Dr. Leanne Williams is determined to spare people the suffering she’s endured. Her partner of many years died by suicide after fighting a depression that resisted all treatment. She has devoted her life as a scientist at Stanford to applying the principles and tactics of precision medicine to depression, which she has categorized into sub-types (much as was done with cancer decades ago). Joining me in this conversation are Dr BJ Miller, a friend and previous guest who works as a palliative care doc and lost his sister to suicide, as well as Emmy-winning comedian W. Kamau Bell, also a friend and previous guest, who brings his usual good will and insight to the conversation.
This episode contains a detailed discussion of suicide. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Thanks to PBS stations across the country for supporting Tell Me More. You can watch an edited video version of this conversation anytime at PBS.org/kelly.