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