Mo' Sibyl

혼자아니야| The One with Olabimpe Shode - On Suicide - Inspired by tWitch’s Story: Episode 36 (2022)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: The One with Olabimpe Shode - On Suicide - Inspired by tWitch’s Story

2022 has been quite the year. As we wrap it up, Bimpe and I thought to share our thoughts on a critical topic – suicide inspired by a recent event. A few weeks ago, Stephen "tWitch" Boss, aged 40, a husband, father, DJ, and former executive producer of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" died by suicide. Though we both don't have any personal ties to him, the news of his demise affected us. Suicide rates have peaked in recent years due to COVID, and men, especially Black men, have been reported to be at a higher risk. So, here's a reminder to check in on them.

In this episode, we shared our collective experiences with suicide, near brushes, and those we lost through it. In her book, Stay: A History of Suicide and the Philosophies Against It, Jennifer Michael Hecht said, "Suicides happen in clusters, with one person's suicide influencing the other's. If a parent commits suicide, his or her children are three times as likely to do so at some point in their lives. People in the act of committing suicide may feel isolated, but, in fact, they are deeply connected to those around." As Hecht put it, if you want your loved ones to make it through their dark nights, you have to make it through yours.'

And if you are reading this at a very tender and vulnerable moment, we are here to remind you that you are needed here with us. So consider staying; you are not forgotten! We are rooting for you. Stay.

Happy New Year!

Love ya!

새로워진 마음| The One with Folahan Ojolowo – Suicide Survivor & Mental Health Advocate: Episode 8 (2020)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 새로워진 마음| The One with Folahan Ojolowo – Suicide Survivor & Mental Health Advocate: Episode 8 (2020)

What does depression look like? We don't always know the answer to this as it manifests in different ways. Mental health issues, such as depression, are globally underdiagnosed. And in Nigeria, limited access to mental health services coupled with attitudes and behaviors towards seeking help result in a mentally unhealthy population. Statistically, men are also less likely to seek help for medical issues, especially those related to mental health. But one man is working on changing this narrative. Having suffered from chronic depression for years coupled with surviving sexual abuse as a child, all which led to suicidal attempts, he now uses his voice to help others, especially the younger generation.

This is Folahanmi Ojolowo’s story. He is the founder of Lovemade Foundation, a mental health youth network geared at helping people find the root cause of their mental health illnesses and to help them heal from their emotional pains.