When Was The Last Time You Felt Depressed?

What happens when the generation meant to build the future feels like they don't have one?

In this raw and deeply personal solo episode, host Lira Ndifon steps out from behind the interview mic to share her own harrowing battle with depression—a journey that stripped her of her identity but ultimately led her to her purpose. But her story is just the beginning. Lira confronts a crisis hiding in plain sight: the staggering rates of mental health struggles among children and teens. Armed with alarming statistics, she reveals that 73 to 74 million children in the US are grappling with mental health issues, yet a devastating 79% receive no support.

This isn't just about numbers; it's about the silent suffering behind closed doors, the stigma that keeps young people—especially young men—from speaking up, and the societal pressures contributing to suicide becoming the second leading cause of death for ages 10-34. Lira challenges the silence, arguing that open conversation is not the risk—it's the antidote. She connects the dots between untreated mental health, community violence, and the specific hurdles faced in African and African American communities.

This is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone who cares about the next generation. You will discover:

• Lira's Untold Story: How losing her identity led her to the depths of depression and the self-reflection practices that brought her back.
• The Shocking Statistics: A clear breakdown of the youth mental health crisis and why it demands our immediate attention.
• Beyond the Stigma: Understanding the unique challenges and cultural barriers preventing young people, especially boys, from seeking help.
• Your Mental Wellness Toolkit: Four simple, powerful tools—journaling, meditation, exercise, and community—that Lira personally used to heal and that you can implement today.

This episode is a powerful blend of vulnerability and data, a heartfelt plea for awareness, and a practical guide to finding hope in the darkness. It's a reminder that your pain can become your power, and that you are never, ever alone.

If this conversation moved you, please share it. Your voice matters. Show your support by liking, following, and subscribing to the Self-Reflection Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you listen. Every subscription helps us break the stigma, provide resources, and build a world where mental health is prioritized.