researcher in youth suicide prevention, about the crucial issue of suicide among children and pre-teens. Dr. Sheftall shares insights from her work on understanding and preventing suicide in young people, particularly addressing the rising rates among Black youth. This conversation covers the importance of direct communication about suicide with young people, the role of cultural understanding in prevention, and how to build protective factors for at-risk youth.

Key moments include discussions about:
Breaking stigma around youth mental health
How to talk with children about suicide
The impact of family and community support
Cultural considerations in suicide prevention
Resources for families and professionals

If you or someone you know needs support:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (US): 988
Lifeline (Australia) - 1800 551 800
Lifeline (New Zealand) - Phone: 0800 543 354 or Text 4357

Production Credits:
Hannah Mang, Senior Video Editor and Producer
Annie Lewis, Content and Communications Manager
Luke Pisani, Music