Event Details

This is a revised version of last year’s workshop, and this year we will focus on exploring how we can unlearn helplessness by depathologizing suicidal ideation and reframing it as a source of guidance. We will discuss how suicidality can be used as a tool to dismantle oppressive systems when reframed as an intuition-driven compass that can direct an individual toward healing and peace on this side of existence, or toward creating the story they want future generations to tell about their life when they’re gone. We’ll be writing and (optionally) sharing our eulogies to declare what we want that story to be, and we'll also do a somatic exercise to allow your suicidal part space to express itself to you without the constraints of shame and guilt.

What does your ticket grant you access to?

• Link to attend the workshop live

• Workshop recording

• Presentation slides (90 days’ access)

• Worksheet with additional prompts

• Recording from last year’s workshop (for tickets purchased at sponsorship tiers)

  Please note that attendees' on-screen sentiments will be edited out of the recording

Location:

Virtual - Google Meet 

Access considerations:

Captions will automatically be generated for this workshop. 

If you're unable to afford the minimum sliding scale cost, please register for a scholarship using the link found at the bottom of this page.

This workshop uses a sliding-scale model for accessibility purposes. Prices above the true cost are designed to help make tickets more accessible to others. These additional funds are used to support individuals who may need financial assistance, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to attend. Purchasing tickets at the sponsorship tiers grants you access to the recording of the last Suicidal Ideation as a Compass Creative Writing Workshop. It also sponsors a scholarship registrant’s attendance and access to the workshop resources. Contributing above the minimum amount, if you are able, helps SpectacuLaur Thoughts to continue making resources as accessible as possible to multiply marginalized people.

About the Facilitator

I'm Laurel, a Mad Jamaican psycho-spiritual practitioner living in the United States. I have years of lived experience with suicidality, which includes two suicide attempts. This workshop has been crafted with the insight I've accrued from my lived experience, indigenous wisdom, and the knowledge gained from my tertiary education in biology and psychology (BSc.), which informs my holistic approach to mental health. During a spiritual crisis triggered by the world-changing events of 2020, I experienced a disconnection from our shared reality. It was during this time that I learned to use my suicidal ideation as a compass, guiding me toward creating a life I dreamed of for myself and toward co-creating a better world for the oppressed beings I deeply care for. By the end of the crisis, I no longer felt the need to fantasize about death, as the experience taught me to listen to my intuition—a reliable, supportive friend that suicidal ideation once was for me. I'm excited to host this workshop as it allows me to share how—through depathologization—suicidal ideation can become a compass that guides you toward helping to dismantle oppressive systems, so that you can use your personal power to help us attain collective liberation!

Testimonials:

“This workshop was one of the most helpful, informative, and validating events I've ever attended on the subject of SI. I love the way Laurel engaged with all of us. It made the space feel so comfortable and open and safe. I also found it really helpful to get the unique perspective and support from someone with so much knowledge and experience. This workshop has helped me navigate a life that often feels un-navigable due to SI, and I return to Laurel’s materials and my notes from this workshop almost weekly. Thank you, Laurel!”

-Kris

“Suicidal ideation as a compass was a lovely much needed writing workshop! I really needed this time to sit and look at my suicidality head on and honestly without shame or fear. This workshop and container created by Laurel really helped me look at my desire to die as an appropriate trauma response for the world around me. Really helped me to learn how to use it as a tool rather than run from it and deny its existence in my life. I’ve been able to share these tools with my friends and I’m really grateful for this work. Well done and thank you 🤍”

-E