Vic Armstrong
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
From Pain to Purpose: Transforming Lived Experience into Suicide Prevention Advocacy (Strong Talk)
From Pain to Purpose: Transforming Lived Experience into Suicide Prevention Advocacy (Strong Talk)
From Pain to Purpose: Transforming Lived Experience into Suicide Prevention Advocacy (Strong Talk)
Wednesday 25th June 2025
Explore Fonda Bryant's journey from lived experience to suicide prevention advocacy with host Vic Armstrong on Strong Talk.
40 minutes
inspiring
challenging
hopeful
informative
supportive
About this podcast
Author:
Vic Armstrong
Overview:
Categories:
Body & Mind
Sobriety Toolkit
Healing Relationships
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Links:
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Episodes:
26 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Transforming Pain into Suicide Prevention Advocacy
Episode Overview
- Fonda Bryant shares her personal journey with mental health.
- Discussing cultural perspectives on mental health issues.
- The role of lived experience in suicide prevention advocacy.
- Importance of self-care and mental health support systems.
- Impact of Crisis Intervention Team strategies.
Self-care is not selfish. It is essential.
In the latest episode of Strong Talk, host Vic Armstrong welcomes Fonda Bryant, a prominent mental health and suicide prevention advocate, to discuss her transformative journey from personal lived experience to becoming a force for change in suicide prevention advocacy. Fonda shares her personal story, highlighting the challenges she faced as a Black woman dealing with mental health issues in a culture that often stigmatizes such conditions.
She reflects on the cultural narratives that depict mental health as a sign of weakness and emphasizes the importance of recognizing generational trauma within communities. As Fonda recounts her journey, she sheds light on the pivotal moments that shaped her advocacy work. She discusses how her own experiences with depression at the age of 35 prompted her to seek help through an Employee Assistance Program, challenging the preconceived notions about mental health facilities often portrayed in media.
Fonda's advocacy extends beyond personal experiences, embracing efforts to promote legislative changes aimed at suicide prevention. She describes her endeavors in North Carolina to install preventive signage in parking decks, a project that has yet to gain widespread support but reflects her commitment to creating safer environments. The conversation delves into the broader themes of equity and diversity in mental health, underscoring the significance of understanding cultural perspectives when addressing mental health challenges.
Fonda's narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the role of lived experience in shaping effective advocacy. Throughout the episode, the importance of self-care emerges as a critical element in managing mental health. Fonda stresses that self-care is not selfish but essential, advocating for individuals to equip themselves with mental health tools to navigate challenging times.
Ultimately, the episode is a testament to the resilience and hope inherent in Fonda's story, offering listeners valuable insights into the intersection of personal experience and advocacy in the realm of mental health.