Breaking the Silence on Suicide and Mental Health with Mike Stenger
In this episode of 'Suicide Zen Forgiveness,' host Elaine Lindsay engages in a profound conversation with guest Mike Stenger about his journey from suicidal ideation as a teen in Ohio to becoming a successful marketer in San Diego. The discussion highlights the importance of ending the silence, stigma, and shame surrounding suicide and mental health issues. Mike shares his personal story, emphasizing the critical role of open communication and empathy. The episode also explores the impact of social media, the challenges of depression, and the necessity of kindness and empathy in everyday interactions.
00:00 Mission and Introduction
01:16 Meet Mike Stenger
02:07 Elaine's Google Plus Story
07:34 Mike's Struggles and Turning Point
16:21 Moving to San Diego
18:19 Dealing with Depression
21:16 The Impact of Social Media
28:57 The Dark Side of Social Media
32:08 The Importance of Empathy
35:57 Teaching Empathy in Schools
40:20 The Power of Listening
45:10 Spreading Kindness
49:07 Final Thoughts and Farewell
BIO
From suicidal teen living in the boonies of Ohio to a successful direct response marketer living in sunny San Diego, when Mike’s not cranking out converting copy for his clients, you can find him out and about walking his husky Zoey or living the dad life.
I met Mike in the early days of Google+ and we have remained friends these past thirteen years.
Social and Link
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mikestenger
Website: mikestenger.com
