With the pandemic still in force and year-end holidays approaching, we’re discussing a heavier topic on The Workplace Therapist Show today. To bring hope and humor, 7x TED Talk speaker and Tonight Show writer, Frank King – The Mental Health Comedian joins me to talk about suicide and depression. We discuss signs you or a loved one might be struggling, the necessity of a self-care plan and how we can better handle mental health in the workplace.
Dive In:
03:00 Bringing together suicide and humor. “Where there’s humor there’s hope. Where there’s laughing, there’s life.” – Frank
05:45 Frank shares when he first noticed depression / thoughts of suicide in his personal life.
07:15 Comedy and 2000 nights on the road.
09:00 Frank talks self-care and “individuation” (are you living up to your expectations – or someone else’s?).
14:00 “I always wanted to make a living and make a difference.” Book reference: The Message of You by Judy Carter.
15:00 “People don’t know how powerful vulnerability is.” Book reference: Brene Brown’s The Power of Vulnerability.
18:00 How to spot signs and symptoms someone is considering suicide.
19:30 Frank explains chronic suicidal ideation.
20:45 Brandon and Frank talk turning your pain into purpose.
22:00 What impact has the pandemic had on rates of depression and anxiety? Frank shares symptoms to look for.
23:30 Frank’s self-care plan.
25:30 The future of mental health.
29:00 Frank’s Life Hack “Pick a lane. Find your purpose. Go deep, not wide.”
Show Resources:
- Suicide Prevention Text Line: 741741
- View my TED Talk on emotions in the workplace.
- To download this show and catch up on others, find us on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify and YouTube.
- Catch a new episode of The Workplace Therapist Show every Monday at 8 AM ET on Facebook Live.
Therapist, professor, consultant and radio host, Brandon Smith brings an upbeat, witty approach to the challenges of workplace health and dysfunction. 
