Lynda Hills: Suicide survivor on the research that’s her new purpose

Lynda Hills is a suicide researcher studying for a PhD at Auckland University, and her lived experience is informing her research.

Seventeen years ago, Lynda tried to take her own life. She was left with critical injuries and has undergone nearly 50 surgeries. She had to learn to walk again.

Lynda's research focuses on akathisia - a side effect of antidepressants and antipsychotics that research has connected to suicidality. Reading the research through the lens of her own experience was confronting.

Lynda's personal conclusion: indigenous approaches to wellbeing are safer than Western approaches. She's found healing through Havening, a psychosensory therapy involving touch.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

David Healy - Information on akathisia and medication side effects
https://davidhealy.org/

Anders Sørensen - Crossing Zero
https://crossingzero.substack.com/

Dr Robin Youngson - Havening
https://neuroscienceofhealing.com/

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If you need support, here are helpful links, phone numbers and resources: https://ember.org.nz/resources/in-a-crisis/