A Ted Talk discussing the concept and importance of postvention

Angela Samata, arts professional and presenter of BBC1 'Life After Suicide,’ discusses her lived experience and the subject of suicide prevention in this short Ted Talk. She opens up about her story of losing her husband to suicide, describing what happened on the day and everything that followed after. Angela talks about a whole new landscape of grief opening up for her and how it has affected her and left her feeling isolated because of this type of bereavement.

Angela speaks in depth about her healing journey and how her doctor recommended support groups to her which allowed her to access new postvention resources such as helplines, information on how we talk about suicide and more. She talks about her experience at the support groups and how SOBS, a peer led charity supporting adults who have lost a loved one to suicide, helped her.

Angela talks about what she has learnt from her grief and the importance of ending the stigma surrounding suicide. She tells the audience about appropriate language surrounding suicide and how this is vital in making sure it is discussed correctly and to help end the stigma. In the Ted Talk, she discusses what happens if you don’t talk about suicide and mental health and how this can lead to isolation. Angela talks about the significance of postvention and peer support and how both should be more accessible to those going through suicide loss as community is key.

This Ted Talk is a relevant for anyone looking to learn from the experience of others, as Angela openly talks about how she navigated her grief and what she learnt from it. The importance of postvention is emphasised which of course at Suicide&Co we fully support!