Transforming Marriages and Tackling Dentist Suicide with Steven Kalas | Next Level Dentist Podcast

In this episode of the Next Level Dentist Podcast, host Richard welcomes Steven Kalas, a seasoned couples counselor who has profoundly impacted Richard's own marriage. Steven shares insights from his extensive work with couples and his experience as an ordained Episcopal priest. The conversation delves into critical and heavy topics, including tackling suicide within the field of dentistry. Steven discusses the overlap between spirituality and depth psychology and his personal background in suicidology, an area that has deeply affected his family. They also touch on prevention, intervention, and postvention strategies for dealing with suicidality. This episode seeks to shed light on the importance of addressing mental health in high-stress professions and fostering meaningful conversations around difficult issues.

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If you or someone you know is struggling or thinking about ending their life, please reach out for help. In the U.S., you can dial or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re outside the U.S., please look up the local crisis hotline in your country. You don’t have to go through this alone.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:04 Steven's Background and Spiritual Framework

01:06 Exploring Suicide in Dentistry

02:03 Depth Psychology and Spirituality

03:54 Steven's Journey into Suicidology

05:02 Understanding Suicide Prevention and Postvention

06:55 Systems Theory and Suicide

11:14 The Pain of Ambiguity and Guilt

19:42 Personal Stories and Reflections

26:01 The Great Wallendas: A Family of Daredevils

27:17 The Thrill and Danger of High-Risk Entertainment

27:59 Subintentional Suicide: The Hidden Desire for Death

29:46 Victim Precipitated Homicide: Death by Cop

31:35 The High Suicide Rates Among Dentists

39:31 The Gender Differences in Suicide Methods

41:56 The Reality of Hardcore Suicide

48:34 The Importance of Suicide Prevention and Support

00:00 Ep2 - Suicide in Dentistry: Navigating Shadows Through Counseling w Steven Kalas - Pt 1