EP65. Brian’s Story: "Trust your gut. Don’t wait” | Brian Monday, Eric Monday Foundation #breakthestigma

I interview Brian Monday of the Eric Monday Foundation, who shares the story of his son, Eric. We discuss teen depression, suicide, grief, and the lessons Brian learned through losing his son—and how those lessons can help us better support young people living with depression while reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.***Brian Monday is the Founder and President of the Eric Monday Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming the culture of athletics through mental health awareness, education, suicide prevention, and support. Following the loss of his son, Eric, Brian has made it his mission to help parents, coaches, student athletes, and families recognize the signs of depression, reduce stigma, and create environments where young people feel safe asking for help.Through the Foundation's free Coaches Guide to Mental Health Training, Brian teaches the evidence-based LASRR framework—Listen, Accept, Support, Refer, and Report—to help coaches identify and respond compassionately to athletes who may be struggling. A sought-after keynote speaker, Brian has presented on mental health in sports to schools, universities, government organizations, and athletic programs across the country.**Disclaimer: This episode includes a discussion of depression, suicide, and the loss of a loved one. If these topics are difficult for you, please use your discretion and take care of yourself while listening. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or is in crisis, please seek immediate support. In the United States and Canada, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are outside the U.S., contact your local emergency services or crisis support resources.**TIMESTAMPS0:00 The Hidden Mental Health Crisis in Athletes1:00 Brian's Story: Losing His Son to Suicide2:05 Turning Tragedy Into Purpose4:23 Eric's Early Signs of Depression7:08 Why Failure Makes Athletes Stronger9:06 Bullying, Trauma & Mental Health11:42 When Depression Turns Into Suicidal Thoughts12:15 Why Athletes Are More Likely to Die by Suicide15:18 The Critical Role of Coaches20:35 Losing a Son to Suicide22:06 A Father's Grief & Self-Blame23:15 The Night Eric Died27:50 Parenting Regrets & Healing30:17 Therapy, Grief & Recovery31:20 Advice for Parents of Depressed Teens33:26 Trust Your Gut as a Parent35:56 Stay Close to Your Child36:38 Why Every Teen Needs a Support Network38:07 You Can't Solve Everything for Your Child40:10 Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health41:22 Listen, Accept, Support43:12 Creating the Support Eric Needed45:12 How Support Networks Save Lives47:22 How Grief Changed His Life48:20 Advice for Parents Who Lost a Child49:44 Finding Purpose After Tragedy50:22 Where Strength Comes From54:05 Treat Mental Health Like a Broken Bone56:45 How the Eric Monday Foundation Helps Athletes1:00:02 Helping Athletes Build Identity Beyond Sports1:03:08 Sports, Resilience & Mental Strength1:05:10 Mental Health Training for Coaches1:06:18 Warning Signs Coaches Should Know1:08:00 Building a Healthier Sports Culture1:10:03 The LASER Method: Listen, Accept, Support, Refer1:11:35 Mental Health Resources for Parents1:12:45 You're Not Alone1:15:25 A Message to Anyone Struggling1:17:40 Is Suicide Ever the Answer?1:19:18 Healing Shame & Finding HopeEPISODE LINKSericmondayfoundation.orgmelee-til-midnight.com#takedownthestigmaPODCAST LINKSWebsite: www.innercalling.orgApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innercalling/id1809177408Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4K2khwqNKgs90Hs8vrQenZ?si=ad3d2dbeceab49c4Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_zIrjdevY1Q91PX5woaNtjTDvell1ZJ8CONTACT DR. VICTORIA HEREDr. Victoria Ranade: www.victoriaranade.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranadeHope+Wellness: https://[email protected]: https://innercalling.org/disclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.