109 | Is Your Teen Just Depressed or Could They Be Suicidal: Talking With Elliot Kallen on Ways We Can Identify Both and Prevent Teen Suicide

Life Coach BFF Show | Heather Pettey Hi Friend, Elliot Kallen is joining us on Life Coach BFF Show to discuss depression in teens and teen suicide. He points out some of the warning signs and ways we can hopefully identify a potentially dangerous situation in order to  prevent a bad ending. Elliot is the Co-Founder and President of A Brighter Day, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping teens manage depression and stress. Elliot and his wife started the nonprofit in 2015 in memory of their youngest son, Jake, who committed suicide at 19. Every year, millions of teenagers struggle with thoughts of depression, deep sadness, isolation, stress, and the feeling of helplessness. Because of their mental health issues, thousands commit suicide, making it one of the leading causes of death among teens in the US.  Sadly, and too often, the parents of these teens are the last to learn about their child's mental problems, and sometimes it's too late to take action. A Brighter Day aims to stop teen suicide by educating teens and their parents about mental disorders, and providing resources they can use to reach out and communicate when depression and stress are affecting either their own or the lives of those around them. They have helped thousands of teens deal with mental health issues while still allowing them to retain their privacy and dignity. Elliot is also actively involved in several other nonprofit organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of Contra Costa, and Congregation B’nai Shalom, for which he has helped raise millions of dollars.  For nearly 30 years, he has also run a wealth management firm, Prosperity Financial Group, which helps individuals achieve their retirement goals and uniquely invest their assets. is the Co-Founder and President of A Brighter Day, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping teens manage depression and stress. Elliot and his wife started the nonprofit in 2015 in memory of their youngest son, Jake, who committed suicide at 19. Every year, millions of teenagers struggle with thoughts of depression, deep sadness, isolation, stress, and the feeling of helplessness. Because of their mental health issues, thousands commit suicide, making it one of the leading causes of death among teens in the US.  Sadly, and too often, the parents of these teens are the last to learn about their child's mental problems, and sometimes it's too late to take action. A Brighter Day aims to stop teen suicide by educating teens and their parents about mental disorders, and providing resources they can use to reach out and communicate when depression and stress are affecting either their own or the lives of those around them. They have helped thousands of teens deal with mental health issues while still allowing them to retain their privacy and dignity. Elliot is also actively involved in several other nonprofit organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of Contra Costa, and Congregation B’nai Shalom, for which he has helped raise millions of dollars.  For nearly 30 years, he has also run a wealth management firm, Prosperity Financial Group, which helps individuals achieve their retirement goals and uniquely invest their assets. Thanks for listening- this was a tough one! Connect with Host Heather Pettey: Email: [email protected] Speaker Request Here Instagram @HeatherPettey_ Facebook: @HeatherPettey1 Linkedin: @HeatherPettey Book: "Keep It Simple, Sarah" (Amazon bestseller) Facebook Group: @midlifemoxie Website: www.ourmidlifemoxie.com Don't forget to subscribe to the Life Coach BFF Show for more inspiring content and practical life advice! *Quick Disclaimer- Heather Pettey is a certified coach and not a therapist. Always seek the support of a therapist for clinical mental health issues.