Being a Friend to Mental Health Featuring Becky Glines and Marissa West

Mental Health—two words that echo across every channel, from social media to print materials and conversation. While there’s a buzz around the topic, the harsh truth is that suicide stands as a leading cause of death in the United States. In 2021 alone, 48,183 lives were lost to suicide, equating to one death every 11 minutes. Shockingly, the rates of suicide continue to rise year after year, with a staggering 12.3 million adults seriously contemplating suicide in 2021. Confronted with this reality, the crucial question persists: how can we collectively forge a path forward?The solution lies on a spectrum, but two primary focal points stand out. Firstly, foster open dialogue. Engage in genuine and authentic conversations about mental health, treating it no differently than discussing a sprained ankle. The second concept is equally impactful: demonstrate kindness. Express care and deliver a simple yet powerful message — “You matter.” In essence, be a friend. The guests in this episode, including the show host, share a personal connection to suicide and the loss of family members and loved ones. Coming together, they aim to set an example for the crucial conversations that need to occur, striving to make people more at ease with the uncomfortable. Becky Glines, Communications Director, and Marissa West, Communications Foundation Coordinator, both from Friends of Mental Health, join Raise Nation Radio. They open up about their personal experiences, shed light on the impactful journey of Friends of Mental Health from its modest origins, and discuss the organization’s future in promoting health and wellness for the mind, body, and soul. As the world enters the holiday season, a time when loneliness and suicide rates often surge, this message becomes particularly important and timely. Be sure to listen and share.

This episode covers:

• Their story - Dr, John Berry and his wife Kathleen
• Breaking the Stigma
• Shattering Silence
• Inspiring Change