In this episode, Leslie and Lisa interview Matt Drabenstott about suicide and how to help someone struggling with suicidal thoughts. Matt shares his personal and professional experiences with suicide, including his own loss and his research on youth suicide prevention. They discuss the alarming rise of suicide rates, particularly among young people, and the factors that contribute to it. Matt explains the importance of belongingness and feeling like a burden in understanding suicidal thoughts. They also explore the role of the community in providing support and the significance of open and caring conversations about mental health. They discuss how to support someone who has lost a loved one to suicide, the impact of social media on youth mental health, and how to comfort children who are struggling with a parent figure or older person threatening suicide. Matt emphasizes the importance of being alongside those who are hurting, offering support and resources, and intervening if necessary. He also highlights the complexities of social media, acknowledging both its positive and negative effects. The conversation ends with a prayerful plea for those struggling to stay and a reminder of their worth. 

7. Please Stay: A Discussion on Suicide with Matt Drabenstott

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