Where Are the Adults? Navigating Youth Mental Health Crises with Leigh Ioffe

In this episode of the Franciska Show, Leigh Ioffe, a crisis management specialist and founder of the nonprofit organization The Long Short Road, shares her journey and work in the realm of mental health and crisis intervention. Lee discusses her accidental entry into the field, which began with her work at the Chabad Teen Network and evolved into addressing the mental health needs of young people dealing with suicidal ideation. She elaborates on the unique challenges faced by the Orthodox Jewish community, including religious guilt and trauma, and emphasizes the importance of combining mental health support with religious guidance. Lee also provides insights from her extensive training and experience, including the development of bespoke suicide prevention programs and the importance of relational support in crisis management. She shares personal stories of success and resilience, illustrating the profound impact of compassionate human connections. Additionally, Leigh offers practical advice for individuals and community leaders on how to provide support to those struggling with mental health issues, ensuring they feel safe, seen, and soothed. 00:00 Welcome to the Franciska Show 00:19 Accidental Path to Crisis Management 01:11 Religious Journey and Family Background 02:46 Challenges in Mental Health Awareness 08:46 Warm Line: A Support System 17:53 Expressive Writing for Healing 23:26 Training and Future Plans 32:47 Rescheduling and Learning New Things 33:32 Nuances of Addressing Suicidal Ideation 36:45 Training and Crisis Management 39:21 Balancing Nonprofit Work and Personal Life 43:52 The Importance of Sensitivity in Mental Health 56:00 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

About Our Guest:

Leigh Ioffe is a crisis management specialist and dedicated advocate for individuals navigating mental health challenges. She is the founder and director of The Long Short Road, where she leads the creation of psycho-educational programs, warmline services, and consultations that offer personalized support to hundreds each year. Leigh’s work is grounded in compassion and practical care, helping people access the tools they need to heal and grow. Beyond her professional role, Leigh is a wife, a mother to two daughters, and a published fiction author. She is also currently pursuing certification as a mindfulness practitioner, further enriching her holistic approach to well-being.

www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-ioffe-25785149

Instagram and Facebook: @thelongshortroad

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