In this episode of Suicide Zen Forgiveness, host Elaine welcomes David Woods Bartley, who shares his powerful and emotional story of surviving a suicide attempt and his journey towards mental wellness. David discusses his battle with depression, the profound impact of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and the importance of human connection in suicide prevention. He also reflects on the influence of supportive relationships and the significance of openly sharing struggles to encourage empathy and hope.

0:00 David-W-Bartley Audio

01:17 Welcome and Introduction

02:53 David's Struggle with Depression

04:54 The Turning Point: Forest Hill Bridge

08:23 The Power of Connection

10:24 Journey to Mental Wellness

16:20 Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Experience

19:11 Reflecting on Trauma and Healing

29:59 Reflecting on Family and Relationships

31:31 Military Family and Personal Heroes

33:29 The Impact of ECT on Memory

36:19 Insights on Mental Health and Neuroplasticity

39:25 Sharing Personal Stories and Writing a Book

43:28 Customer Service Philosophy and Personal Anecdotes

45:53 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

Bio

My name is David Woods Bartley. I am both a suicide attempt and childhood rape survivor turned two-time TED Talker and international mental health trainer.

David Woods Bartley has seen his fair share of successes and setbacks, from directing a nationally recognized nonprofit to battling the long-term effects of childhood sexual trauma and a life-threatening mental illness. The latter, a brutal knock-down, drag-out fight with clinical depression, led David to a suicide attempt.

Thanks to the support of many people and being shown the necessity of putting one’s self-care on a pedestal, David continues the essential yet challenging journey from the isolation of mental “hellness” to the inclusive space of mental wellness.

His life having been saved, David is committed to moving the conversation about suicide, male sexual trauma, and mental illness from the dark shadows where they now live to the forefront of public concern. In doing so, his mission is to shine a bright light on the crisis we now face and open doors to the possibility of mental health for everyone, everywhere.

Currently, David is a member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the International Association for Youth Mental Health, the National Storytelling Network’s Healing Story Alliance, and Active Minds. In addition, David holds certifications in Mental Health First Aid for Adults and Youth, SafeTALK (Suicide Awareness for Everyone), and the suicide prevention technique known as QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer).

In addition to giving two TED talks and being named a 2021 Mental Health Champion by the prestigious Steinberg Institute, David has presented more than 600 times to audiences across the United States, Canada, Central America, and India, giving in-person and virtual presentations on the subjects of suicide, male sexual trauma, mental health, organizational culture, and servant leadership.

David has been invited to present to organizations such as the United States Army, the United States Coast Guard, the Food and Drug Administration, OSH India, Sutter Health, AbleTo, the California Highway Patrol, the Indiana Organization for Nursing Leadership, the University of Connecticut, Boston College, the California Northstate School of Medicine, and a wide range of elementary, middle and high schools, community organizations, and diverse faith denominations

2-TimeTEDx Speaker | International Mental Health Presenter | SME on Suicide

2021 Steinberg Institute Mental Health Champion

Links and Socials

www.davidwoodsbartley.com

X: david@davidwoodsbartley.com FACEBOOK: @davidwoodsbartley