"I talk about suicide all the time. I say, 'You know, we're not talking about death. We're talking about survival and hope and recovery. This doesn't have to be a bleak and depressing conversation. We're talking about saving lives. ' "
Shelby R. Rowe
Breakout Presenter, Zarrow Mental Health Symposium
On today’s episode, we celebrate National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month with our guest, Shelby R. Rowe. Shelby is a proud citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, inspirational speaker, nationally recognized suicide prevention expert, mother of three sons and a self-taught bead artist.
A suicide attempt survivor with over 20 years experience in public health, Shelby dedicates herself every day to fighting the prejudice and discrimination that affects those affected by suicide.
Shelby is the suicide prevention program manager for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. In 2016, Shelby was honored as the Chickasaw Nation Dynamic Woman of the Year.
Today, we’re going to talk to Shelby about her Zarrow Mental Health Symposium session titled “Save the Indian, Save the Man.” You can register for the Symposium at zarrowsymposium.org.
Real quick, if you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time of day or night or chat online.
And the Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.
To read Shelby's USA Today story, visit:
https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/investigations/surviving-suicide/2018/11/28/native-american-suicides-coping-historical-trauma-suicide-prevention/972282002/