I sat down with Alex Bush, a remarkable young woman who transformed personal tragedy into a powerful force for change. Alex lost her father to suicide at just 16, a loss that deeply shaped her journey and passion for suicide prevention. Our conversation explored not only her personal story, but also how she began sharing her experiences publicly, first to address misconceptions in her community, and later to reach thousands of students and young adults across the country. Her journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of honest storytelling.
Throughout this episode, Alex shared her experience of grief and the importance of finding meaning amid heartbreak. She spoke about the ripple effect of suicide loss in her life: losing multiple friends and navigating those tragedies while still in high school. What stood out most to me was her recognition that sharing lived experiences does more than reduce isolation; it can initiate genuine cultural change. By using both traditional media and social platforms, Alex has made advocacy accessible and relatable, especially for other young people struggling in silence.
One of the most important takeaways from our conversation is the crucial role youth voices play in mental health advocacy. Alex’s insights into connecting with different audiences, fostering relationships with journalists, and creating safe, engaging spaces on social media are invaluable. She reminds us that our stories hold the power to save lives, inspire hope, and build a future where no one feels alone in their struggle.
Bio
Alex Bush is a public speaker and advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. After losing her dad and multiple friends to suicide, she began sharing her story publicly in 2018 at the age of sixteen. She has spoken to over 16,000 people across the country and serves on the board of directors of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Mississippi. In 2019, she contributed to the regionally Emmy-nominated “Teens2Teens Colorado PSA” project, which played in Colorado media and movie theaters. For seven years, Alex has shared her story to spread awareness, de-stigmatize, educate, and initiate conversations about suicide, mental health, substance use, and resiliency among young people.
Takeaways
Personal reflection advice for suicide loss survivors
Validity of complex emotions (anger, guilt, sadness)
Importance of embracing and processing emotions for healing
Advice to mental health leaders
The necessity of youth involvement in advocacy
Building opportunities and platforms for young voices
The value of organizing thoughts, messages, and support structures
Joining groups for support (Active Minds, NAMI, AFSP)
Knowing your audience and being an informed, credible messenger
Show Notes
Website URL & Social Media
● Website: https://alexbushspeaking.com
● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbush3/ ● Instagram: @_alexbush_ &
https://www.instagram.com/_alexbush_/
Relevant Articles & Resources (for show notes)
● Honors Undergraduate Thesis (Chapter 3 & 4) ○ Link: egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/2989/
● Colorado Public Radio, 2020
○ Link: cpr.org/2020/02/18/this-teen-has-been-through-hell-n ow-shes-helping-her-peers/
● Leading Causes of Death, CDC 2021
○ Link: wisqars.cdc.gov/pdfs/leading-causes-of-death-by-age -group_2021_508.pdf
● National Survey on Drug Use and Health, SAMHSA 2023 ○ Link:
samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt47095 /National%20Report/National%20Report/2023-nsduh annual-national.pdf
○ Note: Click “Command F” and type “highest among young adults”
● “Americans under 30 are miserable compared to Boomers” ○ Link:
cnbc.com/2024/08/28/young-adults-are-unhappy-tha n-ever-but-dont-just-blame-social-media.html
● “51% of young Americans say they feel down, depressed or hopeless - here’s how advocates are trying to help” ○ Link:
cnbc.com/2021/05/10/51percent-of-young-americans-s ay-they-feel-down-depressed-or-hopeless.html ● National Data on Age Gradients in Well-being among US adults
○ Link: jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/ 2795626
● Gen Z Adults and Younger Millennials Are Completely Overwhelmed By Stress
○ Link: apa.org/topics/stress/generation-z-millennials-young -adults-worries
● Stress in America 2023, APA
○ Link: apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2023/collective-tr auma-recovery