June 19, 2026
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention with Lauren Wilson and Ryan Anderson
<p>In this episode, we're joined by Lauren Wilson and Ryan Anderson to discuss mental health awareness and resources related to suicide prevention in young people today. </p><p>If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (<a href="https://988lifeline.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://988lifeline.org/</a>). </p><p><strong>Please note: </strong>This episode shares a variety of helpful intervention resources. As you consider how to use them, please be mindful of and follow your organization’s specific policies, including any required reporting or documentation after an intervention. In addition, some examples shared reflect clinical counseling techniques, which are best practiced by licensed professionals. </p><p>Lauren Wilson, founder and executive director of We Are Speak Out (<a href="https://wearespeakout.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://wearespeakout.com/</a>), a Christian nonprofit committed to breaking the stigma of mental health in the local Church by coming alongside organizations and churches, and equipping them to address mental health challenges with compassion and understanding.</p><p>Ryan Anderson serves as the Senior National Ministry Specialist for Youth for Christ USA, where he equips and supports leaders across the organization’s six ministry models: Campus Life, City Life, Juvenile Justice Ministry, Campus Life Military, Deaf Teen Quest, and Parent Life. He is passionate about relational ministry, leadership development, and helping leaders engage the next generation with authenticity, hope, and purpose.</p><p><strong>Follow us on Instagram:</strong></p><ul><li>Youth For Christ USA - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yfcusa/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">@yfcusa</a></li><li>Cory Huffman - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chuffman57/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">@chuffman57</a></li><li>Lauren Wilson - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wearespeakout/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">@wearespeakout</a></li></ul><p>Youth For Christ/USA , Inc. is a founding charter member of Youth For Christ International, and one of more than 100 member nations in the global Youth For Christ movement. For more information or to get connected with Youth For Christ USA, visit https://yfc.net/.</p><p>First a Follower is a podcast created and produced by Youth For Christ/USA, Inc. (“YFC”). It exists to support youth ministry leaders by offering practical guidance, relevant resources, and conversations designed to strengthen the spiritual formation of those discipling the next generation.</p><p>This podcast is provided for entertainment, educational, and general informational purposes only. It does not offer or constitute legal, medical, mental health, counseling, financial, or theological advice.</p><p>The views and opinions expressed by hosts, guests, or referenced third parties are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or doctrinal stances of Youth For Christ/USA, Inc., Youth For Christ International, any local YFC chapter, or any church, denomination, or faith community. YFC does not endorse or certify any products, services, organizations, or external content mentioned during the podcast.</p><p>The entire contents, branding, and design of this podcast are the property of Youth For Christ/USA, Inc., and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except for personal or non-commercial educational use, no part of this podcast may be reproduced, retransmitted, distributed, or edited without the prior written permission of Youth For Christ/USA, Inc.</p><p>Permission requests may be directed to:</p><p>Youth For Christ/USA, Inc.</p><p>P.O. Box 4478Englewood, CO 80155</p><p>https://www.yfc.net</p>
