Safe Space

The Artistic Psychologist
  • 3.7 (3)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Safe Space is a podcast that aims at ending the stigma surrounding mental health one story at a time, one conversation at a time.

  1. 2D AGO

    Is Suicide a Form of Communication? A Psychiatrist Explains | Professor Lukoye Atwoli |

    In many Kenyan homes, conversations about pain and mental health are often silenced. But silence does not protect us, it isolates us. In this episode of Safe Space, host Paulyne Wanyonyi speaks with Professor Lukoye Atwoli, a psychiatrist and mental health expert, about what truly drives suicide.  Together, they unpack suicide as a manifestation of severe psychological distress and explore why it should be understood not as a personal failure, but as a signal that someone is struggling and needs support. The conversation goes deeper into the complex factors that shape suicide risk, including biology, psychology, and social environments.  From early childhood experiences and trauma, to unemployment, violence, and social pressures, the episode examines the wider context that affects mental health in Kenya today. Professor Lukoye also explains why suicide should be seen as a public health issue, how suicidal behaviour can be a form of communication, and why understanding the full picture is essential for prevention and care.  This episode invites us to rethink how we talk about suicide, how we respond to distress, and how communities can play a role in supporting those who are struggling.  Listen to the full conversation and join us in breaking the silence.  Support & Resources: Therapy Resource Catalogue - https://the-artisticpsychologist.com/therapy-mental-health-resources-by-the-artistic-psychologist/  External Suicide Toolkits - https://tr.ee/cQCujGXnvX  Seeking Help Toolkit - https://tr.ee/orJUB1_Pu8  Grounding Exercises Toolkit - https://the-artisticpsychologist.com/grounding-exercises-a-quick-guide-for-intense-emotions/  Submit your Mental Health story via a voice note - Whatsapp Us on +254 788 036 727,  Your story may be featured on our "In Your Own Words" segment of this podcast.  Write for our Blog - https://zfrmz.com/H03NH23xUPly3ZJsEcVQ

    1h 19m

  2. FEB 27

    Naming Suicide | Breaking the Silence in Kenya with Dr. Tima Khamis

    This first interview episode of Safe Space podcast opens our suicide series by addressing what is often spoken about in hushed tones. Hosted by Paulyne Wanyonyi, the conversation features clinical psychologist Dr. Tima Khamis, who brings over two decades of experience working with adults and young people navigating suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and psychological distress. The episode explores how suicide is understood in Kenya, the impact of stigma and language, the difference between suicidal thoughts and suicidal ideation, and why suicide should be treated as a public health issue rather than a moral failure or crime. Dr. Tima also speaks about self-harm as an attempt to manage overwhelming pain, the importance of emotional literacy, and the role of community, culture, faith, and access in shaping how people seek help. This conversation is not about providing solutions. It is about creating understanding, naming what is often avoided, and beginning a more compassionate dialogue around suicide in a Kenyan context. Please listen with care and pause whenever you need to. Support & Resources: Therapy Resource Catalogue - https://the-artisticpsychologist.com/therapy-mental-health-resources-by-the-artistic-psychologist/ External Suicide Toolkits - https://tr.ee/cQCujGXnvX Seeking Help Toolkit - https://tr.ee/orJUB1_Pu8 Grounding Exercises Toolkit -  https://the-artisticpsychologist.com/grounding-exercises-a-quick-guide-for-intense-emotions/ Submit your Mental Health story via a voice note - Whatsapp Us on +254 788 036 727, Your story may be featured on our "In Your Own Words" segment of this podcast. Write for our Blog - https://zfrmz.com/H03NH23xUPly3ZJsEcVQ

    59 min

  3. FEB 26

    High Functioning Through Pregnancy and Mental Illness

    In this episode, Elizabeth shares her experience of living with depression, grief, and bipolar 2 during pregnancy.  Throughout this period, she continued to function outwardly, even as her mental health struggled beneath the surface.  This episode reflects on what is often overlooked in high-functioning individuals, and how therapy became a place to slow down and acknowledge what was really going on.  Please listen with care and pause if you need to.  Support & Resources:  Therapy Resource Catalogue - https://the-artisticpsychologist.com/therapy-mental-health-resources-by-the-artistic-psychologist/  External Suicide Toolkits - https://tr.ee/cQCujGXnvX  Seeking Help Toolkit - https://tr.ee/orJUB1_Pu8  Grounding Exercises Toolkit - https://the-artisticpsychologist.com/grounding-exercises-a-quick-guide-for-intense-emotions/  Submit your Mental Health story via a voice note - Whatsapp Us on +254 788 036 727, Your story may be featured on our "In Your Own Words" segment of this podcast.  Write for our Blog - https://zfrmz.com/H03NH23xUPly3ZJsEcVQ

    25 min

  4. FEB 25

    When School Pressure Reaches a Breaking Point

    In this episode, Nigel shares his lived experience of his final years of high school, marked by intense pressure, the disruption of COVID-19, and a growing struggle with mental health. He speaks openly about feeling misunderstood and unsupported, how school began to affect his wellbeing, and how thoughts of suicide entered the picture during this period.  This conversation reflects on the gaps within school systems when it comes to mental health, and the need for better care and understanding.  Please listen with care and pause if you need to.  Support & Resources:  Therapy Resource Catalogue - https://the-artisticpsychologist.com/therapy-mental-health-resources-by-the-artistic-psychologist/  External Suicide Toolkits - https://tr.ee/cQCujGXnvX Seeking Help Toolkit - https://tr.ee/orJUB1_Pu8  Grounding Exercises Toolkit - https://the-artisticpsychologist.com/grounding-exercises-a-quick-guide-for-intense-emotions/  Submit your Mental Health story via a voice note - Whatsapp Us on +254 788 036 727, Your story may be featured on our "In Your Own Words" segment of this podcast.  Write for our Blog - https://zfrmz.com/H03NH23xUPly3ZJsEcVQ

    28 min

  5. FEB 23

    Living With Suicidal Ideation in Plain Sight

    This lived experience explores mental health struggles through the lens of a clinical psychology student.  It speaks about emotional inhibition, identity and body image challenges, studying abroad, and finding ways to cope.  The conversation also touches on suicidal thoughts and the role humour played during difficult moments. Please listen with care and at your own pace.  Support & Resources:  Therapy Resource Catalogue - https://the-artisticpsychologist.com/therapy-mental-health-resources-by-the-artistic-psychologist/  External Suicide Toolkits - https://tr.ee/cQCujGXnvX Seeking Help Toolkit - https://tr.ee/orJUB1_Pu8  Grounding Exercises Toolkit - https://the-artisticpsychologist.com/grounding-exercises-a-quick-guide-for-intense-emotions/  Submit your Mental Health story via a voice note - Whatsapp Us on +254 788 036 727, Your story may be featured on our "In Your Own Words" segment of this podcast.  Write for our Blog - https://zfrmz.com/H03NH23xUPly3ZJsEcVQ

    51 min

  6. FEB 19

    The Quiet Impact of Academic Pressure

    In this episode, the storyteller reflects on the impact of academic pressure and expectations during his high school years.  He shares how this period affected his emotional wellbeing, and the role community played in helping him through it.  He also reflects on how suicide was spoken about then, and why he now believes in the importance of professional support and open conversation.  Support & Resources:  Therapy Resource Catalogue - https://the-artisticpsychologist.com/therapy-mental-health-resources-by-the-artistic-psychologist/  External Suicide Toolkits - https://tr.ee/cQCujGXnvX Seeking Help Toolkit - https://tr.ee/orJUB1_Pu8  Grounding Exercises Toolkit - https://the-artisticpsychologist.com/grounding-exercises-a-quick-guide-for-intense-emotions/  Submit your Mental Health story via a voice note - Whatsapp Us on +254 788 036 727, Your story may be featured on our "In Your Own Words" segment of this podcast.  Write for our Blog - https://zfrmz.com/H03NH23xUPly3ZJsEcVQ

    15 min

  7. FEB 17

    When a Loved One Dies by Suicide

    In this episode, Muthoni speaks about losing two close friends to suicide and the impact that  those losses had on her life. She reflects on grief, the signs that only became clear in hindsight, and the emotional weight of living with unanswered questions.                    This episode also explores the role of support, community, and what it means to continue living while with grief. Please listen with care and pause if needed.

    44 min

  8. FEB 12

    A Lived Experience of Illness, Pain, and Seeking Help

    This episode shares John’s lived experience of being diagnosed with cancer and the emotional weight that followed.  He speaks openly about fear, isolation, anger, and the questions that came with his diagnosis.  John also reflects on seeking therapy during this time, and how his experience left him feeling unheard and misunderstood, especially when faith was presented as a solution to pain he was still trying to make sense of.  This conversation is about illness, mental health, and the complexity of seeking support when life feels overwhelming. It is shared with honesty, care, and respect for the reality of carrying this kind of pain. If this topic is heavy for you, please take care and seek support where needed.  Support & Resources:  Therapy Resource Catalogue - https://the-artisticpsychologist.com/therapy-mental-health-resources-by-the-artistic-psychologist/  External Suicide Toolkits - https://tr.ee/-D0hLbwdIk Seeking Help Toolkit - https://tr.ee/VwYDJcyoaZ  Grounding Exercises Toolkit - https://the-artisticpsychologist.com/grounding-exercises-a-quick-guide-for-intense-emotions/  Submit your Mental Health story via a voice note - Whatsapp Us on +254 788 036 727, Your story may be featured on our "In Your Own Words" segment of this podcast.

    16 min
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Trailer

3.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Safe Space is a podcast that aims at ending the stigma surrounding mental health one story at a time, one conversation at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    The Artistic Psychologist
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2020
  • Show Website
    Safe Space