Real Men Feel: Ep. 345, Confronting Suicide Myths, Realities, and Healing

Confronting Suicide Myths, Realities, and Healing with Jen Ginty, Episode 345, March 21, 2025

Busting Suicide Myths with Jen Ginty

Summary:
In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant interviews Jen Ginty, a single mother and entrepreneur who has developed a therapeutic toy for children called My Moody Monster. Both Andy and Jen, who are suicide attempt survivors, discuss suicide myths, coping tools, and personal experiences to help others understand and navigate their emotions. The episode also emphasizes the importance of reaching out for help and shares various suicide prevention resources.
If you’re in crisis, reach out to the suicide crisis line in the US and Canada by calling or texting 988.

Meet Jennifer Ginty
Jen’s story is a testament to resilience and transformation. Living with complex PTSD from her childhood and as a suicide attempt survivor, she has dedicated her life to advocacy and healing. Jen founded the Moody Monster, a plush toy for children that aids in expressing and channeling emotions healthily. Additionally, she hosts the podcast “When Not Yet Becomes Right Now,” where she shares her mental health journey and encourages others to embark on theirs.

Shattering Suicide Myths
One of the central themes of this episode is debunking common myths about suicide. Andy and Jen dive into misconceptions such as the notion that only people with mental illnesses consider suicide or that discussing suicide plants the idea in someone’s head. Both Andy and Jen emphasize that open dialogue and understanding can save lives.

Andy recalls a pivotal conversation with a guest who enlightened him that one need not have a mental illness to experience suicidal thoughts. Jen echoes this sentiment, sharing her experiences and insights gained from supporting her own children and breaking cycles of generational trauma.

The Power of Connection and Coping Tools
Throughout their conversation, Andy and Jen explore the critical role of connection and hope in overcoming suicidal ideation. Jen shares anecdotes of how simple acts of kindness and support from friends made significant differences during her most challenging times. They discuss building coping toolboxes and remembering support systems like the 988 suicide crisis line available for immediate help.

Healing Through Creation: My Moody Monster
Jen discusses her inspiring creation, My Moody Monster, born from her journey through mental health recovery. This innovative plush toy is designed to help children and families articulate emotions constructively. Jen’s vision for Moody, supported by feedback from families and therapists, is to foster better communication between adults and children, ultimately promoting emotional health.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Healing
As the episode draws to a close, both Jen and Andy reinforce the message that thoughts of suicide aren’t the end—they are a crucial call to seek help, talk openly, and heal. They assure listeners that it’s never too late to start one’s healing journey and that everyone deserves love and peace.

Connect with Jen and Andy
Listeners are encouraged to explore more about Jen’s work through her websites and to reach out if they need support. Jen’s passion for helping others navigate their mental health is palpable, and she invites anyone in need to connect with her.

Conclusion
In the words of Andy Grant, “Life is meant to be magnificent, and we are all worthy of magnificence. No one is broken, and there’s always hope.”

For more insights, tune into Real Men Feel and bring the conversation into your own circles. Your voice matters, and together, we can break the silence surrounding mental health.

Visit RealMenFeel.org for more episodes and blog posts, and click TheAndyGrant.com/talk to reach Andy for a personal clarity call. Until next time, be good to yourself.

Join the Conversation
We invite you to join the Real Men Feel community in exploring these discussions. Engage with us by sharing, commenting, and participating in our private Facebook group at realmenfeel.org/group. Connect with Andy directly at realmenfeel@gmail.com.

Connect with Jen Ginty
Jen & My Moody Monster — http://www.mymoodymonster.com
When Not Yet Becomes Right Now Podcast — https://www.whennotyetbecomesrightnow.com/
YouTube — http://www.youtube.com/@mymoodymonster
Instagram — http://www.instagram.com/mymoodymonster
Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/my-moody-monster
TikTok — http://www.tiktok.com/@mymoodymonster
Linkedin — https://www.linkedin.com/company/93141440

Resources
Real Men Feel: Suicide Risk Factors with Dr. Lulu — https://realmenfeel.org/2019/10/15/ep-152-suicide-risk-factors-with-dr-lulu/
Still Here: How To Succeed At Life After Failing At Suicide, Andy Grant — https://amzn.to/4ieFFmz
Entrepreneurship For All — https://eforall.org/

Book a call with Andy → https://theandygrant.com/talk
Get your Real Men Feel gear → http://realmenfeel.org/swag

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