Reach In, Reach Out

How AI is Changing Suicide Prevention

Join host Professor Jo Robinson with Professor Matthew Spittal, Dr Ursula Whiteside, and Dr Salim Salmi as they examine the growing role of artificial intelligence in suicide prevention.

Together, they explore the potential benefits and risks of AI, what the evidence does and doesn’t tell us about predicting and reducing suicide risk, and how evidence gaps shape trust and real-world use. A thoughtful conversation on innovation, ethics, and what responsible progress in AI and suicide prevention should look like moving forward.

We acknowledge that this episode includes discussion of suicide methods, which some listeners may find distressing. While these conversations are intended to support understanding and prevention, we recognise the importance of approaching such topics with care to minimise the risk of harm. IASP promotes guidance on safe communication about suicide, encouraging responsible discussion that increases awareness and understanding of its complexities while prioritising safety and sensitivity. Find out more. 

Discussions of suicide can be overwhelming; if you are struggling and would like to seek further support, we encourage you to visit Find A Helpline, where you can connect to helpline support near you.

How Traveling Workforces Can Prevent Suicide Through Lived-Experience Leadership

Join host, Dr Sally Spencer-Thomas and guest speaker Francisco Valenzuela as they discuss how Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) work can quietly erode mental health, strain families, and elevate suicide risk if workplaces aren’t designed with human realities in mind. Hosted by the IASP Suicide and the Workplace Special Interest Group. Francisco shares how FIFO environments create a high-risk ecosystem shaped by isolation, long rotations, masculine norms, fatigue, and limited access to care - and how those same systems can be redesigned to protect lives, strengthen culture, and improve the bottom line.

How Job Strain Impacts Families and Fuels Work-Related Suicide Risk

Join Dr Sally Spencer-Thomas with guest speaker Dr Colleen Saringer as they discuss work-related suicide. Hosted by the IASP Suicide and the Workplace Special Interest Group. 

Dr Colleen Saringer is a Workplace Culture and Mental Health Speaker, Trainer, Consultant, and Researcher. Drawing on her experience navigating the complexities of two family-owned construction businesses, she has seen firsthand how work and workplace culture can significantly influence mental health.

Discussions of suicide can be overwhelming; if you are struggling and would like to seek further support, we encourage you to visit Find A Helpline, where you can connect to helpline support near you.

Community-Based Approaches to Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

Join host Temitayo Eniola Omigbule in conversation with Professor Taiwo Lateef Sheikh and Merab Mulindi as they explore the vital role of communities in promoting mental well-being and preventing suicide.

In this episode, our guests share their experiences, highlighting the power of local engagement, culturally responsive support, and grassroots initiatives in fostering resilience and improving access to care.

Discussions of suicide can be overwhelming; if you are struggling and would like to seek further support, we encourage you to visit Find A Helpline, where you can connect to helpline support near you.

The Power of Lived Experience: Scientific and Experiential Learning

On this International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, we’re highlighting the power of lived experience in suicide prevention. This episode explores how personal experiences of suicide loss intersect with scientific knowledge to shape better understanding, research, and support. 

Join our host, Professor Chan Lai Fong and special guest, Founder of AWAS Malaysia, Alia Ali, as they discuss the importance of meaningfully including and empowering people with lived experience, the challenges and ethical considerations involved, and how these insights can transform global suicide prevention efforts.

Hear inspiring perspectives on how lived experience is challenging traditional approaches, guiding innovation, and giving hope for a future where science and personal insight work hand in hand.

Discussions of suicide can be overwhelming; if you are struggling and would like to seek further support, we encourage you to visit Find A Helpline, where you can connect to helpline support near you.

Changing the Narrative on Suicide

In this special World Suicide Prevention Day episode of the IASP Reach In, Reach Out podcast, IASP CEO Wendy Orchard is joined by guests Jetha Devapura, CEO and Founder of the CCC Foundation and creator of the Let’sTALK Program, and Dr Mohammed Audu, CEO and Founder of the Dr Mohammed Audu Foundation, Registrar of the Psychotherapeutic & Counseling Research Institute (PCRI) Nigeria, and Chairman of the Africa Suicide Prevention Association (ASPA). Together, they explore this year’s theme, Changing the Narrative on Suicide, reflecting on the power of open dialogue, community-led initiatives, and global collaboration to challenge stigma and inspire hope.

We acknowledge that certain language within this episode is problematic when discussing suicide. Safe language aims to reduce the risk of harm whilst increasing awareness and understanding of suicide and its complexities. IASP promotes a guide to language that does not vilify those who use terminology we advocate against, but encourages the adoption of preferred terminology. Find out more. 

Discussions of suicide can be overwhelming; if you are struggling and would like to seek further support, we encourage you to visit Find A Helpline, where you can connect to helpline support near you.

The Impact of Suicide Loss and Bereavement

Join host, Dr Vikas Arya, with guests, Jayeta Biswas and Dr Victoria Helmly as they share their personal stories of suicide loss and bereavement. 

Losing a loved one to suicide is painful and distressing, and it is important to look after yourself and prioritise your own self-care. Some organisations specialise in supporting those who have lost someone to suicide, and you can find these on our website here.

Discussions of suicide can be overwhelming; if you are struggling and would like to seek further support, we encourage you to visit Find A Helpline, where you can connect to helpline support near you.

Further resources: https://widowsvoice.com/post/author/vhelmly/ 

Refugee Suicide Risk and Prevention

Join Professor Rory O'Connor with guests, Muzafar Ali and Professor Nicholas Procter, as they discuss mental health and suicide risk among refugees.

Former Hazara refugee from Afghanistan, Muzafar Ali, is the CEO and Co-Founder of the Cisarua Refugee Learning Centre and Cisarua Learning. Professor Nicholas Procter is the Professorial Discipline Lead Nursing, Professor of Nursing and Chair: Mental Health Nursing, Clinical and Health Sciences at the University of South Australia. 

We acknowledge that certain language within this episode is problematic when discussing suicide. Safe language aims to reduce the risk of harm whilst increasing awareness and understanding of suicide and its complexities. IASP promotes a guide to language that does not vilify those who use terminology we advocate against, but encourages the adoption of preferred terminology. Find out more. 

Discussions of suicide can be overwhelming; if you are struggling and would like to seek further support, we encourage you to visit Find A Helpline, where you can connect to helpline support near you.

A Lived Experience Perspective: A Construction Worker’s Story of Work-Related Suicide and Survival

Join Jorgen Gullestrup with guest speaker Justin Geange, as they discuss work-related suicide. Hosted by the IASP Suicide and the Workplace Special Interest Group. 

Justin Geange is a survivor of a work-related suicide attempt who has since dedicated his life to supporting others. Now a Field Officer with the charity MATES in Construction, Justin shares his powerful story - exploring the circumstances surrounding his attempt, the lessons he’s learned, and how he's using that experience to help hundreds of fellow workers.

Discussions of suicide can be overwhelming; if you are struggling and would like to seek further support, we encourage you to visit Find A Helpline, where you can connect to helpline support near you.

Accelerating Action - Suicide Prevention for Women and Girls

Join our host, IASP CEO Wendy Orchard, with guests Dr Lakshmi Vijayakumar, Founder of SNEHA and Dr Shalini Garg, Editor in Chief at The Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia as they discuss the issue of suicide in women and girls.

In this special International Women's Day episode of the Reach In, Reach Out podcast, experts explore:
- Why suicide rates are increasing for women and girls, particularly in parts of Asia.
- The urgent need for research on maternal mental health, domestic violence, and abortion access.
- How integrating suicide prevention into women’s health programs can save lives.
- A call for a multi-sectoral approach to tackling gender-specific suicide risks.

Discussions of suicide can be overwhelming; if you are struggling and would like to seek further support, we encourage you to visit Find A Helpline, where you can connect to helpline support near you.