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Predisposition and the Invisible Unravelling

Where suicide risk begins — quietly, invisibly. This episode explores the earliest, often overlooked signs of emotional unraveling through the metaphor of FABRIC: Fragile sense of self, Alienation, Burdensomeness, Repetitive rumination, Inescapable circumstances, and Curtain of despair.

Before there are plans, before there are words, there are feelings — of being hollow, disconnected, stuck, or unseen. These are not yet cries for death, but whispers of disconnection from life.

Through Ari’s story and clinical reflection, we learn how to recognise these early warning threads and respond with presence, not panic. We explore how careful, curious questions can help surface what hurts — and what still matters.

This is where prevention begins: not in fixing, but in noticing.

Connect with Assoc Prof Manaan Kar Ray on Linkedin
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STEPS 4 HOPE: Suicide Prevention Through Story, Song & Meaning

Welcome to PROTECT (Season 4), a podcast where suicide prevention meets story, values, and the quiet power of music. Hosted by Dr. Manaan Kar Ray, psychiatrist, educator, and creator of the STEPS and HOPE frameworks, this series blends narrative, metaphor, and original music to explore how we can respond with presence and purpose to life’s most fragile moments.

Each episode follows Ari’s story—a tapestry of struggle, meaning, and recovery—and invites listeners into the emotional and clinical landscapes of suicide prevention. Grounded in values-based therapy and ACT principles, STEPS for HOPE is both poetic and practical, designed for health professionals, lived experience advocates, and anyone walking alongside someone in pain.

You’ll hear:

• Story passages from the STEPS for HOPE books
• Original songs created to capture the soul of the story
• Reflections on how to notice, respond, and reweave meaning after distress

This is not a podcast of quick fixes. It’s a space for reflection, compassion, and learning to hold hope—even in the fray.

Visit ATLAS.

Connect with Assoc Prof Manaan Kar Ray on Linkedin
Follow us on www.progress.guide

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Explore Sunny's Values Scouts

Wrapping Up The Courage to Explore

In this heartfelt final episode of 2024, the PROTECT Podcast explores the profound value of inner strength as Sunny meets his new guide, Goro the Gorilla. Through a challenging climb up a rocky hillside, Goro teaches Sunny that true strength isn’t about physical power—it’s about resilience, patience, and the determination to keep going, one step at a time.

Dr. Manaan Kar Ray and Mahi reflect on the interconnected values from The Courage to Explore: courage with Leo, adventure with Max, curiosity with Milo, wonder with Hazel, and now inner strength with Goro. Each value builds on the others, forming a foundation for resilience and growth.

The episode also delves into the role of inner strength in mental health, highlighting its importance for navigating stress, building emotional resilience, and supporting others with kindness and compassion. Dr. Kar Ray discusses the vital role inner strength plays for mental health practitioners and the importance of self-care in sustaining their work.

As this special episode marks the end of the year, Mahi bids farewell (for now) as she prepares for her next adventure studying medicine in the UK. Dr. Kar Ray takes a moment to celebrate her growth as a host, storyteller, and voice artist, sharing heartfelt wishes for her journey ahead.

Filled with warmth and wisdom, the episode closes with festive Christmas wishes and a reflection on how the values of The Courage to Explore can guide your New Year’s resolutions. Join us again in January 2025 for The Art of Wisdom, starting with the value of wisdom itself.

May your holidays be filled with courage, adventure, curiosity, wonder, and strength. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Connect with Assoc Prof Manaan Kar Ray on Linkedin
Follow us on www.progress.guide