#35 Emma Benoit: Founder of Emma Speaks-Inspiring Resilience and Hope Through Lived Experience and Suicide Attempt Survivor

If you have pre-teen/teenage children, this is a MUST listen!In this episode, Kelley and Emma discuss what lead to her suicide attempt, her recovery both mentally and physically, how she takes care of her mental health today, and her beautiful purpose driven life. Emma Benoit is a Mental Health Advocate and Suicide Attempt Survivor who is an uplifting, nationally recognized speaker who became extremely passionate about suicide prevention after surviving a suicide attempt in 2017, the summer before her senior year of high school. At the time, she was a popular varsity cheerleader with a supportive family and lots of friends, but quietly struggled with anxiety and depression, too ashamed to share her pain with family or friends. Her attempt resulted in a spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed but helped her find faith and purpose and propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience and miraculous recovery to help others.MY ASCENSION is an inspiring documentary about Emma’s story, and includes firsthand experiences of families, friends, school officials, and suicide prevention experts. The film does not shy away from the difficult realities of the ongoing youth suicide crisis, but shares valuable resources to help keep teens safe.You can learn more about booking her for speaking engagements and viewing the film at www.emmaspeaks.orgIf you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or emotional distress, help is available. Call or text 988, or chat via 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Trained counselors are available 24/7, free and confidential. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com