In this deeply personal episode of The Mindful Living, host Sana speaks with suicide attempt survivors Deborah Charman and Brian Wardale. Deborah shares her lifelong battle with hopelessness starting from the age of 10, and how EMDR therapy became a game-changer in her healing. Brian opens up about his more recent suicide attempt, driven by grief and overwhelming loss after being his mother's caregiver. Together, they discuss the weight of hopelessness, early warning signs, and the critical difference between prevention and intervention. Their organization, Survivors of Hopelessness, focuses on early education and mental health support for youth. This raw conversation sheds light on how candid discussions can literally save lives.

About the Guests:
Deborah Charman and Brian Wardale are the founders of Survivors of Hopelessness. Deborah’s journey spans over 50 years, and Brian brings a powerful male perspective as a recent survivor. Together, they advocate for prevention-based mental health education, early intervention, and peer-led conversations that break stigma and offer real tools for healing.

Key Takeaways:

• Hopelessness can overpower the survival instinct and push individuals to the edge.

• Suicide is often not a desire to die, but a desperate attempt to escape pain.

• Early education (pre-puberty) is essential for prevention, before suicide ever becomes an option.

• EMDR therapy can dismantle deep-seated emotional patterns and trauma.

• The importance of "Wait One More Day"—delaying action can give space for feelings to shift and support to arrive.

• Reaching out, whether you're the one struggling or the concerned friend, can make a life-saving difference.

Connect with Deborah and Brian:
Learn more and access resources at: survivorsofhopelessness.com

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