Let’s Talk Hope: Ending the Stigma around Suicide
Prof. Pooja Saini, LJMU / Innobella Media
- 22
- Episodes
- Weekly
- Cadence
- 2025
- First episode
About Let’s Talk Hope: Ending the Stigma around Suicide
Let’s Talk Hope: Ending the Stigma around Suicide is a powerful podcast series dedicated to opening conversations around suicide prevention, mental health, and community support. Hosted by Gemma Cutting and Professor Pooja Saini, each episode features real stories, expert insights and practical solutions to break the stigma surrounding suicide. From barbershops to postvention support, menopause to crisis intervention, this series highlights the voices of those with lived experience and the importance of hope, awareness and action in saving lives.
- Publisher
- Prof. Pooja Saini, LJMU / Innobella Media
- Category
- health & fitness
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 24 Mar 2025
- Latest episode
- 3 Aug 2026
Latest episodes
22 episodes in the feed.
3 Aug 2026
S3 Ep05 - The Silent Crisis: Honour-Based Abuse and Suicide Prevention
In this episode of Let's Talk Hope, Pooja engages in a profound conversation with Afrah Qassim from Savera UK, focusing on the stigma surrounding suicide and the challenges faced by vulnerable communities. They discuss the journey of Savera UK, the impact of honor-based abuse on mental health, and the importance of recognizing warning signs of distress. The conversation emphasizes the need for community engagement, cultural sensitivity and the challenges within mental health services. Through stories of resilience and hope, they highlight the transformative power of support and understanding in overcoming adversity. Key Takeaways Every life matters, and we must break the silence around suicide. Savera UK was founded to address the needs of vulnerable communities. Honor-based abuse significantly impacts mental health and suicide risk. Cultural stigma and language barriers hinder access to mental health services. Many individuals fear family separation when seeking help for abuse. Warning signs of distress can be subtle and easily overlooked. Community leaders play a crucial role in creating safe spaces for dialogue. Mental health services often lack understanding of honor-based abuse. Resilience and hope are vital in the recovery journey of survivors. Education is key to recognizing and challenging harmful cultural practices. Soundbites "Every life matters." "They fear that their family will be separated." "There's a lot of signs to recognize." "We shouldn't be seen as cultural issues." "It's not just about economic or poverty issues." "What makes me sing is the people that we see." Chapters 00:00 Breaking the Silence on Suicide and Stigma 01:01 The Journey of Savera UK 07:03 Understanding Honor-Based Abuse and Mental Health 10:51 Recognizing Warning Signs of Distress 15:07 Community Engagement and Cultural Sensitivity 20:16 Challenging Assumptions in Mental Health Services 25:55 Stories of Resilience and Hope More Information / Help & Support For more information about the individuals and organisations featured in this episode, or if you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, the following organisations can provide help and support: BBC Action Line: https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/ (https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/) Papyrus: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/ (https://www.papyrus-uk.org/) Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/ (https://www.samaritans.org/) Shout: https://giveusashout.org/ (https://giveusashout.org/) Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/ (https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/) James’ Place: https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/ (https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/) Hub of Hope: https://hubofhope.co.uk/ (https://hubofhope.co.uk/) Alfie’s Squad: https://alfiessquad.org/ (https://alfiessquad.org/) Amparo: https://amparo.org.uk/ (https://amparo.org.uk/) WAY Widowed & Young: https://www.widowedandyoung.org.uk/ (https://www.widowedandyoung.org.uk/) The Martin Gallier Project: https://www.themartingallierproject.org (https://www.themartingallierproject.org) Credits Series conceived & hosted by Prof Pooja Saini (https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/staff-profiles/faculty-of-health/school-of-psychology/pooja-saini) at Liverpool John Moores University Produced and distributed by Innobella Media (https://www.innobellamedia.uk/) Sound Recording & Post-Production: Paul Freeman-Powell (https://www.paulfp.uk/) Music Composed & Produced by Tom Anderson (https://www.instagram.com/tomandersonmusic/)
3 Aug 2026
S3 Ep04 - Finding Purpose in the Storm: Neurodiversity, Suicidality and Self-Discovery with Aaran
In this episode of Let's Talk Hope, Pooja engages in a profound conversation with Aaran Vijayakumaran about neurodiversity, suicidality, and the complexities of growing up in today's world. They explore Aaran's personal journey with autism, the impact of diagnosis on mental health, and the importance of understanding oneself. The discussion delves into coping mechanisms, the role of social connections, and the significance of gratitude and reflection in navigating life's challenges. Cultural perspectives on mental health and the necessity of seeking support are also highlighted, culminating in a message of hope and resilience. Key Takeaways Every life matters, and we must break the stigma around suicide. Neurodiversity and suicidality are increasingly important topics. Receiving a diagnosis can provide clarity and understanding. Self-talk plays a crucial role in mental resilience. Social connections can significantly impact mental health. Coping with life's challenges requires understanding oneself. Mindfulness and reflection are essential for mental well-being. Finding purpose and service can help ground individuals. Cultural perspectives can influence how mental health is perceived. Gratitude can help contextualize and soften life's struggles. Soundbites "Every life matters." "Getting that screening was very important." "You need to understand who you are." "You need to allow children to be bored." "Life is never perfect, but this is kind of cool." "You need to contextualize your life." "Gratitude can soften anxiety or depression." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Let's Talk Hope 02:58 Navigating Neurodiversity and Suicidality 05:54 The Impact of Diagnosis on Mental Health 09:05 Understanding Self-Talk and Mental Resilience 11:59 The Role of Social Connections in Mental Health 14:45 Coping with Life's Challenges 17:57 The Importance of Reflection and Mindfulness 20:54 Finding Purpose and Service in Life 23:48 Cultural Perspectives on Mental Health 26:48 Seeking Support and Building Resilience 30:02 Gratitude and Contextualizing Life's Struggles More Information / Help & Support For more information about the individuals and organisations featured in this episode, or if you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, the following organisations can provide help and support: BBC Action Line: https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/ (https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/) Papyrus: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/ (https://www.papyrus-uk.org/) Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/ (https://www.samaritans.org/) Shout: https://giveusashout.org/ (https://giveusashout.org/) Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/ (https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/) James’ Place: https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/ (https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/) Hub of Hope: https://hubofhope.co.uk/ (https://hubofhope.co.uk/) Alfie’s Squad: https://alfiessquad.org/ (https://alfiessquad.org/) Amparo: https://amparo.org.uk/ (https://amparo.org.uk/) WAY Widowed & Young: https://www.widowedandyoung.org.uk/ (https://www.widowedandyoung.org.uk/) The Martin Gallier Project: https://www.themartingallierproject.org (https://www.themartingallierproject.org) Credits Series conceived & hosted by Prof Pooja Saini (https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/staff-profiles/faculty-of-health/school-of-psychology/pooja-saini) at Liverpool John Moores University Produced and distributed by Innobella Media (https://www.innobellamedia.uk/) Sound Recording & Post-Production: Paul Freeman-Powell (https://www.paulfp.uk/) Music Composed & Produced by Tom Anderson (https://www.instagram.com/tomandersonmusic/)
3 Aug 2026
S3 Ep03 - The Questions We’re Not Asking: Hormones, PMDD and Women's Mental Health
In this episode of Let’s Talk Hope, Prof Pooja Saini speaks with Dr Milli Raizada, a GP, senior clinical lecturer and holistic care practitioner, about the connection between hormonal health, mental health and suicide prevention. Dr Raizada explains how hormones affect the whole body, not just reproduction, and how changes during puberty, postpartum, perimenopause and PMDD can impact mood, anxiety, sleep and emotional wellbeing. The conversation explores how women’s distress is often misunderstood, with antidepressants sometimes offered before hormonal causes are considered. Prof Saini and Dr Raizada discuss the importance of recognising cyclical symptoms, improving GP training, and understanding links between hormones, neurodiversity, PMDD, endometriosis and suicidal thoughts. They also examine barriers faced by South Asian women, including stigma, silence, delayed diagnosis and unequal access to care, while encouraging women to seek help, advocate for themselves and ask for a second opinion if they feel dismissed. Key Takeaways Hormonal health and mental health are deeply connected. Puberty, postpartum, perimenopause and PMDD can be vulnerable points for women’s mental health. Cyclical symptoms can be an important clue that distress may be hormonally driven. Antidepressants should not always be the default response before hormonal causes are considered. South Asian women may face earlier perimenopause, stigma and additional barriers to care. PMDD, neurodivergence and endometriosis can all interact with suicide risk. Soundbites “Mental health is hormonal health.” “We can’t separate physical and mental health.” “We should be looking at hormones as a first line.” “Guidelines are guides.” “The medical model is failing women.” “Don’t feel afraid to ask for a second opinion.” “Suicide prevention very much should be a community issue.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction00:34 Meet Dr Milli Raizada01:01 Hormones and mental health03:33 Key hormonal life stages05:13 Cyclical symptoms06:18 Antidepressants, HRT and root causes08:31 Testosterone and women’s health research11:20 HRT access and inequality12:22 South Asian women and stigma14:20 UTIs and early perimenopause16:03 Dr Raizada’s patient experience18:06 Endometriosis and self-advocacy20:09 PMDD and missed diagnoses24:32 Age, guidelines and ethnicity26:53 PMDD and neurodiversity28:47 Hormones, ADHD and root causes30:21 Suicide risk and community support34:14 Advice for women struggling More Information / Help & Support For more information about the individuals and organisations featured in this episode, or if you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, the following organisations can provide help and support: BBC Action Line: https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/ (https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/) Papyrus: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/ (https://www.papyrus-uk.org/) Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/ (https://www.samaritans.org/) Shout: https://giveusashout.org/ (https://giveusashout.org/) Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/ (https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/) James’ Place: https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/ (https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/) Hub of Hope: https://hubofhope.co.uk/ (https://hubofhope.co.uk/) Alfie’s Squad: https://alfiessquad.org/ (https://alfiessquad.org/) Amparo: https://amparo.org.uk/ (https://amparo.org.uk/) WAY Widowed & Young: https://www.widowedandyoung.org.uk/ (https://www.widowedandyoung.org.uk/) The Martin Gallier Project: https://www.themartingallierproject.org (https://www.themartingallierproject.org) Credits Series conceived & hosted by Prof Pooja Saini (https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/staff-profiles/faculty-of-health/school-of-psychology/pooja-saini) at Liverpool John Moores University Produced and distributed by Innobella Media (https://www.innobellamedia.uk/) Sound Recording & Post-Production: Paul Freeman-Powell (https://www.paulfp.uk/) Music Composed & Produced by Tom Anderson (https://www.instagram.com/tomandersonmusic/)
Podcast Authority Score: 33 / 100
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- Quality
- 46
- Social presence
- 97
- YouTube
- 0
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