Coping with Suicidal Thoughts: Dr. Ursula Whiteside's Journey and Insights
For some people thinking about suicide is a very scary thing, but for some people, it is something that their brain learns how to do as a way to escape the way that it's feeling, because it's if I'm not here, then there's no pain and people get.
Ever wondered how to navigate the storm of suicidal thoughts? In this compelling episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast, host Duane Osterlind sits down with Dr. Ursula Whiteside, a clinician, researcher, and trainer specializing in suicide prevention. Dr. Whiteside opens up about her own battle with suicidal ideation and shares the invaluable lessons she learned from Marsha Linehan, the creator of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
DBT has proven to be one of the most effective treatments for those grappling with suicide attempts and self-injury, focusing on emotional regulation and practical coping skills. Dr. Whiteside dives into the alarming statistics—suicide is the second leading cause of death in certain age groups in America, surpassing car accidents, homicides, and even breast cancer. With an estimated 10 million Americans experiencing suicidal thoughts each year, understanding and addressing this crisis is more important than ever.
What makes this episode particularly engaging is Dr. Whiteside's blend of professional expertise and personal experience. She discusses how DBT can help individuals manage their emotions during an overwhelming crisis. One of the standout techniques she shares is the use of cold water to quickly regulate intense emotions—a simple yet effective strategy. Dr. Whiteside also highlights the connection between addiction and suicidal thoughts, both often serving as escape routes from emotional pain.
She encourages listeners to seek help and support, emphasizing that emotional crises are temporary and manageable with the right tools and strategies. For those looking for additional resources, Dr. Whiteside mentions a website she helped develop that offers DBT coping skills through videos featuring real-life stories of resilience. This episode is not just informative but also deeply empathetic, offering hope and practical advice for anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts or supporting someone who is.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to cope with suicidal ideation and discover actionable strategies to navigate these challenging moments.