Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15 to 44.

On average in Australia, 9 people die by suicide each day, and for every suicide, it is suggest 135 people find themselves in the impact zone.

Today we speak to Karissa Lewis, a lived experience practitioner, who sits with those in perhaps their darkest moment, in the hours, days and weeks after someone they know has died by suicide.

We discuss what a lived experience practitioner is, how it is professionalised, and how postvention (done well) is the most incredible prevention.

Going into specifics, Ryan asks Karissa what the impact zone is like in a school environment, and how you can know what to say, what to do, and how to talk to children about suicide with honesty and age-appropriate language.

Karissa is candid with Hugh, Ryan, and Josh about the stigma of suicide, which prompts Josh to share a story about the complicated nature of the word ‘choice’. And we get some scientific evidence of the power of a good cry.

Life is not better off without you.