The most important talk you could have this week

This discussion matters. No Images? Click here       I’ve been writing about mental health professionally for nearly five years now, and every time I hear about a death by suicide it absolutely guts me. The deaths of designer Kate Spade and chef Anthony Bourdain last week were no exception.  There needs to be a better dialogue surrounding mental health, and not just one that only occurs after the passing of a prominent celebrity when it’s already too late. It isn’t a sexy discussion. It’s not a thrilling brunch topic. But it’s a conversation that NEEDS to happen regularly. This week, I spoke with experts on the best, most productive ways to talk about suicide with your loved ones, whether they’re in crisis or not. These conversation starters and tips will help you break down the uncomfortable barriers that prevent people from speaking up about self-harm. They’re also crucial in changing the tide around mental health stigma. Suicide isn’t just someone else’s problem, it’s everyone’s problem. —Lindsay Turn up the Wellness Jams Wellness Jams is a curated playlist from celebrities, influencers and readers that will help you work out or chill out. This week, reader Rojina Pradhan shares a playlist she uses to ease her stress when she's feeling overwhelmed. Take a look at it below: HIT PLAY ON ROJINA'S PLAYLIST Got a few tunes that push you through a hard gym session? Have some songs that perk you up on a bad day? Share your playlist by filling out this form. It may get featured in an upcoming newsletter. A Minute and Change Got a spare minute? Use it to change your life. Our "A Minute And Change" project will help you become happier, healthier and more productive by doing one thing a little differently. This week's tip is from actor and comedian Kevin Hart on the phrase he tells himself when he’s having a bad mental health day: “Mental health is just as important as the physical, if not more.’Every day is the start of a new day’ ― I love that saying, because if you were bad yesterday, that doesn’t mean you have to be bad the following day. You can always improve and you can always start a new journey.” MORE ON HART'S HEALTHY HABITS You oughta know Ever wonder why hangovers feel worse the more birthdays you have under your belt? Reporter Josh Ocampo investigated how your body responds to alcohol the older you get. Here’s what you should know: Your body doesn’t metabolize alcohol as effectively when you’re older. Both the brain and the liver are more sensitive to the toxicity of alcohol as you age, affecting your response to liquor. How long you’ve consumed alcohol across a lifetime can also affect how you process liquor. So those parties from college may be coming back to haunt you. Over time, heavy drinking can affect how you’re able to recover from imbibing. WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO BE AWARE OF   Crushing on this 'gram Want more Wellness? Anthony Bourdain's Best Quotes On Living Life To The Fullest "If I am an advocate for anything, it is to move. As far as you can, as much as you can." Everything You Need To Know About HIV Prevention Drug PrEP Depending on where you live, you may be able to get a prescription online. 9 Things You Should Always Do Before Having Sex Consider this your pre-romp checklist.    .     HuffPost is now a part of Oath and a part of Verizon. On May 25, 2018 we introduced a new Oath Privacy Policy which explains how your data is used and shared. Learn More. No moon dust. No B.S. Just a completely essential daily guide to achieving the good life. Subscribe here. Like what you see? Share it. Can't get enough? You'll also love HuffPost's Entertainment newsletter. ©2018 HuffPost | 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 You are receiving this email because you signed up for updates from HuffPost Feedback | Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe        . - - Preferences  |  Unsubscribe