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Adoption and Suicidality with Joey Nakao, Dr. Joyce Maguire Pavao, Bruce Porth, Janell Strube, Laura L. Engel, Lorraine Dusky, Terri Dreismeier, and Melissa Brunetti - Ep 158

Unraveling Adoption

Release Date: 08/12/2024

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Adoption and Suicidality with Joey Nakao, Dr. Joyce Maguire Pavao, Bruce Porth, Janell Strube, Laura L. Engel, Lorraine Dusky, Terri Dreismeier, and Melissa Brunetti - Ep 158

"Despite working hard on a daily or moment-to-moment basis to stay alive, the poem revealed a thin thread of hope that by turning toward and befriending my pain, I might just find a way through it." -- Bruce Porth, one of the book’s contributors

❤️‍🩹 If you or someone you know is suicidal, please call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. (Outside US, call your area’s crisis line.) ❤️‍🩹

Podcast Episode Synopsis:

In this special episode of Unraveling Adoption, host Beth Syverson delves into the complexities of adoption and its intersection with suicidality. The episode features conversations with various contributors to the newly released book "Adoption and Suicidality," which includes stories, poems, and resources for adoptees, families, healthcare professionals, and allies.

The episode begins with a heartfelt conversation between Beth and her son, Joey, who co-wrote the book. Joey reflects on his journey through mental health struggles and the healing process, emphasizing the importance of sharing their experiences to help others.

Following this, Beth engages in conversations with seven contributors from the book, each sharing their personal stories and insights related to adoption and suicidality. The contributors, including Dr. Joyce Maguire Pavao, Bruce Porth, Janell Strube, Laura Engel, Lorraine Dusky, Terry Dreismeier, and Melissa Brunetti, offer poignant readings from their pieces, shedding light on the emotional complexities and challenges faced within the adoption community.

Throughout the episode, the contributors discuss the stigma surrounding adoption and mental health, the need for open dialogue and education, and the impact of early trauma on mental well-being. They share personal experiences of loss, grief, and resilience, highlighting the importance of community support and understanding.

The episode concludes with a reflection on the powerful and emotional narratives shared, emphasizing the significance of raising awareness, providing resources, and fostering a supportive environment for adoptees and their families. The contributors' raw and honest accounts serve as a catalyst for destigmatizing adoption-related mental health struggles and promoting healing and understanding within the adoption community.

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📆 Community Calendar: UnravelingAdoption.com/Calendar

✨Healing the Adoption Constellation database: UnravelingAdoption.com/Healing

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RESOURCES from this episode:

Other Resources:

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Unraveling Adoption is produced and hosted by Beth Syverson

Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao

Email questions or comments to [email protected]

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TIME STAMPS

  • Introduction to the Book: 00:00:03-00:02:10

  • Joey's Reflections on the Book: 00:02:14-00:04:07

  • Contributors’ Introductions: 00:12:57-00:13:40

  • Contributor Readings and Reflections: 00:13:40-00:25:17

  • Discussion on Suicide and Adoption: 00:25:17-00:36:11

  • Impact of Adoption on Mental Health: 00:36:29-00:39:06

  • Reading Excerpts from Contributors: 00:40:05-01:01:20

  • Hope for Readers/Listeners: 01:01:30-01:21:57