Did you know that having a mentor can reduce the likelihood of young people developing drug and alcohol issues by 80 percent? Substance abuse is often a contributing factor in teen suicide, making mentorship a key element in safeguarding teens from both. On Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by Leslie Weirch, who shares her deeply personal journey after losing her son Austin to suicide. Together, they explore the protective factors against suicide, including mentorship, and how these can help shield teens from substance abuse and mental health struggles.

Key moments:

00:36 A Mother's Tragic Story: The Loss of Austin

02:11 Austin's Life and Achievements

05:03 The Night That Changed Everything

07:26 Turning Pain into Purpose: Leslie's Mission

08:53 Mental Health Awareness and Prevention

16:43 Leslie's Speaking Journey and Impact

19:55 Sources of Strength: A Preventative Approach

25:52 Protective Factors for Mental Health

34:11 Conclusion: The Importance of Connection and Support

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About our guest: 

Leslie Weirich is a national speaker on suicide prevention, sharing her personal journey after losing her son Austin to suicide on September 10, 2016—coincidentally World Suicide Prevention Day. She began speaking locally in 2017 and gained national attention in 2018, focusing on youth mental health, especially for young men, student athletes, and the military. Leslie resigned from her job in 2020 to pursue her mission full-time, partnering with Oaklawn Community Mental Health Center and raising over $100K for suicide prevention programs. Leslie is certified in multiple suicide prevention programs and leads Leslie’s Hope, her public speaking initiative to raise awareness and save lives.

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