The Dad Edge Podcast Why You Should Own the Mental Health of Your Children with Jason Reid
Jason Reid is a successful businessman, coach for CEOs, and founder of over 20 businesses. He is also the founder of the Tell My Story foundation, a nonprofit organization aimed at educating and empowering parents to support their children's mental health struggles.
In today's episode, Jason Reid bravely shared the devastating story of losing his 14-year-old son to suicide in 2018. This tragic event has shaped Jason's mission: to eradicate teenage suicide by 2030. He is arming parents with the necessary skills to become better communicators, listeners, and leaders for their children.
According to recent CDC data, teenage suicide is now the second leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States, with the pandemic and increased cell phone usage contributing to the surge in mental health issues among the youth. These concerning statistics emphasize the urgency of addressing the mental health of our children.
Jason stressed the importance of active listening and creating a safe space for children to express their feelings freely. He pointed out that often, in our attempts to console our kids, we may unintentionally dismiss their feelings, which could have harmful consequences. Recognizing the difference between occasional sadness and persistent symptoms of depression or anxiety is vital.
Interestingly, Jason's passion for music and his guitars, symbolizes the need to have personal interests, acting as a reminder that life isn't solely about the hardships but also about the joys that make it worth living.
In this urgent fight against teenage suicide, we, as parents, can make a difference by providing support, fostering open conversations about mental health, and teaching our kids to navigate through life's challenges. Through Jason's heartrending story, let's take action to protect our children and their mental well-being.