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Above Ground Podcast


be well, be safe, be ABOVE

Sep 14, 2022

“How can I be thinking about suicide, when I preach suicide prevention!? queries  Andrew Leece on episode one hundred seventy of Above Ground Podcast. For our second Suicide Survivor September InnerView.

Our guest this week is, Andrew Leece. Andrew is a Board Member and Treasurer for the Capital Region Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention,  Andrew is also, the co-chair of 2022’s AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk for RITA , on Sunday, September 25th at Saratoga State Park and he lives with passive suicidal ideation. 

Andrew Leece is a friend of the show, but he is also considered a personal friend. Andrew’s story is of the tallest engine that could.  Standing at 7’2. Andrew’s height equals the strength he possesses as a man with a mental illness to overcome his negative voice to end his life and receive the help he needed to save it instead. 

Andrew takes us through his crisis from a lucky appointment with his prescriber, which lead to treatment. From inpatient to outpatient and back into the world. Touting the help he received  from Four Winds of Saratoga, NY

“The work on your{model railroad} layout is never done and neither is the work on yourself” emphasizes Andrew. Andrew uses his love of model railroads as a positive coping skill and the momentary relief for his mental health. Andrew's life and       Train Kept A Rollin', because of his ability to ask for help, his treatment and his support system. 

If you or someone you know needs help immediately dial 911. If not in immediate danger, go to the nearest Emergency Room. Dial the new 988 Crisis and Suicide Hotline, 24 hours a day. Call your Primary Care Physician. Inquire with your employer about your EAP program, if you have one available. Seek out a peer group for your diagnosis or one that you feel would serve you. 

Andrew shares with us the struggle with his diagnosis. The roller coaster he rides and tries to hold on to daily. Andrew says thank you to some folks he states were integral in his recovery. Andrew speaks on the importance having the language to talk about your emotions, needs and feelings. Here is a good place to start with Byron Katie's List of Emotions. These lists are the best on the internet and her website The Work is a great place to start your journey of healing. 

Andrew is a dedicated Board Member and Treasurer of the Capital Region Chapter of AFSP. Sunday September 25th 2022 at Saratoga Spa State Park is AFSP Capital Region                  2022 Out of the Darkness Walk for RITA, with the walk starting at 10:30am. Andrew and Above Ground Podcast will be there for our third RITA. Come out and support, remember and celebrate the spirit of those we have lost. 

September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. 

Thanks for listening to Above Ground Podcast. Please continue to like, share, rate, review, follow and friend. Until next time 

get Well, be Safe, stay ABOVE.