Conquering Stigma: Mike Stenger’s Story

Breaking the Silence on Suicide and Mental Health with Mike Stenger In this episode of 'Suicide Zen Forgiveness,' host Elaine Lindsay engages in a profound conversation with guest Mike Stenger about his journey from suicidal ideation as a teen in Ohio to becoming a successful marketer in San Diego. The discussion highlights the importance of ending the silence, stigma, and shame surrounding suicide and mental health issues. Mike shares his personal story, emphasizing the critical role of open communication and empathy. The episode also explores the impact of social media, the challenges of depression, and the necessity of kindness and empathy in everyday interactions.   00:00 Mission and Introduction 01:16 Meet Mike Stenger 02:07 Elaine's Google Plus Story 07:34 Mike's Struggles and Turning Point 16:21 Moving to San Diego 18:19 Dealing with Depression 21:16 The Impact of Social Media 28:57 The Dark Side of Social Media 32:08 The Importance of Empathy 35:57 Teaching Empathy in Schools 40:20 The Power of Listening 45:10 Spreading Kindness 49:07 Final Thoughts and Farewell BIO From suicidal teen living in the boonies of Ohio to a successful direct response marketer living in sunny San Diego, when Mike’s not cranking out converting copy for his clients, you can find him out and about walking his husky Zoey or living the dad life. I met Mike in the early days of Google+ and we have remained friends these past thirteen years.   Social and Link LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mikestenger   Website:  mikestenger.com