Suicide and the parts that make us whole, with David Stern

Even though awareness is improving, suicide is still taboo. 

Having lived with suicidal ideation since I was twelve and lost my best friend to it at 19; I know first hand how painful and unpopular the conversation is. I also know there is an important dark side to wholeness that is as powerful, as beautiful and as human as the light is.

According to the latest published statistics on suicide from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the US. In 2020, 45,979 Americans died by suicide and an estimated 1.20M suicides were attempted.

As a fierce advocate for more open and honest dialogue about suicide, while people are alive, I am amplifying the conversation. It’s uncomfortable and feels vulnerable yet this is what saves lives. So we will begin here.

Dr. David Stern, one of my personal wisdom keepers as well as a clinical psychologist, trainer, healer and consultant joins me to kick off the first episode in this new “Suicide Series”. His practice is deeply informed by the perennial wisdom of the world’s wisdom traditions as well as current behavioral and brain research.

A certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist, he offers us a map to identify and work with various parts of ourselves that form a constellation of sorts, like a family…only on the inside. It’s a way of almost separating yourself out to better see who you are, what is getting in the way and knowing what you need.

Listen in as we talk about the value of difficult times. Learn that there can also be many gifts to receive in grief, depression or existential crisis and find out what we really need in the dark.

Here are some things you’ll discover in this episode:

• Learn what parts make up the whole of you and how to work with them.
• How you can enjoy an ever deeper felt connection with the spiritual dimension of your life and community.
• Why we have a collective fear of the dark and how to best support others in their darkness.
• and more…

I believe there are better ways of being with one another on the dark side of the moon. Let’s learn and practice them together.

Connect with Dr. David Stern here:

• Website:: https://thinking-heart.com/

Quick note, I just want to say thank you for listening to this episode. I know it means a lot to myself and my guests. 

If you enjoyed this episode, you will also like:

Episode #02: Living from your Zone of Genius, with Gay Hendricks

Episode #16:Mia Finnegan: Faith, Family, Fitness and finding her way Forward from Grief

Episode #34: Marsha Shandur: How Storytelling Connects Us

Here, you’ll discover even more deep wisdom and practical tools to be more present to your life and create what’s next.

Learn more about me, Robyn Ivy:

• https://www.robynivy.com/
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MORE ABOUT DR. DAVID STERN:

David is a licensed psychologist, certified IFS therapist and consultant, who has spent

many years contemplating and exploring the nature of Self. He consults with groups from all around the world and has taught introductions to IFS throughout his home state of Rhode Island. David has led workshops at IFS conferences, and is

currently offering his first 16 week comprehensive introduction to IFS training.

He views IFS as a psycho-spiritual practice that helps us live by the golden rule.

In addition to being a psychologist, he is a husband and father who plays the saxophone, clarinet, a little piano and less djembe. He loves sing alongs and playing music with his family and friends.