Episode 68. Shiggi Pakter: On Suicide Bereavement

*Trigger Warning* - Mention of means of suicide

In this episode, we're joined again by Shiggi Pakter, Audio Content Producer & DJ, who shares with us her experience of suicide bereavement - losing her Mum to suicide. Shiggi was born and raised in Kenya, spending half her life there and the rest across a few places in the world with the UK being a close second. She was carted off to boarding school at the age of 14 and deciding the UK would be home, she's stumbled through various difficulties and always found a way to self-correct and keep on moving forwards.

The 9-5 didn't sit well with Shiggi and she's been creating her own path since leaving studies at Brunel University in 2004. A few jobs (including manager at London 2012). business partnerships and developing her own Performance DJ "gig" later, she's back to focusing on what she loves around demystifying the world of audio for other entrepreneurial coaches, speakers and authors. 

In the midst of that, she's also self-navigating a path back to her "true north" after her mother completed suicide by a gun to the head in 2019. She is not shy to share the story of the "other-side" the bereaved must endure and simply don't have a field manual to help them through.  "If my words and story can help just one other person who has to go through a multi-continental "mission" like mine, my work is done."

Shiggi is very open and shares her raw, honest experience. From the practicalities of dealing with a suicide to the emotions and cultural traditions and beliefs we dive deep into her story. We also discuss the importance of a support network, the sonic boom of grief and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (I'm now a fan too!)

Connect with Shiggi via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Linkedin or visit her website 

And with us: Psykhe Coaching on Facebook, Instagram or via our website

Mentioned in this episode:

Shiggi's podcast -Getting Shiggi With...

For more information on suicide bereavement, visit Mind. 

If you are feeling suicidal, please reach out for support. Some useful 24/7 helpline numbers are:

UK

Samaritans – call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org

Text Shout to 85258 (24/7 text line)

US

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Network 1-800-273-TALK (8255), press 1 for veterans

Crisis text line - text Talk to 741741

Or visit the following for further resource suggestions:

UK: www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide

US: www.afsp.org/suicide-prevention-resources