Trigger warning: This episode discusses suicide and mental health. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to a trusted friend, a mental health professional, or a crisis hotline in your area.
Workplace mental health is not just a tick-box exercise; it’s a vital, actionable step toward saving lives. This discussion with Frank King, a renowned advocate and mental health comedian, underscores the profound impact of mental health awareness and suicide prevention in professional settings. With 85% of suicides occurring among people aged 18-65—many of whom spend their days at work—the workplace becomes a critical arena for intervention. Frank shares actionable strategies for spotting warning signs, fostering open communication, and building organizational trust. Leaders and colleagues alike can play a pivotal role in recognizing and addressing mental health challenges before they escalate. The key takeaway? Starting the conversation could save a life.
About the Guest:
Frank King, known as The Mental Health Comedian, is a renowned Suicide Prevention and Postvention Public Speaker, Trainer, and Corporate Comedian. With over 20 years as a writer for The Tonight Show and 38 years in stand-up comedy, he has shared the stage with legends like Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres, and Adam Sandler. Turning his lifelong battle with depression and suicidality into a platform for change, Frank has delivered 12 TEDx Talks, including the acclaimed "A Matter of Laugh or Death". He combines humor with lifesaving insights to break the stigma surrounding mental health, equipping audiences—ranging from corporations to schools—with tools to recognize and address mental health challenges. His resilience extends beyond mental health, having survived significant physical health challenges, which he jokes about with grace. A passionate advocate and author, Frank inspires others by proving that where there is humor, there is hope.
Website: mentalhealthcomedian.com
About the Host:
Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.
Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/
https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/
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