Episode 132

Hope and Action: Conversations on Preventing Teen Suicide

Understanding Teen Suicide and Mental Health: Insights, Strategies, and Support

In honor of September's Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, this episode compiles powerful and actionable insights on suicide prevention, featuring personal stories from guests like Jay Reed and initiatives by people such as Kevin Wong from The Trevor Project and Ann Moss Rogers. The episode emphasizes critical themes including the importance of open conversations about mental health, actionable strategies for suicide prevention, and understanding the heightened risks faced by LGBTQ youth. It includes practical advice for parents on recognizing signs of mental distress, fostering meaningful connections with their children, and leveraging resources like crisis hotlines and peer support platforms.

00:00 Introduction to Suicide Prevention Awareness

00:27 Recurring Themes in Suicide Prevention

01:17 Important Crisis Numbers

01:59 Interview with Jay Reed: A Father's Story

06:10 The Impact of Modern Life on Teen Mental Health

10:41 The Role of Parents in Suicide Prevention

19:43 Introducing Cara McNulty: Mental Health Advocate

31:01 Jackie Simmons: The Talk That Saves Lives

41:36 Why Stay? Heather's Reasons for Living

42:44 The Power of Neuroplasticity

46:43 Introducing Kevin Wong from The Trevor Project

48:17 The Trevor Project's Mission and Programs

57:52 Advocacy and Support for LGBTQ Youth

01:01:21 Recognizing and Addressing Mental Health in LGBTQ Youth

01:07:36 Ann Moss Rogers: A Personal Journey and Advocacy

01:26:51 Creating a Crisis Response Plan

Links to Full Episode

AnneMoss Rogers

Kevin Wong, The Trevor Project

Jackie Simmons

Cara McNulty

Jay Reid

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Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen
With Host Heather Hester

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Heather Hester

Heather Hester is the founder of Chrysalis Mama which provides support and education to parents and allies of LGBTQIA adolescents, teenagers, and young adults. She is also the creator/host of the Top 1% podcast Just Breathe: Parenting your LGBTQ Teen. As an advocate and coach, she believes the coming out process is equal parts beautiful and messy. She works with her clients to let go of fear and feelings of isolation so that they can reconnect with themselves and their children with awareness and compassion. Heather also works within organizations via specialized programming to bring education and empowerment with a human touch. She is delighted to announce that her first book is out in the world as of May 2024 - Parenting with Pride: Unlearn Bias and Embrace, Empower, and Love Your LGBTQ+ Teen. Married to the funniest guy she’s ever known and the mother of four extraordinary kids (two of whom are LGBTQ) and one sassy mini bernedoodle, Heather believes in being authentic and embracing the messiness. You can almost always find her with a cup coffee nearby whether she’s at her computer, on her yoga mat, or listening to her favorite music.