By talking openly about mental health, a St. Louis family honors a legacy — and helps others

After 24-year-old Jake Zeller took his own life in December 2013, his family faced a decision: “What do we tell people?” Ultimately, they decided to share the truth about what happened. By speaking openly, the Zellers sought to start a movement of radical honesty about mental health. Thirteen years later, their nonprofit Team Jakey is dedicated to ending the stigma around mental illness and suicide. To date, the nonprofit has raised more than $500,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Provident Behavioral Health in St. Louis. Jake’s sister, Jenna Zeller, and Team Jakey executive director Logan Janis share their story and how a decision to speak out turned into a decadelong mission to help others.