Wellness Starts With We: A Message to Our Profession About Mental Health in Dentistry

If you’re in a dark place right now, or having thoughts of suicide, please pause this episode and call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

This episode is heavy. If you’re driving, you may want to save it for later.

Why Ashley Is Sharing This Now
In the last three weeks, our profession lost two dentists to suicide. Ashley chose not to name them out of respect for their families, and she couldn’t record another episode as if nothing had happened.

A Letter to Brian
Ashley shares a letter she wrote to her husband, Brian, and read on stage exactly as she wrote it. It’s about cancer, guilt, faith, and looking fine on the outside while falling apart in the car. She left in the references to slides so you hear it the way it really happened.

Four Things Ashley Asks of You
After the letter, Ashley shares four things, friend to friend.

1. If you’re struggling, tell someone today. Tell a spouse, a friend, a therapist, a pastor, or a colleague, and do it right after this episode. If you’re having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988.
2. Be the call. Reach out to the strong ones who always seem fine. You don’t need perfect words, and it’s okay to ask directly. If the answer is yes, stay with them and call or text 988 together.
3. Redefine what a high performer is. Your worth is not your production, your follower count, or your margins. The highest performing thing you can do is take care of the person doing the work.
4. Don’t do this alone. If you don’t have your people yet, borrow Ashley’s. The Making Of Facebook community is almost 20,000 people in this profession who will pray for you, cheer for you, and tell you the truth.

One More Thing
Think of one name, someone who came to mind while you were listening. Before your next patient or before you start the car, send them a text. It can be four words: “Thinking of you. Coffee?”

If You Need Support Right Now
Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Where to Find Ashley
Instagram: @ashleyjovesdds, @themaking.of
Facebook Community: The Making Of a Dental Startup

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