"Just talk about it, normally. Having more open conversations about mental health, bringing it up more, allows people to be more comfortable and open to talking about that topic. Since it can be really hard, the more regular that it is, the easier that it is to talk about." Teens have a lot to teach us, when we're ready to listen.

Every year, Forefront in the Schools welcomes nearly 150 students and staff from schools across the Puget Sound region for the Day of Hope summit at University of Washington. Hailing from Kennedy Catholic High School, Muckleshoot Tribal School, Shorecrest, South Whidbey High School, Mt. Si, Roosevelt High School, The Bush School, Evergreen Public Schools, Lakewood School District, Ballard High School and Eastside Catholic and more, student advocates gather to share their work on comprehensive suicide prevention in their communities, including stories of belonging, care, and resilience. In this special episode of Coping 101, we asked these student leaders to share their WHY's for joining in this life-saving work, what they're doing to help themselves and their peers, and what adults can do to maintain effective mental health conversations with young people.

Coping 101 is an award-winning student-led podcast from c89.5, presented in partnership with Seattle Children’s, Forefront Suicide Prevention, 4Culture and other community-minded partners, where Seattle area high school students get real about mental health. Through honest conversations with peers, Artists and behavioral health professionals, they break down stigma and share tools for coping with life’s challenges — because no matter your age or background, we all struggle sometimes, and there are healthy ways to cope.

Get started with more episodes, and find community-centric resources online at c895.org/coping101

• Forefront Suicide Prevention: https://intheforefront.org/
• Forefront in the Schools: https://intheforefront.org/programs/forefront-in-the-schools/
• Forefront on social: https://www.instagram.com/intheforefrontwa/