There are some conversations you never think you’ll have as a parent. Some fears you desperately hope you’ll never face. And yet, here we are….

A few weeks ago, our homeschool community was shaken to its core when a young man—one of my son’s friends and a former student of mine—took his own life. The devastation, the heartbreak, is something no family should endure. I find myself wishing with all my heart that this young man could have heard the kind of conversation we share in this episode—before the pain became too much for him to bear.

Today on Christian Parent/Crazy World, as part of our “best of” archive, we are revisiting one of the most powerful and necessary conversations I’ve ever hosted: tackling the terrifying reality of teen suicide. We’re joined by Emma Benoit, a vibrant young woman who survived her own suicide attempt and now lives out a remarkable mission to give other young people hope. Alongside Emma is Jennifer Ellers, a seasoned Christian counselor and crisis responder who specializes in youth suicide prevention.

We dig deep into what happens beneath the surface of our kids’ lives: the hidden battles, the stigma that keeps them silent, and the warning signs that can be so easy to miss. We talk candidly about both the physical and spiritual dimensions of mental health struggles, and offer practical ways to engage with and support our children—even in the darkness.

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🎙 Meet My Guests: Emma Benoit & Jennifer Ellers

👩‍🦽 Emma Benoit is a courageous survivor. As a varsity cheerleader at 16, she hid crippling anxiety behind a “perfect” exterior—until her suicide attempt changed everything. Emma not only survived, she’s transformed her pain into radical purpose, sharing her story nationwide through the documentary My Ascension and as an advocate for youth mental health.
 

💡 Jennifer Ellers is a Christian counselor, crisis responder, trainer, and author dedicated to youth suicide prevention. With decades of experience, Jennifer brings not only expertise but deep compassion, equipping parents and communities to better recognize, respond, and walk alongside those in crisis.

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🌟 Key Takeaways from This “Best Of” Episode

• Silent Struggles: Many kids and teens, like Emma, hide their anxiety or depression out of shame—masking their pain even from those who love them most.
• Hidden Crisis in Younger Kids: The age of mental health crises is dropping. Children as young as six are now facing issues that once seemed remote to elementary parents.
• What to Look For: Watch for changes in your child’s behavior, sleep, grades, or social life. A child withdrawing from activities they once loved, or showing unexpected changes in mood, warrants compassionate attention.
• Why Conversation Matters: Kids often avoid talking about emotional pain; parents must lean in with open-ended, non-judgmental questions, making it safe to share struggles—and even to talk frankly about suicidal thoughts.
• Physical & Spiritual Realities: Both brain chemistry and spiritual warfare can play roles in depression and suicidal ideation. The most effective help treats mind, body, and spirit together.
• Immediate Action Steps: If you sense imminent danger, remove any lethal means and seek professional help without delay. Crisis lines like 988 are available 24/7.
• How Parents Can Change the Story: Create a home environment where big feelings are discussed openly; routine talks about mental health should become just as normal as asking about school or sports.
• Hope Is Real: Emma’s experience, and the stories of other survivors, bear witness that things can and do get better. Even if your child can’t see hope, you can help hold it for them.

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🎧 Take Action & Listen Now

Don’t wait for a crisis. Start the conversation. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, mentor, or friend, this “best of” episode is a lifeline—a practical guide and a word of hope for anyone walking this hard road.
 

🔗 Or find CP/CW  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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💬 A Quote to Reflect On

“The reality is when you have so much emotional and mental hurt and pain that you don’t feel like you can talk about it, and you don’t feel like it’s ever going to get better, the best solution seems like escaping it. … Death isn’t really what we’re after if you’re suicidal. It’s the escape from the turmoil and the pain.”
~ Emma Benoit

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✨ An Encouraging Word for Parents

I know firsthand how overwhelming and helpless this topic can make you feel. But please remember: God placed your children in your life for a reason. Your willingness to show up, to ask the hard questions, to enter the difficult conversations and pray bold prayers—these may be the very things that save a life.

Keep talking. Keep praying. Keep showing up. There is always hope—even when darkness closes in.

You don’t have to face this alone.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

About the Guests:
Emma Benoit shares her story widely through My Ascension, a documentary shown in schools and communities across the country. Jennifer Ellers is a leader in Christian counseling and crisis intervention, affiliated with the American Association of Christian Counselors.

Connect & Resources:

• Learn more about Emma’s mission and the My Ascension film: myascension.us
• Find counseling and suicide prevention resources: aacc.net
• In a crisis? Call or text 988 for immediate help.
• List of Scriptures to pray over those struggling with mental illness: Catherine’s Resources

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PARENT CHALLENGE:
Are you willing to look beneath the surface and have the hard conversations? This week, ask your child—even if they seem “fine”—how they’re really feeling. What would happen if you treated emotional pain as seriously as physical pain, and taught your family to do the same?

Listen now, and help bring hope into the darkness—because as Christian parents, we are called to fight for life, truth, and healing for our children.