Trigger warning: This episode discusses teen depression and suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, you are not alone. If you are in crisis, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or dial 911.

Recently, the CDC released a statistic that blew my mind - nearly 3 in 5 teen girls say that they feel persistently sad or hopeless. While these numbers certainly spiked during COVID, they remain elevated while we continue to deal with the after effects of COVID’s impact on mental health across the board.

In today’s episode, I am sitting down with my teenage daughter Susie to discuss her mental health journey and how it has impacted our family as a whole over the last six months.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

[06:12] About Susie 

[06:56] A look into Susie’s mental health journey 

[09:33] What sparked Susie’s depression spiral and eating disorder

[14:45] Looking back to Susie’s darkest season 

[18:23] Susie’s experience at a treatment facility 

[25:04] Her major breakthrough while at the treatment center

[26:45] What provoked Susie’s rededication to God 

[28:50] How Susie has progressed since leaving the treatment center

[31:28] Struggles that Susie is still facing post treatment

[32:17] Why so many teen girls struggle with body image

[34:29] Susie’s best advice for teen girls struggling with mental health right now

[37:37] A prayer for teen girls currently struggling with depression and mental health

[43:05] A preview of next week’s conversation 

OTHER RELATED EPISODES:

Episode 90: Finding Joy + Peace When You Feel Stuck

Episode 92: What to Do When You Feel Spiritually Lost

Episode 142: How My Battle with Depression Helps Me Grow Closer to God with Amber Cullum

Episode 181: Becoming Better or Bitter? Allowing Life’s Difficulties to Grow You Closer to Christ with Connie Albers

Episode 182: 3 Steps to Take When You’re Stuck In an Emotional Funk

Episode 208: 7 Questions for When You Feel Like You’re Going to Lose It

Episode 209: A Doctor’s Personal Struggle with Depression with Dr. Michelle Bengston

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