#18 How to Create a Sphere of Safety: Suicide Prevention with Bob Ezrin

This episode covers the difficult subjects of mental illness and suicide, and the importance of awareness and prevention. First, Freedom Writer Teacher Mikael Aringer tells his story of hope and healing after a loved one attempted suicide. Then Erin Gruwell shares her conversation with legendary music producer, Bob Ezrin. Bob has produced some of the most iconic albums of the last forty years and now uses his platform to help those in need. His dedication to suicide awareness and prevention is particularly personal because his son, David, took his own life in 2008 after a long battle with mental illness. Erin and Bob discuss warning signs, how to cope with tragic loss, and ways we can remove stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide. They also extend loving support to anyone who may be struggling. Links and Resources: Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255 (Immediate contact with crisis workers who can offer support and direct you to local mental health care providers) Suicide Prevention Resource Center www.sprc.org Warning Signs Article from National Institute on Mental Health: https://bit.ly/1t4A7LY Coping with Loss Harvard Medical Group: https://bit.ly/1BdVyAe Mental Health www.mentalhealth.gov www.activemind.org/index.php nami.org Bob Ezrin Credits: https://bit.ly/2pf7BOi Non-profit: musicrising.com Logic's Song 1-800-273-8255 Music Video: https://bit.ly/2xhus08 Logic's Grammy Performance: https://bit.ly/2OwDo8x Bob's Gift for Students Who Are Struggling: For a free copy of the Freedom Writers Diary, write Erin Gruwell at [email protected] Questions, stories, reviews? Contact us: [email protected] Buy Signed Copies of Freedom Writers Books www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/shop