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cover of episode Chris & Martha Thomas | The Defensive Line: The Thomas’s on Suicide Prevention and Community Initiatives

Chris & Martha Thomas | The Defensive Line: The Thomas’s on Suicide Prevention and Community Initiatives

2024/9/19
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Mick Unplugged
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Chris Thomas：我们创立"防御线"的初衷是为了预防青少年自杀，特别是针对有色人种青少年。我们通过分享个人经历，教育他人，减少耻辱感，促进公开诚实的对话。我们与AFSP、达克·普雷斯科特的Faith by Finish等组织合作，在学校、大学和社区开展讲习班和主题演讲，提高人们识别和应对心理健康问题的意识和能力。我们制定了具体的行动计划，帮助人们更好地应对心理健康问题，并提供本地资源，例如988危机热线。我们强调主动询问是否想自杀，这不会加重病情，反而可能帮助对方。我们也澄清了一些关于自杀的误解，例如自杀的原因是多方面的，任何人都可以帮助处于危机中的人，以及制定自杀计划并不意味着无法劝退等。我们倡导使用"die by suicide"代替"commit suicide"，以减少污名化。 Martha Thomas：公开谈论心理健康，表达爱与关怀，寻求帮助并非软弱。我们关注整体健康（身心灵），并进行积极的沟通，才能解决问题。参与公益活动是走出悲痛，并采取行动的关键一步。倾听比说话更重要，要以同理心对待他人感受。将心理健康融入日常家庭对话中，深入了解他人的感受，并持续关注。行为改变是识别心理健康问题的关键信号。一些行为变化（如孤立、赠送珍贵物品）可能是心理健康问题的信号。寻求帮助，并与值得信赖的人沟通，记住你不是孤单的。自杀不是解决问题的办法，寻求帮助可以让你渡过难关。有色人种也容易遭受自杀的影响，需要关注。表达脆弱并非软弱，建立社区支持至关重要。通过社交媒体关注我们，并参与我们的活动，可以支持我们的工作。我们计划扩大培训项目，以覆盖更广泛的人群。

Deep Dive

Chapters
Mick introduces Martha and Chris Thomas, co-founders of The Defensive Line, a nonprofit dedicated to youth suicide prevention. They discuss turning personal tragedy into action, inspired by their daughter Ella, and the importance of open conversations about mental health.
  • The Defensive Line aims to prevent youth suicide, especially among young people of color.
  • The Thomas family turned their grief into action after losing their daughter, Ella.
  • Walking in the AFSP Overnight Walk was a pivotal moment for the family.

Shownotes Transcript

Welcome to another impactful episode of Mick Unplugged! Today, we have the honor of hosting Martha and Chris Thomas, founders of the nonprofit "The Defensive Line," which is dedicated to preventing youth suicide, particularly among young people of color. In this episode, we dive deep into the pressing issues of mental health stigma, the importance of community support, and actionable steps to recognize and address mental health struggles.

 

We discuss societal expectations around masculinity, the significance of showing vulnerability, and how local resources and crisis hotlines like 988 can make a life-saving difference. Martha and Chris also share their personal motivations, inspired by their late daughter Ella, to foster open conversations about mental health and collaborate with organizations like AFSP and Dak Prescott’s Faith by Finish.

Join us as we explore how comprehensive health encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, and hear about their exciting plans to expand their training programs with the Clinton Global Initiative. Plus, learn about the unique impact their workshops and keynotes are having on schools, universities, and communities nationwide.

Your unique purpose is your superpower, so tune in, push your limits, embrace your goals, and chase greatness with us today on Mick Unplugged!

 

Top 3 Questions answered in the episode:

  • How can we recognize the signs of someone struggling with mental health issues and intervene?

  • Discussion Points

  • Notice behavioral changes, isolation, and giving away possessions.

  • Improve awareness and confidence through workshops and panels.

  • How can asking direct questions about suicide help prevent it rather than cause harm?

  • Discussion Points

  • Directly asking about suicidal thoughts can be helpful.

  • Role plays are used to reduce discomfort and improve response readiness.

  • What role do tailored strategies for people of color play in dealing with mental health crises?

  • Discussion Points

  • Suicide increasingly affects communities of color.

  • Utilize community leaders and organizations to provide customized support.

 

Takeaways

  • Mental health impacts not just individuals but entire communities.
  • Open conversations about mental health can reduce stigma.
  • Taking action after a tragedy can lead to meaningful change.
  • Connection and listening are vital in supporting those in need.
  • Recognizing signs of mental health struggles is crucial for intervention.

 

Connect and Discover:

**LinkedIn:  **linkedin.com/in/the-defensive-line

**Instagram:  **Instagram.com/thedefensiveline

**Facebook:  **facebook.com/thedefensiveline

**Website:  **thedefensiveline.org

**Podcast:  **@thedefensiveline1238

 

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