Upper School Students Discuss Suicide Awareness and Teen Dating Violence on Award-Winning Podcast

In the episode of Coping 101: Red Flag Relationships, which aired on Monday, April 7, Dylan and Estelle sat with Audrey Comber, a licensed social worker and Trauma Therapist at LightHeart Associates, to help debunk myths about violence in teen relationships, and shared ways to recognize warning signs before issues occur. 

“When you hear the terms ‘abuse or violence,’ most people think about physical violence–hitting, slapping, punching,” Audrey said. “Violence can also be very prevalent in mental, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse. The most commonly misunderstood form of abuse is emotional and mental, particularly with teens.”

Dylan and Estelle learned why Audrey decided to tackle the heavy topic of Teen Domestic Violence, which is often overlooked compared to abuse in adult relationships. Audrey herself is a survivor who used her robust background in interpersonal violence and sexual assault to share her journey from recovery to resiliency. As leaders of the Bush Upper School Student Wellness Center, Dylan and Estelle volunteered to learn all they could about Teen Domestic Violence. 

“We hope to bring Audrey to Bush next year to lead a Brain Food session through the Student Wellness Center,” Dylan said. “We think that what she shared was really important and valuable. Her first abusive relationship happened while she was in high school, so it’s important for students to hear the voice of somebody who’s made it through that and can see how her resilience has shaped her as a person.” 

Dylan and Estelle were invited back to C89.5 to attend the University of Washington’s (UW) Forefront Suicide Prevention Day of Hope Summit. Sixteen student leaders from all over the Puget Sound area shared why they became involved in their imperative suicide prevention work at their respective schools, what they’re doing to help themselves and their peers, and how parents can best support their children through their mental health challenges. 

“Forefront Suicide Prevention Day is all about spreading awareness around suicide and how to help a friend in need,” Dylan said. “I think Estelle and I had a unique perspective because in the Student Wellness Center, we focus on mental health as a whole, and suicide is one of many things we focus on.” 

The Upper School students absorbed some valuable takeaways, such as how to identify and act on signs of suicide, helpful resources, and hotlines. During the event, they connected with other schools and shared what they learned through a special episode of Coping 101: Day of Hope, aired on Monday, April 14. 

“It was super nice to meet with other teens from Washington and hear their experiences with Forefront,” Estelle shared. “Hearing their 'why' for doing this work further instilled in me why this is so important.”

Upper School counselors Maria Mathiesen and John Ganz couldn't be prouder of Dylan and Estelle's initiative in attending these important events and sharing what they learned at the Student Wellness Center. 

“Dylan and Estelle have been exceptional leaders of the Student Wellness Center over the past two years. Under their leadership, the center has reached a broader audience and expanded to include new initiatives relevant to students at The Bush School. This work is critical as we continue to see a rise in teens struggling with their mental health. We could not be prouder of the work they have done and the legacy they are leaving as they prepare to graduate!”