From the Lived Experience
Our brave and insightful contributors offer their stories, providing insights and perspective from those who have experienced first hand some of the mind-body connections relevant to suicidal behaviors and/or mental illness.
We invite contributions from those who are experiencing these issues today, those who have overcome them in the past, and those survivors of suicide loss who have observed these concerns in their loved ones.
The Suicide that Wasn’t
From the Lived Experience Why do some suicides seem to happen so “fast?” That question underscores many of the complexities, nuances, and possible solutions for a growing health crisis. As a Black American, I am driven to write about this phenomenon through the lens of people like me. My Story Invisibility. Invisible problems. In reality, […]
We Know So Much More Now…
From the Clinician AND From the Lived Experience Last spring we posted about mind-body insights and tools for stress regulation that we learned from Dr. Kathleen Mackenzie at the Active Minds conference, and recently we had a chance to catch up with her directly. Dr. Mackenzie’s insights are especially powerful since they stem from a […]
My Journey With My Mental Health and How I Deal, Part Three: Walking
Third in her From the Lived Experience series, our contributing writer describes benefits to her mental health from taking walks and being present. By Guest Contributor, Christine Bushrow Walking has always been excellent for our physical health. Medical professionals recommend it to those who want to lose weight, prevent blood clots, maintain a healthy heart, and help with […]
My Journey With My Mental Health and How I Deal, Part Two: Diet
In her second piece for From the Lived Experience our contributing writer discusses the impact of diet, which affects our brain and mental health just as it does our physical health–as JKBF has outlined here. By Guest Contributor, Christine Bushrow I grew up eating predominantly healthy, comforting, home-cooked meals with my family. My mom’s Italian heritage […]
My Journey With My Mental Health and How I Deal, Part One: Yoga
Our contributor Christine shares insights into her mental health journey and lifestyle and biological influences in a series of articles. In this first piece for From the Lived Experience she discusses the impact of yoga, which has many benefits, including alteration of the stress response. Through movement and breath work yoga affects the nervous system […]
A Reflection from Jamie’s Brothers
On the 11th anniversary of his death, Jamie Bernard’s family gathered to remember him and celebrate his spirit. This year JKBF is fortunate to be able to share these reflections from his triplet brothers, Fred and Bill. Fred’s reflections as a suicide loss survivor offer insight From the Lived Experience. Thoughts on Jamie by Fred […]