328. Elliot Kallen: A Dad on a mission to prevent teen suicide.

Today we are looking at teen mental health and what we can all do to support our teens in life. Give we talk about what spurred it all on for Dad and Brighter Day Charity founder, Elliot Kallen, which was his son taking his own life, here are some numbers if you need support today: 

 

Australia: Lifeline: 131314

USA Crisis Text Line: text BRIGHTER to 741741

USA OK2Talk Helpline Teen Helpline 1 (800) 273-TALK

UK Youth Suicide Hotline Papyrus 0800 068 4141 or 07860039967 (9am - midnight) 

NZ Youthline 0800 37 66 33

Canada: Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566

What no parent wants their story to be, told by Elliot, today’s show guest: 

 

“Seven years ago, my son Jake, a sophomore at the University of Montana, walked up the highway and jumped in front of an oncoming truck, taking his life. In his suicide note, he wrote that he would have never told us how he felt or taken our help. We were devastated and shocked and have since learned that thousands of families had the same experience. None of his friends, family, or his coaches knew that he was struggling with depression.

 

My name is Elliot Kallen, and I am the President and Founder of A Brighter Day Charity. 

 

In honor of Jake, we began this charity six years ago by creating resources for teens and parents on stress and depression to stop teen suicide. We have now grown to become a charity that has impacted tens of thousands of families. Thousands are viewing our resources every month. We have established support programs and even offer college scholarships.

 

Teen suicide has become a major problem in this country and is now the 2nd leading cause of death among teens.

 

We are experts in teen depression and don’t want other parents to experience this devastation. 

 

I will share ideas that will make a huge difference in the lives of teens and their parents.”

 

Teen mental health is a real concern to many and it will take all of us to support our teens through these years. I hope this show is useful for you or someone you know and please do head to the show notes for more details of A Brighter Day Charity and the work they do over at lowtoxlife.com/podcast

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