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Talking Suicide Awareness with Leah Sampson MSW, LCSW, LCMHC-QS

Sage Nestler, MSW
Validation Vacation
6 min readOct 8, 2024

As a multi-attempt survivor of suicide, I am always passionate about being open about my own experiences with this important issue. The more we are silent, the more we suffer; communication and connection are everything.

September was Suicide Prevention Month, but due to a mental health crisis of my own, I did not have the chance to post this important article featuring Leah Sampson, Chief of Clinical Operations: CoCo at Three Oaks Behavioral Health & Wellness. Living with multiple mental and physical illnesses is extremely challenging, and I often struggle with my symptoms of PTSD and Schizoaffective Disorder the most. Relapses are something that I frequently have to be aware of, and I am often so frustrated by this reality. I have to keep reminding myself that I will have to manage these illnesses for the rest of my life, and not be hard on myself when I do relapse. But it is something I constantly have to practice.

As a queer folk myself, it is more important than ever to talk about how our experiences as queer folks have a huge impact on our mental health. Hear Leah’s story below, and how her experiences as a Black Queer Woman deeply impacted her own mental health and informs her work in the mental health field. I hope that you enjoy her story and take the time to explore the crisis resources that she has…

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Validation Vacation
Validation Vacation

Published in Validation Vacation

In our capitalist society, work and the ability to be productive are valued above anything else. But what about those of us who live with chronic and/or mental illness and whose experiences are undervalued? This is a place for you to find connection, validation, and unwind.

Sage Nestler, MSW
Sage Nestler, MSW

Written by Sage Nestler, MSW

💙🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️♠️👽♾️ Mental Health Specialist | Bibliotherapist | Author | Book Reviewer| Contact: info@releasingthephoenix.com

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