Jake Ranney joins us today to dive into some heavy stuff. His memoir, "Like Nothing Happened," takes a raw look at mental health, trauma, and the absurd ways we sometimes cope, or don’t. We’re tackling the tough conversations around suicide and how important it is to reach out for help when we’re struggling. Jake shares his personal journey from a quiet farm in California to confronting his past through writing, turning what could’ve been just another sad story into a lifeline not just for him, but for others too. So grab your headphones, because if you’ve ever felt alone or just wanted someone to say, “Hey, I get it,” this episode is for you.

Mental health is a topic that can't be ignored, especially when it affects so many people in various ways. Jake Ranney, the author of "Like Nothing Happened," joins Ashley on the Black Sheep Christian Podcast to delve into his personal experiences with trauma and mental health. The conversation is raw, real, and incredibly necessary. They discuss the importance of reaching out for help and the stigma that often surrounds mental health issues. Jake shares how writing became a lifeline for him after a traumatic incident at 17, and how he transformed his pain into a powerful memoir aimed at helping others who might be suffering in silence. The duo emphasizes that everyone has a story and that sharing it can create a ripple effect of understanding and support. If you're looking for a conversation that mixes humor, heart, and a hefty dose of reality, this episode is for you. Whether you’ve been through your own struggles or just want to learn how to support someone who has, Jake’s insights are both enlightening and encouraging. So grab your headphones and prepare for a chat that might just change your perspective on mental health and the power of words.

Takeaways:

• Jake's memoir 'Like Nothing Happened' dives deep into his personal struggles with trauma and mental health, showing how writing became his lifeline.
• The podcast emphasizes the importance of approaching mental health discussions sensitively, as one word can make or break a person's day.
• Jake discusses the stigma surrounding mental health and how people often shove their issues under the rug instead of seeking help.
• The conversation highlights the critical need for supportive friendships during tough times, promoting open conversations to foster healing and connection.
• Listeners are encouraged to reach out to those in need, no matter how long it's been since they last spoke, because that simple text can mean the world.
• Resources like the Trevor Project and 988 are crucial lifelines for those struggling with mental health, underscoring the importance of accessible support services.

• SierraMeadows
• TrevorProject
• PsychologyToday
• OpenPathCollective
• MaleSurvivor

• Sierra Meadows
• The Trevor Project
• Male Survivor