May 30, 2025 • 30 mins
Join Dr. Pete & Samara Tricarico of the EndurANT Movement as they discuss the importance of Mental Health Awareness among teens living with Autism. Samara shares her own personal story of loss and growth with a deepy powerful message.
Samara and her husband Neal, a devoted husband-and-wife team, are driven by a shared passion for personal growth and helping others live fuller, more meaningful lives. As founders of Ultimate Growth Inc., they guide clients in leadership, sales, and personal well-being. Their journey took a profound turn with the heartbreaking loss of their son, Anthony. In their grief, they found strength in their community and spiritual guidance, transforming their pain into purpose. Through the Endurant Movement, they are dedicated to fostering resilience and healing, with a special focus on mental health, suicide prevention, and supporting neurodivergent individuals—ensuring that no one faces their struggles alone.
Learn more about Samara & Neal Here:
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:17):
Hello and welcome back to On Air with Dr Pete.
I'm your host, dr Pete Economo,and I hope you're able in May,
this mental health month, to getsome insight around how
important mental health is sothat we keep these conversations
going.
Today you always hit some bumps,and today is going to be a bump
, and so warnings that we'regoing to talk about suicide, and
(00:38):
so, if that is triggering,please tune off and go to
another podcast, because thereis immense pain and loss in the
world and, as you've heard mesay many times, tragedy is
inevitable, suffering isinevitable, death is inevitable,
but when it happens to us, it'show we choose to handle it that
makes us or breaks us.
And so my guest today is one oftwo, one of a couple, and I'm
(01:03):
happy to have Samara herebecause she's in California and
they're an amazing couple, herand Neil, and they lost their
beloved son, anthony, to suicidelast year, and Anthony was an
incredible young adult with abright future ahead, and both
Neil and Samara are here toshare their deeply personal
(01:24):
story with us.
So thank you, samara, for beinghere to talk about your son
Anthony.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
Yeah, thanks for having me, yeah.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
You know, I know that this is a really important work
and you know, no matter howlong we do this journey, it's
just so the healing never ends.
The way I see it as apsychologist, yeah, I mean, you
know, for you this year, thiswas just last year, so you're
already out here doing this workand talking about I mean, how
has that been?
Speaker 2 (01:52):
Yeah, um, well it's, it's been raw and real and, um,
you know, just kind of the wayit happened was, you know, after
he committed his suicide,initially he was resuscitated
and was then hospitalized fornine weeks and during that time
(02:17):
he had sustained severe braindamage and we were pretty
hopeful the whole time that hewould have some quality of life.
And so what happened duringthat time was we were surrounded
with community and people gaveus a voice and we were just kind
of cracked open.
And so I think often whathappens in suicide is that
(02:40):
there's so much stigma and shamearound it that people don't
talk about it.
And because of how it happenedwith his situation, we were kind
of, you know, exposed rightaway and, I think, given an
opportunity to um be vulnerable,but in a safe way, with a
community that was reallysupportive of us, and so it's
(03:03):
just been a continuation of thatjourney.
I mean, obviously there'stremendous pain in it, but
there's also this transformationthat's happened of turning our
pain into purpose and sharingthat message and being
vulnerable and talking about itand finding um that, the
(03:24):
authenticity and the.
Speaker 1 (03:27):
You know that, by the nature of us coming out, that
people are also finding courageto share their stories, and in
that is where the healinghappens for sure you you
mentioned community, so youalready had that around you, or
do you feel like you saidsomething about how the suicide
community, so do you feel likethere was both things happening?
Um?
Speaker 2 (03:45):
it was kind of when in our like our personal, like
family and um, like location,community, and just sort of
through our network of peoplethat we worked with or that were
kind of connected to us through, you know, spiritual avenues,
um, what kind of connected to us?
Speaker 1 (04:05):
through, you know, spiritual avenues?
What kind of spiritual avenues?
Just because?
Speaker 2 (04:08):
again.
I think this will help peopletoo.
My husband was in like aspiritual mastermind he still is
.
There was a woman in there thatkind of brought it together.
Speaker 1 (04:21):
We were also part of the.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
Chopra Center and so we had a large community there.
My husband worked for TonyRobbins so he had kind of a, you
know, an expansive group from afew different networks.
You know, just within our localcommunity, from our, our kids.
you know involvement as you dowith, you know, sports or
activities and camping groups,um, people came from really all
(04:44):
over the world and there was aripple effect that happened.
We ended up doing these prayercircles once a week that were
non-denominational, and itgained momentum and then people
were joining that we had nevereven met, I mean people that
just heard his story, heard ourstory, and were so moved by it
(05:08):
and then it became this umpowerful movement.
That's why you know, what we'redoing is we call it the
indirect movement, because it'sreally um, gained its own
momentum in life and it's um,it's his story and it's his
spirit that are driving it, butit's it's really a collective
effort of a community.
That, you know, we didn't askfor and we weren't like we need
(05:31):
it, just happened Right.
But then there's been thisbeautiful like synchronistic,
you know effect where we'redepending on the community and
the communities depending on us,and it kind of works
symbiotically.
Speaker 1 (05:45):
Yeah, so we're going to get to Endurant.
I'm going to hear all aboutthat and like you said pain to
purpose, and so I know you toldLee, the producer that you know
you are as an open book and it'sraw, like you said.
And so I really appreciate that.
So tell us about Anthony.
I mean, you know what, what?
What energy is he bringing intoEndurant?
You know so me?
Speaker 2 (06:02):
having never met him.
Speaker 1 (06:02):
What would I know about?
Speaker 2 (06:03):
him.
Yeah, so he went by Ant, thatwas his nickname.
In sixth grade he told me youknow, I just I want my teachers
to know, I want everybody tocall me that.
So we officially changed hispaperwork to Ant.
He was high functioning,autistic on the spectrum.
When he was four he wasdiagnosed with anxiety, but very
(06:27):
bright, super intelligent, youknow reading well above his age,
very high IQ.
We got him into some socialgroups early on because we could
see that that could be an areaof struggle and he really
excelled in it.
He became kind of an expert andkind of went above and beyond
(06:49):
and so he appeared in such a waythat he had, you know, a huge
social network, um, very popular.
He was achieving um at a veryhigh level in school.
You know excellent grades, apsyou know he was his AP physics
(07:11):
two classmates would joke abouthow you know, since he wasn't
there, the you know the bellcurve had dropped, but he also
was very active.
He did Spartan races.
He had just completed theCatalina Marathon and that was
training to do a Spartanmarathon, which is, you know,
(07:33):
these heavy endurance races withobstacles.
Wanted to go into the armedservices.
Armed service services.
I think he was thinking ofgoing in as an officer, so he
was going to go to officercandidate school.
Speaker 1 (07:52):
How old?
Speaker 2 (07:52):
was he?
He was 16.
Wow, yeah, but very drivenentrepreneurial.
He had lots of businesses.
So from the outside, you know,looking in, he had everything
was really going in his favor.
He had two jobs, um, you know,like I said, his Etsy store, I
mean just so many things.
But you know, we, my husband,has been on a few other podcasts
(08:16):
this is my first time actuallybut he shares a lot about how he
had um, it's like the art ofachievement without fulfillment,
and so he was constantlystriving for more.
So he was achieving, achieving,achieving, but never really
pausing and and relishing in thefact that he had done something
.
It was like kind of looking formore um.
(08:39):
So, yeah, he hosted parties.
He, you know, just a brilliant,you know, and a kind person, a
very kind person.
He cared.
A lot of people that came forthafter, you know, really shared
about how they had opened up tohim.
He, yeah, so you said he was 16.
Speaker 1 (09:03):
And I also heard you say kids plural.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
Yeah, he has a sister .
Yeah, she's two years younger.
Speaker 1 (09:10):
Two years younger, okay, and so you know she's part
of that community.
Speaker 2 (09:13):
I'm imagining of healing and yeah, would you For
sure yeah.
Speaker 1 (09:18):
How amazing this is your first podcast.
I wouldn't have even known, sothank you for for for doing that
and and uh, I know you know youguys are a good team, you and
Neil so yeah.
Yeah, so you're, you're battingsolo for him today.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (09:32):
Uh, and, and we could say that he's just out doing a
men's mental health panel.
So you guys are really kind of,really you know, committing to
this right now.
Speaker 2 (09:38):
Yeah, and that's at our daughter's high school.
Have a great program.
They've really been, you know.
I think it's great for him,because a lot of men, I think,
in particular, aren't oh yeah,to show their vulnerability.
And he is, um, you know,emotionally intelligent and and
he's well, in many ways itsounds like aunt was too aunt
(10:01):
was yeah, um, yeah some.
You know there's a mysteriouspart of all of this.
You know there was no note,there was no clear indication.
Speaker 1 (10:13):
Um, no signs.
I mean, I know you and I beforewe got on, you know, do you
think there were signs?
Or looking back?
Speaker 2 (10:21):
I mean, I mean he was sad that night.
We had a lot of, you know, opendoor.
You know I'm here for you ifyou want to talk.
You know what's going on.
And is it friends?
Is it work?
Is it, you know, the middle ofthe AP season or coming up to it
, the testing?
Just a lot of pressure, a lotof academic pressure, I think,
(10:43):
sleep deprivation, but reallyit's tough.
You know, in retrospect, maybesome signs seasonally, um, he
had had some episodes in the twoyears prior where we're at now.
I can see some seasonal pattern, yeah, um, but the traditional
(11:04):
ones that you know I've seen inthe mental health first aid,
things like that, I mean Notthere.
Speaker 1 (11:11):
No, and I think for other people listening that
you're helping hindsight's 20-20.
Speaker 2 (11:17):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (11:18):
And the problem is, when you look back you're like
that could have been a sign.
How many 16-year-olds go to bedsad on a given day, right and
again?
I think sometimes parents thinkthat they take some
responsibility as if there wassomething they could have or
should have done.
Speaker 2 (11:34):
Yeah, I've definitely worked on that a lot this past
year.
Good yeah, I mean he said hewanted to get some fresh air and
he went out for a walk.
And to me that's a healthycoping mechanism.
Absolutely, that's a superhealthy thing to do.
I mean, had I known he would behanging himself down the street
?
I would have blocked him.
(11:55):
But that wasn't an obvious signand you know, five minutes
prior I had said oh, can youbring the garbage cans in and he
said sure, no problem, you knowit was.
it wasn't like.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
Yeah, you know, from a mental health perspective
perspective I mean, it's one ofthe most mysterious behaviors
you know, and so, I think, forparents and I.
Before we got on, I was tellingyou that unfortunately, I've
had to treat people and parentslike yourself who have gone
through this and it does leavemore questions than answers and,
yeah, our brain doesn't likethat, our brain really wants
answers, but it's we'recircuited to do so.
(12:31):
Um.
One of the things that I w wewere curious about is like
thinking about do you think thatthere's lack of support for 16
year olds with autism, you know,do you think that was part of
this at all?
Speaker 2 (12:42):
I think there's a disconnect in the mental health
and autism worlds and so,example when, um the year prior,
he had asked for help and wehad fought really hard to get
him, you know he was, he wasthinking he could go somewhere
and kind of get like like goaway somewhere, or yeah, exactly
(13:05):
and so we we fought to get himsupport into a by the way, what
I just want to pause you for,like you thought, to get you
know that.
Speaker 1 (13:13):
Right, there is the problem.
Speaker 2 (13:16):
Yeah, yeah, he was convinced that he needed to go
somewhere, and first, I was kindof like is this drug like rehab
?
like what, do you go somewhere?
And he was like no, I'm, I'mfeeling suicidal, I need help, I
need to go somewhere.
He was like no, I'm feelingsuicidal, I need help, I need to
go somewhere.
He wanted, like a geographical,like I need to go somewhere,
(13:39):
set aside some time.
And you know the people fromthe county that came out and the
therapists that we engaged, youknow he didn't articulate a
plan, and so they were like,well, we don't really know what
to do.
And he was still persistent no,I need to go somewhere.
And I said, well, I'm notreally sure what to do, so I'm
calling around these places anddoes he have a plan?
No, and so then finally wellthey wouldn't.
(14:03):
And then finally they said, okay, well, we'll, we'll agree to
meet with him, because I keptcalling and you know pushing and
uh.
So on the way there he said tome I, I know what I need to say,
I know what I need to do.
And so they asked me to leavethe room and then they came out
and they said okay, your son hasarticulated a plan.
(14:23):
So I mean, they essentiallyforced him to articulate a plan
so that he could get somesupport.
And unfortunately, when he wasat the behavioral hospital he
was given a lot of ideas fromother kids.
He immediately they medicatedhim.
They had one psychiatrist for alot I don't know exactly how
(14:44):
many people were there, but alot, a lot and he quickly was.
You know, please get me out ofhere.
They don't know what they'redoing.
This is not helping and justthe system had a breakdown.
They didn't know how to handlesomeone.
You know, at his level of IQ,at his level of understanding.
Of course you know he had takenAP psychology, so he knew all
(15:06):
these things about, you know,motivation and you know how they
were handling him andunfortunately they didn't have a
bed, so they put it, put him inyou know isolation.
He was in like a padded room.
I mean it was it was horribleand you know he came out then,
you know, with fresh air and hewas like you know, and I'm
(15:26):
thinking he's not having freshair there, like what is wrong.
So there's a breakdown in thesystem there.
So we're definitely seeing anopportunity for an awareness
there.
But also on the flip side, inthe autism treatment that he had
and the therapy that he startedwhen he was seven, no one ever
said at any point and I'm notblaming anyone, we're not saying
(15:48):
this is their fault, but itkind of would have been nice to
have some indication no one eversaid there's a correlation or a
higher tendency of someone onthe autism spectrum to have
suicidal thoughts.
And so, just to know, maybehelp educate in that community
(16:08):
with the therapists that areworking with the families and
working with the kids and it'sinteresting as we've been
flooded with you know contactsand people.
It's kind of that elephant inthe room and I think because
there are you know medicalfacilities that maybe know, but
(16:30):
they don't have the voice andpeople aren't going to listen as
much.
And so I think that's where,like, our role is to kind of be
advocates for that message,because we do have a story to
tell and it is very real and,unfortunately, you know, it's
come at a great cost and at thesame time, you know his, his.
(16:53):
He wanted his scene.
He would have been a seniorthis year.
He, he died in his junior yearand he wanted his senior passion
project to be suicideprevention and suicide awareness
.
Yeah, and he cared about it.
Um cause he struggled with ityou know, and he wanted to help
others, and so we feel like thisis his mission.
Speaker 1 (17:14):
well, that's why you said yes yeah, working through
you in this endurance whichwe're going to get to in a
moment, because I just want tojust shout out, just, I think,
four parents that also have thesame.
I know that there are thousandsof other parents listening
saying samara, I get that, Iwent to the same thing and
you're in California, right?
Speaker 2 (17:31):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (17:32):
We're in New Jersey.
In New Jersey we have thehighest rates of autism
throughout the country.
And at Rutgers, where I'm aprofessor, we have the first and
only adult residential autismfacility.
Amazing, which is wild, thatthat doesn't exist.
Right, because this is a need.
And it's also scary todaybecause there's misinformation
(17:55):
about what you know autism is,whatever people are saying it is
and you know so some will say,well, why is New Jersey
something in the water?
No, we have good resources, sopeople move here.
You know people come herebecause what?
Like you, samara and Neil, youguys struggle to find treatment
for.
Speaker 2 (18:10):
Anne.
Speaker 1 (18:10):
And so people will go to places where they can get it
because, as you feel sohelpless and you guys were doing
everything you could do, and sothis is Anne's senior project.
So tell us.
I know you said it's likerooted in love, compassion and
spirituality.
So tell us about Endura.
Speaker 2 (18:27):
Yeah, I mean the treatment really is awareness
and that's, you know, thepsychiatrist that's joined our
board that's done a lot ofresearch and advocacy for high
functioning autism and suicidein the relationship there really
has no-transcript you know, heyDr Graber.
Speaker 1 (19:43):
Uh, did you learn neurodivergence in med school,
you know, and she's like no, and, and I didn't either, and so
that was what was so interestingis that you know it's a
terminology that's likemisunderstood yes, and I think
that it's really important thatpeople just recognize.
You know, neurodivergence isbeen around forever and many of
us are neurodivergent in avariety of ways.
(20:05):
You know, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2 (20:07):
So I just, I think it's important and that's why
it's a spectrum right and it'slike aren't we don't we all have
things Right Cause?
Speaker 1 (20:16):
it's OCD or ADHD and a lot of these things are
comorbid.
You know they present withother things Someone's not just
autistic.
you know, and that's we.
We've shifted to that language.
When I was trained, it was aperson with autism Cause we
tried to take away the power ofthe identity of the diagnosis.
(20:37):
Now we say it's an autisticperson.
It is part of their identity,but it's just one part.
They could also be suicidal orhave interpersonal issues or be
brilliant, you know, and haveOCD.
I mean there's a variety of thespectrum that people can
present on.
Speaker 2 (20:46):
Yeah, part of it is you know that we're learning is
the labeling of calling it adisorder.
Speaker 1 (20:51):
And that's something you know.
That we're learning is thelabeling of calling it a
disorder, and that's somethingyou know well, that's the
insurance company.
Speaker 2 (20:55):
Unfortunately, right, but for him going through his
journals you know, that that waspart of his identity oh, tell
me more about that so.
And yeah, I mean I'm goingthrough his you know his
writings and his things and it'slike challenges I have to
overcome One autism spectrumdisorder.
Speaker 1 (21:11):
It's like so he was really no, please, no, but but
for us.
Speaker 2 (21:18):
It's like you know, yes, that could help us get
insurance, which can help us gettreatment and help him, but
then it's a label that we'reputting on him and saying
there's something wrong with youand really there's nothing
wrong with you.
Your brain is brilliant and Ifeel like the neurodivergent
community is.
They're more evolved than weare and I feel like I'm
(21:41):
neurodivergent too and I thinkif he could see that and see
neurodivergent too, and I thinkif he could see that and see, oh
and, and anyone you knowfeeling that way, I'm not alone.
No, there are so many like meand instead of looking at it as
there's something wrong with me,of like, no, this is something
that's awesome about me.
My brain works differently.
I'm, you know, if I have ADHD,well, my brain's just working
(22:04):
faster than yours, okay, well,great.
I mean you have brown eyes.
I have ADHD.
Well, my brain's just workingfaster than yours, okay, well,
great.
I mean you have brown eyes, Ihave blue eyes, awesome.
You know we're different, okay,great.
But yet there are others likeme.
I'm not alone.
I think that he felt that hehad to hide it, he was masking,
he was camouflaging and, overtime, the fatigue, the cognitive
(22:29):
fatigue.
I think he was camouflaging andover time the fatigue the
cognitive fatigue.
I think he was exhausted, forsure, and physically, yeah, and
I think physical, you know youlook at mental health and
physical health.
I mean there are two aspects ofof overall health of an
individual yeah um, and I knowyou know may mental health
awareness month, it it's reallylooking at both sides of that
and you know people are becomingmore comfortable talking about
(22:52):
mental health.
But we're so comfortable talkingabout.
Oh, I went for a run or I wentto the gym, Awesome.
Well, guess what?
I declined a meeting and I wentfor a walk.
Well good for you, becauseyou're prioritizing your mental
health in the same way that youwould drink a glass of water or
go to the gym.
I mean it's-.
Speaker 1 (23:11):
Yeah, I love that you said.
I mean there's a beautifulmarriage between the two and the
thing is it's notindividualized and it is
systemic.
It's not wellness or physicalmental health and, like you said
, canceling a meeting to go onthe walk.
These are, and you beautifullyarticulated, the systemic issue
with autism, especially in youth, in that I had a quote thought
(23:31):
to get treatment.
Yeah, this is a systemic issue.
This is not an issue.
This is not a mental health orphysical issue.
This is like we have to get youknow at the core of these
policies that are in place andthe systems that are in place,
cause you said, like I can't sayhow many people I've worked
with who go to a facility andsometimes being there is the
(23:52):
reason that they, you know,either get worse or you know
because, like you said, hedidn't get fresh air for X
amount of days and when we left,they said oh, this is your
first time here.
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (24:03):
Like suggesting you'll be back.
We're not back because hedidn't make it, you know.
Anyway, um it's, it's notblaming anyone, it's just seeing
there's opportunities andthere's there's there are things
that we can do yes, to changethe system, but to step forth
(24:23):
and to have courage and to sharethe stories and advocate and
work together to make thesechanges.
Speaker 1 (24:29):
Yeah, so how has your own grief evolved?
You know, I think you again,you've been really raw, and so
we have aunt story, we haveEndurant you've talked about
that.
How has your grief evolved as a, as a mother?
Speaker 2 (24:41):
I mean, there's definitely days and periods
where, um, I don't want to behere.
I don't want to be in thisworld without him.
Speaker 1 (24:51):
Um.
Speaker 2 (24:52):
I don't, I don't want to keep going Um, and then that
passes, you know it.
It's like giving it some timeand some space to acknowledge
those feelings and that's realand that's valid, um, and
accepting that I don't know thatI'll ever want to be in this
(25:13):
world without him.
Speaker 1 (25:15):
Right, of course, yeah.
Speaker 2 (25:16):
And uh, so you know, I walk with a scar in my heart,
um, you know, um, you know thatthere's a permanent, a permanent
wound, um, and it's healing, um, it's healing through the work
that we're doing and and throughspreading his message and
keeping his spirit alive with me.
(25:37):
Um, but I don't, yeah, that'sendurance.
Speaker 1 (25:41):
That's the organization I mean.
Are there still like I thinkthis is my word prayer circles,
or what you call them, that youwere doing?
Speaker 2 (25:47):
Yeah, I mean, that was.
That was really the beginningof the movement Um the, the
prayer, the non-denominationalprayer circles where people
showered us with love.
You know whether they were.
You know Hindu, buddhist,jewish, christian, you know all
faiths, no matter what.
Um that started it.
And then, and then some of hisfriends said you know, we want
(26:08):
to start a mental health club atour school.
And then our daughter said youknow there's a word endurance.
She loves English andwordsmithing things and you know
someone who is endurance,overcomes adversity and
challenge.
It's not an adjective we reallyuse in our language, but it is
there, it is in the dictionaryand then you know it works with
(26:30):
his name um, with aunt, and soyeah, and, and then it's, it is
a movement and so it's all.
It's all come together in abeautiful way and and honestly,
we feel like we're just kind ofbeing led um through this and um
, yeah, I mean, we're gratefulfor the support of the community
(26:51):
and just keep stepping forward.
Speaker 1 (26:55):
You all are very brave, you know, I think it's a
really it's a brave thing, andone of the I mean I just my two
cents for you is we always saythat you have to put your mask
on first.
And I think you know, when youdo this work, it's really
important for anyone out theredoing the work I mean, my
students would hear me say thatover and over again, but it is
so important to put your mask onfirst, because you're you're
(27:15):
motivated, you have the passionnow and Durant is going to live
on.
Um and it's beautiful that it'shis senior year.
You know that this is, this iswhen it happened, but of course,
in that was the tragedy and,like you said, it takes the pain
to come to purpose, and somaybe this is the purpose, and
so now you all are doing thatand you know in that way, so I
(27:37):
really appreciate it.
Now, are you also, um, kind oflike creating safe spaces or you
know, you've talked a littlebit about that for others that
are struggling, or yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2 (27:48):
So we've had um.
We've had some teen mentalhealth events and um we really
are encouraging teens who wantto help with mental health of
their peers um to kind of stepstep forth and um.
We're really seeing kind of aclub aspect at schools, as
(28:08):
that's a really organic way umfor them to support one another.
And then we have tools, um.
We also just today havelaunched the endurance show,
which is a podcast that'llfeature experts as well as um
giving a space for teen voices,because we feel like it's really
important for them to feel seenand understood and so yeah, and
(28:33):
giving them a platform.
Speaker 1 (28:35):
Yeah, Because then listening to me just does means
nothing.
I think if we that's reallypowerful.
I love that you're doing itthat way, cause I think that's a
really important way to getmore connection.
Speaker 2 (28:45):
Absolutely yeah.
Speaker 1 (28:47):
Yeah, that's important.
I, I, uh, I think that's reallyimportant and so, um, this is I
think people, if they want tolearn more, probably give any
donations and endurancemovementorg.
Speaker 2 (28:56):
Yeah, endurance movementorg, it's our nonprofit
um slash show.
We'll get you to all theplatforms we're on, all the
things we're.
Yeah, it's happening, yeah,yeah.
Speaker 1 (29:10):
Well, thanks so much you know for, for doing the work
you know, I think it takes avillage and, as a psychologist,
I'm really thankful that youknow, samara, that you and Neil
are doing this and inspirationto so many people, because this
is really a parent's you know,worst nightmare and honoring
your son's life in the best waypossible.
So thank you so much for doingthat.
Speaker 2 (29:30):
Absolutely Thank you.
Thank you for the opportunity,nice to meet you and be
connected with you.
Speaker 1 (29:36):
Absolutely.
Yeah, thank you.
So thank you for listening athome.
Rates of death by suicide amongteens and adults have increased
more than 30% since 2000 in theUnited States, and an estimated
800,000 people die from suicideworldwide each year.
These are alarming statisticsand one that I know that we can
change.
It's my mission that we canbring you incredible
(29:57):
organizations just like Endurant.
So head over toendurantmovementorg, help
support those struggling, and Iurge you all to find your
additional resources.
As you know, we're in our shownotes if you are struggling
yourself with mental health orwith suicide.
So please like, follow andshare.
Everything's at official DrPete dot com and we will be back
next week.
Until then, spread a littlelove and kindness and stay well.
(30:20):
Thanks for watching.
Hello and welcome back to On Air with Dr Pete.
I'm your host, dr Pete Economo,and I hope you're able in May,
this mental health month, to getsome insight around how
important mental health is sothat we keep these conversations
going.
Today you always hit some bumps,and today is going to be a bump
, and so warnings that we'regoing to talk about suicide, and
(00:38):
so, if that is triggering,please tune off and go to
another podcast, because thereis immense pain and loss in the
world and, as you've heard mesay many times, tragedy is
inevitable, suffering isinevitable, death is inevitable,
but when it happens to us, it'show we choose to handle it that
makes us or breaks us.
And so my guest today is one oftwo, one of a couple, and I'm
(01:03):
happy to have Samara herebecause she's in California and
they're an amazing couple, herand Neil, and they lost their
beloved son, anthony, to suicidelast year, and Anthony was an
incredible young adult with abright future ahead, and both
Neil and Samara are here toshare their deeply personal
(01:24):
story with us.
So thank you, samara, for beinghere to talk about your son
Anthony.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
Yeah, thanks for having me, yeah.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
You know, I know that this is a really important work
and you know, no matter howlong we do this journey, it's
just so the healing never ends.
The way I see it as apsychologist, yeah, I mean, you
know, for you this year, thiswas just last year, so you're
already out here doing this workand talking about I mean, how
has that been?
Speaker 2 (01:52):
Yeah, um, well it's, it's been raw and real and, um,
you know, just kind of the wayit happened was, you know, after
he committed his suicide,initially he was resuscitated
and was then hospitalized fornine weeks and during that time
(02:17):
he had sustained severe braindamage and we were pretty
hopeful the whole time that hewould have some quality of life.
And so what happened duringthat time was we were surrounded
with community and people gaveus a voice and we were just kind
of cracked open.
And so I think often whathappens in suicide is that
(02:40):
there's so much stigma and shamearound it that people don't
talk about it.
And because of how it happenedwith his situation, we were kind
of, you know, exposed rightaway and, I think, given an
opportunity to um be vulnerable,but in a safe way, with a
community that was reallysupportive of us, and so it's
(03:03):
just been a continuation of thatjourney.
I mean, obviously there'stremendous pain in it, but
there's also this transformationthat's happened of turning our
pain into purpose and sharingthat message and being
vulnerable and talking about itand finding um that, the
(03:24):
authenticity and the.
Speaker 1 (03:27):
You know that, by the nature of us coming out, that
people are also finding courageto share their stories, and in
that is where the healinghappens for sure you you
mentioned community, so youalready had that around you, or
do you feel like you saidsomething about how the suicide
community, so do you feel likethere was both things happening?
Um?
Speaker 2 (03:45):
it was kind of when in our like our personal, like
family and um, like location,community, and just sort of
through our network of peoplethat we worked with or that were
kind of connected to us through, you know, spiritual avenues,
um, what kind of connected to us?
Speaker 1 (04:05):
through, you know, spiritual avenues?
What kind of spiritual avenues?
Just because?
Speaker 2 (04:08):
again.
I think this will help peopletoo.
My husband was in like aspiritual mastermind he still is
.
There was a woman in there thatkind of brought it together.
Speaker 1 (04:21):
We were also part of the.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
Chopra Center and so we had a large community there.
My husband worked for TonyRobbins so he had kind of a, you
know, an expansive group from afew different networks.
You know, just within our localcommunity, from our, our kids.
you know involvement as you dowith, you know, sports or
activities and camping groups,um, people came from really all
(04:44):
over the world and there was aripple effect that happened.
We ended up doing these prayercircles once a week that were
non-denominational, and itgained momentum and then people
were joining that we had nevereven met, I mean people that
just heard his story, heard ourstory, and were so moved by it
(05:08):
and then it became this umpowerful movement.
That's why you know, what we'redoing is we call it the
indirect movement, because it'sreally um, gained its own
momentum in life and it's um,it's his story and it's his
spirit that are driving it, butit's it's really a collective
effort of a community.
That, you know, we didn't askfor and we weren't like we need
(05:31):
it, just happened Right.
But then there's been thisbeautiful like synchronistic,
you know effect where we'redepending on the community and
the communities depending on us,and it kind of works
symbiotically.
Speaker 1 (05:45):
Yeah, so we're going to get to Endurant.
I'm going to hear all aboutthat and like you said pain to
purpose, and so I know you toldLee, the producer that you know
you are as an open book and it'sraw, like you said.
And so I really appreciate that.
So tell us about Anthony.
I mean, you know what, what?
What energy is he bringing intoEndurant?
You know so me?
Speaker 2 (06:02):
having never met him.
Speaker 1 (06:02):
What would I know about?
Speaker 2 (06:03):
him.
Yeah, so he went by Ant, thatwas his nickname.
In sixth grade he told me youknow, I just I want my teachers
to know, I want everybody tocall me that.
So we officially changed hispaperwork to Ant.
He was high functioning,autistic on the spectrum.
When he was four he wasdiagnosed with anxiety, but very
(06:27):
bright, super intelligent, youknow reading well above his age,
very high IQ.
We got him into some socialgroups early on because we could
see that that could be an areaof struggle and he really
excelled in it.
He became kind of an expert andkind of went above and beyond
(06:49):
and so he appeared in such a waythat he had, you know, a huge
social network, um, very popular.
He was achieving um at a veryhigh level in school.
You know excellent grades, apsyou know he was his AP physics
(07:11):
two classmates would joke abouthow you know, since he wasn't
there, the you know the bellcurve had dropped, but he also
was very active.
He did Spartan races.
He had just completed theCatalina Marathon and that was
training to do a Spartanmarathon, which is, you know,
(07:33):
these heavy endurance races withobstacles.
Wanted to go into the armedservices.
Armed service services.
I think he was thinking ofgoing in as an officer, so he
was going to go to officercandidate school.
Speaker 1 (07:52):
How old?
Speaker 2 (07:52):
was he?
He was 16.
Wow, yeah, but very drivenentrepreneurial.
He had lots of businesses.
So from the outside, you know,looking in, he had everything
was really going in his favor.
He had two jobs, um, you know,like I said, his Etsy store, I
mean just so many things.
But you know, we, my husband,has been on a few other podcasts
(08:16):
this is my first time actuallybut he shares a lot about how he
had um, it's like the art ofachievement without fulfillment,
and so he was constantlystriving for more.
So he was achieving, achieving,achieving, but never really
pausing and and relishing in thefact that he had done something
.
It was like kind of looking formore um.
(08:39):
So, yeah, he hosted parties.
He, you know, just a brilliant,you know, and a kind person, a
very kind person.
He cared.
A lot of people that came forthafter, you know, really shared
about how they had opened up tohim.
He, yeah, so you said he was 16.
Speaker 1 (09:03):
And I also heard you say kids plural.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
Yeah, he has a sister .
Yeah, she's two years younger.
Speaker 1 (09:10):
Two years younger, okay, and so you know she's part
of that community.
Speaker 2 (09:13):
I'm imagining of healing and yeah, would you For
sure yeah.
Speaker 1 (09:18):
How amazing this is your first podcast.
I wouldn't have even known, sothank you for for for doing that
and and uh, I know you know youguys are a good team, you and
Neil so yeah.
Yeah, so you're, you're battingsolo for him today.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (09:32):
Uh, and, and we could say that he's just out doing a
men's mental health panel.
So you guys are really kind of,really you know, committing to
this right now.
Speaker 2 (09:38):
Yeah, and that's at our daughter's high school.
Have a great program.
They've really been, you know.
I think it's great for him,because a lot of men, I think,
in particular, aren't oh yeah,to show their vulnerability.
And he is, um, you know,emotionally intelligent and and
he's well, in many ways itsounds like aunt was too aunt
(10:01):
was yeah, um, yeah some.
You know there's a mysteriouspart of all of this.
You know there was no note,there was no clear indication.
Speaker 1 (10:13):
Um, no signs.
I mean, I know you and I beforewe got on, you know, do you
think there were signs?
Or looking back?
Speaker 2 (10:21):
I mean, I mean he was sad that night.
We had a lot of, you know, opendoor.
You know I'm here for you ifyou want to talk.
You know what's going on.
And is it friends?
Is it work?
Is it, you know, the middle ofthe AP season or coming up to it
, the testing?
Just a lot of pressure, a lotof academic pressure, I think,
(10:43):
sleep deprivation, but reallyit's tough.
You know, in retrospect, maybesome signs seasonally, um, he
had had some episodes in the twoyears prior where we're at now.
I can see some seasonal pattern, yeah, um, but the traditional
(11:04):
ones that you know I've seen inthe mental health first aid,
things like that, I mean Notthere.
Speaker 1 (11:11):
No, and I think for other people listening that
you're helping hindsight's 20-20.
Speaker 2 (11:17):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (11:18):
And the problem is, when you look back you're like
that could have been a sign.
How many 16-year-olds go to bedsad on a given day, right and
again?
I think sometimes parents thinkthat they take some
responsibility as if there wassomething they could have or
should have done.
Speaker 2 (11:34):
Yeah, I've definitely worked on that a lot this past
year.
Good yeah, I mean he said hewanted to get some fresh air and
he went out for a walk.
And to me that's a healthycoping mechanism.
Absolutely, that's a superhealthy thing to do.
I mean, had I known he would behanging himself down the street
?
I would have blocked him.
(11:55):
But that wasn't an obvious signand you know, five minutes
prior I had said oh, can youbring the garbage cans in and he
said sure, no problem, you knowit was.
it wasn't like.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
Yeah, you know, from a mental health perspective
perspective I mean, it's one ofthe most mysterious behaviors
you know, and so, I think, forparents and I.
Before we got on, I was tellingyou that unfortunately, I've
had to treat people and parentslike yourself who have gone
through this and it does leavemore questions than answers and,
yeah, our brain doesn't likethat, our brain really wants
answers, but it's we'recircuited to do so.
(12:31):
Um.
One of the things that I w wewere curious about is like
thinking about do you think thatthere's lack of support for 16
year olds with autism, you know,do you think that was part of
this at all?
Speaker 2 (12:42):
I think there's a disconnect in the mental health
and autism worlds and so,example when, um the year prior,
he had asked for help and wehad fought really hard to get
him, you know he was, he wasthinking he could go somewhere
and kind of get like like goaway somewhere, or yeah, exactly
(13:05):
and so we we fought to get himsupport into a by the way, what
I just want to pause you for,like you thought, to get you
know that.
Speaker 1 (13:13):
Right, there is the problem.
Speaker 2 (13:16):
Yeah, yeah, he was convinced that he needed to go
somewhere, and first, I was kindof like is this drug like rehab
?
like what, do you go somewhere?
And he was like no, I'm, I'mfeeling suicidal, I need help, I
need to go somewhere.
He was like no, I'm feelingsuicidal, I need help, I need to
go somewhere.
He wanted, like a geographical,like I need to go somewhere,
(13:39):
set aside some time.
And you know the people fromthe county that came out and the
therapists that we engaged, youknow he didn't articulate a
plan, and so they were like,well, we don't really know what
to do.
And he was still persistent no,I need to go somewhere.
And I said, well, I'm notreally sure what to do, so I'm
calling around these places anddoes he have a plan?
No, and so then finally wellthey wouldn't.
(14:03):
And then finally they said, okay, well, we'll, we'll agree to
meet with him, because I keptcalling and you know pushing and
uh.
So on the way there he said tome I, I know what I need to say,
I know what I need to do.
And so they asked me to leavethe room and then they came out
and they said okay, your son hasarticulated a plan.
(14:23):
So I mean, they essentiallyforced him to articulate a plan
so that he could get somesupport.
And unfortunately, when he wasat the behavioral hospital he
was given a lot of ideas fromother kids.
He immediately they medicatedhim.
They had one psychiatrist for alot I don't know exactly how
(14:44):
many people were there, but alot, a lot and he quickly was.
You know, please get me out ofhere.
They don't know what they'redoing.
This is not helping and justthe system had a breakdown.
They didn't know how to handlesomeone.
You know, at his level of IQ,at his level of understanding.
Of course you know he had takenAP psychology, so he knew all
(15:06):
these things about, you know,motivation and you know how they
were handling him andunfortunately they didn't have a
bed, so they put it, put him inyou know isolation.
He was in like a padded room.
I mean it was it was horribleand you know he came out then,
you know, with fresh air and hewas like you know, and I'm
(15:26):
thinking he's not having freshair there, like what is wrong.
So there's a breakdown in thesystem there.
So we're definitely seeing anopportunity for an awareness
there.
But also on the flip side, inthe autism treatment that he had
and the therapy that he startedwhen he was seven, no one ever
said at any point and I'm notblaming anyone, we're not saying
(15:48):
this is their fault, but itkind of would have been nice to
have some indication no one eversaid there's a correlation or a
higher tendency of someone onthe autism spectrum to have
suicidal thoughts.
And so, just to know, maybehelp educate in that community
(16:08):
with the therapists that areworking with the families and
working with the kids and it'sinteresting as we've been
flooded with you know contactsand people.
It's kind of that elephant inthe room and I think because
there are you know medicalfacilities that maybe know, but
(16:30):
they don't have the voice andpeople aren't going to listen as
much.
And so I think that's where,like, our role is to kind of be
advocates for that message,because we do have a story to
tell and it is very real and,unfortunately, you know, it's
come at a great cost and at thesame time, you know his, his.
(16:53):
He wanted his scene.
He would have been a seniorthis year.
He, he died in his junior yearand he wanted his senior passion
project to be suicideprevention and suicide awareness
.
Yeah, and he cared about it.
Um cause he struggled with ityou know, and he wanted to help
others, and so we feel like thisis his mission.
Speaker 1 (17:14):
well, that's why you said yes yeah, working through
you in this endurance whichwe're going to get to in a
moment, because I just want tojust shout out, just, I think,
four parents that also have thesame.
I know that there are thousandsof other parents listening
saying samara, I get that, Iwent to the same thing and
you're in California, right?
Speaker 2 (17:31):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (17:32):
We're in New Jersey.
In New Jersey we have thehighest rates of autism
throughout the country.
And at Rutgers, where I'm aprofessor, we have the first and
only adult residential autismfacility.
Amazing, which is wild, thatthat doesn't exist.
Right, because this is a need.
And it's also scary todaybecause there's misinformation
(17:55):
about what you know autism is,whatever people are saying it is
and you know so some will say,well, why is New Jersey
something in the water?
No, we have good resources, sopeople move here.
You know people come herebecause what?
Like you, samara and Neil, youguys struggle to find treatment
for.
Speaker 2 (18:10):
Anne.
Speaker 1 (18:10):
And so people will go to places where they can get it
because, as you feel sohelpless and you guys were doing
everything you could do, and sothis is Anne's senior project.
So tell us.
I know you said it's likerooted in love, compassion and
spirituality.
So tell us about Endura.
Speaker 2 (18:27):
Yeah, I mean the treatment really is awareness
and that's, you know, thepsychiatrist that's joined our
board that's done a lot ofresearch and advocacy for high
functioning autism and suicidein the relationship there really
has no-transcript you know, heyDr Graber.
Speaker 1 (19:43):
Uh, did you learn neurodivergence in med school,
you know, and she's like no, and, and I didn't either, and so
that was what was so interestingis that you know it's a
terminology that's likemisunderstood yes, and I think
that it's really important thatpeople just recognize.
You know, neurodivergence isbeen around forever and many of
us are neurodivergent in avariety of ways.
(20:05):
You know, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2 (20:07):
So I just, I think it's important and that's why
it's a spectrum right and it'slike aren't we don't we all have
things Right Cause?
Speaker 1 (20:16):
it's OCD or ADHD and a lot of these things are
comorbid.
You know they present withother things Someone's not just
autistic.
you know, and that's we.
We've shifted to that language.
When I was trained, it was aperson with autism Cause we
tried to take away the power ofthe identity of the diagnosis.
(20:37):
Now we say it's an autisticperson.
It is part of their identity,but it's just one part.
They could also be suicidal orhave interpersonal issues or be
brilliant, you know, and haveOCD.
I mean there's a variety of thespectrum that people can
present on.
Speaker 2 (20:46):
Yeah, part of it is you know that we're learning is
the labeling of calling it adisorder.
Speaker 1 (20:51):
And that's something you know.
That we're learning is thelabeling of calling it a
disorder, and that's somethingyou know well, that's the
insurance company.
Speaker 2 (20:55):
Unfortunately, right, but for him going through his
journals you know, that that waspart of his identity oh, tell
me more about that so.
And yeah, I mean I'm goingthrough his you know his
writings and his things and it'slike challenges I have to
overcome One autism spectrumdisorder.
Speaker 1 (21:11):
It's like so he was really no, please, no, but but
for us.
Speaker 2 (21:18):
It's like you know, yes, that could help us get
insurance, which can help us gettreatment and help him, but
then it's a label that we'reputting on him and saying
there's something wrong with youand really there's nothing
wrong with you.
Your brain is brilliant and Ifeel like the neurodivergent
community is.
They're more evolved than weare and I feel like I'm
(21:41):
neurodivergent too and I thinkif he could see that and see
neurodivergent too, and I thinkif he could see that and see, oh
and, and anyone you knowfeeling that way, I'm not alone.
No, there are so many like meand instead of looking at it as
there's something wrong with me,of like, no, this is something
that's awesome about me.
My brain works differently.
I'm, you know, if I have ADHD,well, my brain's just working
(22:04):
faster than yours, okay, well,great.
I mean you have brown eyes.
I have ADHD.
Well, my brain's just workingfaster than yours, okay, well,
great.
I mean you have brown eyes, Ihave blue eyes, awesome.
You know we're different, okay,great.
But yet there are others likeme.
I'm not alone.
I think that he felt that hehad to hide it, he was masking,
he was camouflaging and, overtime, the fatigue, the cognitive
(22:29):
fatigue.
I think he was camouflaging andover time the fatigue the
cognitive fatigue.
I think he was exhausted, forsure, and physically, yeah, and
I think physical, you know youlook at mental health and
physical health.
I mean there are two aspects ofof overall health of an
individual yeah um, and I knowyou know may mental health
awareness month, it it's reallylooking at both sides of that
and you know people are becomingmore comfortable talking about
(22:52):
mental health.
But we're so comfortable talkingabout.
Oh, I went for a run or I wentto the gym, Awesome.
Well, guess what?
I declined a meeting and I wentfor a walk.
Well good for you, becauseyou're prioritizing your mental
health in the same way that youwould drink a glass of water or
go to the gym.
I mean it's-.
Speaker 1 (23:11):
Yeah, I love that you said.
I mean there's a beautifulmarriage between the two and the
thing is it's notindividualized and it is
systemic.
It's not wellness or physicalmental health and, like you said
, canceling a meeting to go onthe walk.
These are, and you beautifullyarticulated, the systemic issue
with autism, especially in youth, in that I had a quote thought
(23:31):
to get treatment.
Yeah, this is a systemic issue.
This is not an issue.
This is not a mental health orphysical issue.
This is like we have to get youknow at the core of these
policies that are in place andthe systems that are in place,
cause you said, like I can't sayhow many people I've worked
with who go to a facility andsometimes being there is the
(23:52):
reason that they, you know,either get worse or you know
because, like you said, hedidn't get fresh air for X
amount of days and when we left,they said oh, this is your
first time here.
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (24:03):
Like suggesting you'll be back.
We're not back because hedidn't make it, you know.
Anyway, um it's, it's notblaming anyone, it's just seeing
there's opportunities andthere's there's there are things
that we can do yes, to changethe system, but to step forth
(24:23):
and to have courage and to sharethe stories and advocate and
work together to make thesechanges.
Speaker 1 (24:29):
Yeah, so how has your own grief evolved?
You know, I think you again,you've been really raw, and so
we have aunt story, we haveEndurant you've talked about
that.
How has your grief evolved as a, as a mother?
Speaker 2 (24:41):
I mean, there's definitely days and periods
where, um, I don't want to behere.
I don't want to be in thisworld without him.
Speaker 1 (24:51):
Um.
Speaker 2 (24:52):
I don't, I don't want to keep going Um, and then that
passes, you know it.
It's like giving it some timeand some space to acknowledge
those feelings and that's realand that's valid, um, and
accepting that I don't know thatI'll ever want to be in this
(25:13):
world without him.
Speaker 1 (25:15):
Right, of course, yeah.
Speaker 2 (25:16):
And uh, so you know, I walk with a scar in my heart,
um, you know, um, you know thatthere's a permanent, a permanent
wound, um, and it's healing, um, it's healing through the work
that we're doing and and throughspreading his message and
keeping his spirit alive with me.
(25:37):
Um, but I don't, yeah, that'sendurance.
Speaker 1 (25:41):
That's the organization I mean.
Are there still like I thinkthis is my word prayer circles,
or what you call them, that youwere doing?
Speaker 2 (25:47):
Yeah, I mean, that was.
That was really the beginningof the movement Um the, the
prayer, the non-denominationalprayer circles where people
showered us with love.
You know whether they were.
You know Hindu, buddhist,jewish, christian, you know all
faiths, no matter what.
Um that started it.
And then, and then some of hisfriends said you know, we want
(26:08):
to start a mental health club atour school.
And then our daughter said youknow there's a word endurance.
She loves English andwordsmithing things and you know
someone who is endurance,overcomes adversity and
challenge.
It's not an adjective we reallyuse in our language, but it is
there, it is in the dictionaryand then you know it works with
(26:30):
his name um, with aunt, and soyeah, and, and then it's, it is
a movement and so it's all.
It's all come together in abeautiful way and and honestly,
we feel like we're just kind ofbeing led um through this and um
, yeah, I mean, we're gratefulfor the support of the community
(26:51):
and just keep stepping forward.
Speaker 1 (26:55):
You all are very brave, you know, I think it's a
really it's a brave thing, andone of the I mean I just my two
cents for you is we always saythat you have to put your mask
on first.
And I think you know, when youdo this work, it's really
important for anyone out theredoing the work I mean, my
students would hear me say thatover and over again, but it is
so important to put your mask onfirst, because you're you're
(27:15):
motivated, you have the passionnow and Durant is going to live
on.
Um and it's beautiful that it'shis senior year.
You know that this is, this iswhen it happened, but of course,
in that was the tragedy and,like you said, it takes the pain
to come to purpose, and somaybe this is the purpose, and
so now you all are doing thatand you know in that way, so I
(27:37):
really appreciate it.
Now, are you also, um, kind oflike creating safe spaces or you
know, you've talked a littlebit about that for others that
are struggling, or yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2 (27:48):
So we've had um.
We've had some teen mentalhealth events and um we really
are encouraging teens who wantto help with mental health of
their peers um to kind of stepstep forth and um.
We're really seeing kind of aclub aspect at schools, as
(28:08):
that's a really organic way umfor them to support one another.
And then we have tools, um.
We also just today havelaunched the endurance show,
which is a podcast that'llfeature experts as well as um
giving a space for teen voices,because we feel like it's really
important for them to feel seenand understood and so yeah, and
(28:33):
giving them a platform.
Speaker 1 (28:35):
Yeah, Because then listening to me just does means
nothing.
I think if we that's reallypowerful.
I love that you're doing itthat way, cause I think that's a
really important way to getmore connection.
Speaker 2 (28:45):
Absolutely yeah.
Speaker 1 (28:47):
Yeah, that's important.
I, I, uh, I think that's reallyimportant and so, um, this is I
think people, if they want tolearn more, probably give any
donations and endurancemovementorg.
Speaker 2 (28:56):
Yeah, endurance movementorg, it's our nonprofit
um slash show.
We'll get you to all theplatforms we're on, all the
things we're.
Yeah, it's happening, yeah,yeah.
Speaker 1 (29:10):
Well, thanks so much you know for, for doing the work
you know, I think it takes avillage and, as a psychologist,
I'm really thankful that youknow, samara, that you and Neil
are doing this and inspirationto so many people, because this
is really a parent's you know,worst nightmare and honoring
your son's life in the best waypossible.
So thank you so much for doingthat.
Speaker 2 (29:30):
Absolutely Thank you.
Thank you for the opportunity,nice to meet you and be
connected with you.
Speaker 1 (29:36):
Absolutely.
Yeah, thank you.
So thank you for listening athome.
Rates of death by suicide amongteens and adults have increased
more than 30% since 2000 in theUnited States, and an estimated
800,000 people die from suicideworldwide each year.
These are alarming statisticsand one that I know that we can
change.
It's my mission that we canbring you incredible
(29:57):
organizations just like Endurant.
So head over toendurantmovementorg, help
support those struggling, and Iurge you all to find your
additional resources.
As you know, we're in our shownotes if you are struggling
yourself with mental health orwith suicide.
So please like, follow andshare.
Everything's at official DrPete dot com and we will be back
next week.
Until then, spread a littlelove and kindness and stay well.
(30:20):
Thanks for watching.
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