An Expert Perspective at the Intersection of Journalism and Mental Health

In this episode of *Thriving Kids*, Dr. Dave Anderson is joined by NBC News anchor and Senior National Correspondent Kate Snow for a conversation about journalism, mental health, and the power of telling stories that can reduce stigma. Kate discusses how personal loss shaped her reporting on mental health, as well as suicide prevention, substance use, access to care, and the systems that families often have to navigate during moments of crisis. In this episode, they cover: • Why journalists can play an important role in reducing stigma • What Kate has learned from reporting on teen mental health, substance use, and access to care • Why transitions or experiencing a loss of purpose can be mental health risk factors • How young people are broadening conversations about mental health Key takeaways • Sharing personal stories about mental health can help people feel less alone and make it easier for them to seek support. • Suicide loss can be traumatic for an entire family, and talking about it thoughtfully may help reduce shame and stigma. • Young people may be more open to conversations about mental health than previous generations, but they still need trusted adults and systems that can respond when they ask for help. Further reading (and viewing) NBC’s Kate Snow Shares Impact of Her Father-in-Law’s Suicide on Her Family, *Today Show* The Link Between Smartphones and Kids' Mental Health, *NBC Nightly News* Opioid Crisis: Historic Cape Cod Town Experiencing Staggering Toll, *NBC Nightly News* Allegations of Abuse at Home for At-Risk Kids, NBC News Further reading from the Child Mind Institute What to Do if You’re Worried About Suicide