💛 Friendship as Medicine – Suicide Prevention

leigh milne
Aug 4
4 min read

In support of the Collie Suicide Prevention Network (SPN)Listen to the full episode here → Friendship as Medicine – Transcending Trauma on Podbean

Why Friendship is More Than Just Connection — It's a Lifeline

As we honour World Friendship Day, we’re shining a light on a powerful truth: friendship can be life-saving.

This message is shared in proud support of the Collie Suicide Prevention Network (SPN) — a local group of dedicated volunteers and service providers working together to reduce the impact of suicide. Collie SPN raises awareness, provides critical mental health resources, and organises community-driven events that make a real difference in people’s lives.

And at the heart of this movement is one of the most overlooked but effective tools in suicide prevention: human connection.

🎧 About the Podcast

In this special episode of Transcending Trauma, titled "Friendship as Medicine", holistic focused psychologist and trauma therapist Leigh Milne dives deep into the science and soul of human connection. This episode was created to support suicide prevention efforts in the Collie community and beyond, highlighting how friendship is not just comforting, but biologically healing.

Key Themes Explored:

Why we are wired for connection: Drawing on Polyvagal Theory (Deb Dana), neuroscience (Daniel Siegel), and research from the HeartMath Institute, the episode unpacks how our nervous system needs others to regulate and feel safe.
How trauma, neurodivergence, and life transitions disrupt connection: From veterans to FIFO workers, neurodivergent individuals to older adults, Leigh explores how different groups experience disconnection and what can be done to support them.
Co-regulation and the healing power of safe relationships: When we feel seen, heard, and emotionally attuned to someone, our heart rhythms and breathing can literally sync up — this biological synchrony is a key factor in mental and emotional stability.
How to rebuild connection after trauma: With simple, accessible steps, Leigh shares how listeners can reach out to others — and how to become a "glimmer" in someone else's life.

"We’re not just thinking minds — we are sensing bodies. And our biology longs for presence."

Listen to the full episode here:🎧 Friendship as Medicine on Podbean

The Science of Friendship and Suicide Prevention

Loneliness and disconnection aren't just emotional struggles — they're biological stressors. According to research:

Loneliness increases the risk of early death by 29%, surpassing risks linked to obesity or smoking. (Holt-Lunstad, 2015)
The ventral vagal system in our nervous system responds to warm eye contact, kind vocal tones, and safe body language. This co-regulation stabilises us in moments of distress.
Trauma and neurodivergence can block the ability to connect, making even one safe friendship an essential protective factor against suicide.

We are biologically wired for connection. The presence of just one compassionate, trustworthy friend can reverse patterns of shutdown, self-blame, and despair.

A Message from Collie SPN

If you live in the South West and are seeking connection, support, or information about suicide prevention, the Collie Suicide Prevention Network is here for you. They are passionate about creating a stronger, safer community through education, events, and partnerships.

For local updates or to connect with Collie SPN, visit their Facebook page (or insert direct link when available).

National Helplines and Online Support

If you or someone you know is struggling, please don’t wait. Reach out — help is always available.

📞 24/7 Support Services:

Lifeline – www.lifeline.org.au | 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service – www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Kids Helpline (ages 5–25) – www.kidshelpline.com.au | 1800 55 1800
MensLine Australia – www.mensline.org.au | 1300 78 99 78
QLife Webchat (3pm–midnight) – www.qlife.org.au

💬 Online Chat & Mental Health Support:

Beyond Blue Chat – online.beyondblue.org.au
Youth Beyond Blue (ages 12–25) – online.beyondblue.org.au
eHeadspace – www.eheadspace.org.au
ReachOut Australia – au.reachout.com
Rurallink (regional WA) – mhc.wa.gov.au

Additional Mental Health Resources

beyondblue.org.au
blackdoginstitute.org.au
orygen.org.au/chatsafe (ChatSafe – Youth Suicide Communication Safety)
grow.org.au
headsup.org.au (Workplace Mental Health)
mindframe.org.au (Talking About Suicide Safely)
regionalmenshealth.com.au
sane.org
thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au

References

Holt-Lunstad, J. (2015). Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality
Dana, D. (2020). Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection
HeartMath Institute. Heart-Focused Breathing®, Heart Lock-In®
Siegel, D. J. (2010). The Developing Mind
Cassidy, S. et al. (2014). Autism and suicidality. The Lancet Psychiatry
AIHW (2023). Veteran suicide monitoring
Suicide Prevention Australia (2023). Connection as a protective factor
UNHCR (2020). Refugee mental health and psychosocial support
Lifeline Australia. Reach Out, Check In campaign
RU OK? – Conversation guides and community resources

Final Word

On this World Friendship Day, we invite you to check in, reach out, and be present. A message, a smile, a shared walk — these small acts of friendship carry powerful, life-affirming medicine.

Because sometimes, the thing that saves a life isn’t a crisis intervention — it’s a friend who says: