LFPWLI: Francine Sumner, Losing a Child to Mental Illness and Shattering the Stigma Learn From People Who Lived it

In this episode, Mathew and Francine discuss how and why Zachary was lost to suicide, why the langue we use matters, and what  Kid in a Corner is doing to shine a light on mental illness through education, awareness, and contagious kindness. Michelle shares how losing Zachary impacted his older siblings, the challenges of moving forward together after losing a family member, and her favorite memory of Zachary.
 
Francine Sumner is a mother and advocate for educating young people on mental health. Five years ago after her youngest son Zachary completed suicide she founded Kid In the Corner with the mission of shattering the stigma around mental illness. 
 
“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone.”
― Fred Rogers
 
In this episode, you'll hear: 
Practical advice on how to reach out to someone you notice is acting different 
How to cope with the family dynamic shift after losing a family member
The importance of having a self-care plan and identifying your safe and caring person 
Follow the podcast: 
Listen on Apple Podcasts (link: https://apple.co/3s1YH7h) 
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Connect with the guest:
Kid in the Corner on Facebook
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Kid in the Corner on Twitter
Resources:
kidinthecorner.org 
Karie Hicks LFPWLI Episode 
TeenLifeLine.org
Connect with Mathew Blades: 
Twitter - twitter.com/MathewBlades
Instagram - instagram.com/MathewBladesmedia/ 
Facebook - facebook.com/mathewbladesmedia/ 
Website - learnfrompeoplewholivedit.com/