Mitlin Money Mindset

How To Help Someone Who's Struggling When You Have No Idea How w/ 988 Co-Creator Kristen Christy

September 2, 2026·35 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Want to help someone struggling, but don't know what to say? You don't need the perfect words or a solution. Kristen Christy is co-creator of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which has now answered more than 17 million calls and texts. In this episode, you'll learn how 988 supports both people in crisis and the people who love them, how to start uncomfortable conversations with someone you think needs help, and the small daily habit that makes a real difference. Topics discussed: (00:00) Introduction (01:55) Early lessons in resilience (03:49) The events that led to 988 (07:46) How 988 supports different communities (10:17) How to ask someone directly about suicide (13:43) How to be a good listener to someone in crisis (16:18) Why community matters and how to find yours (19:38) Suicide loss survivors: reframing shame and guilt (24:22) Small ways to lift others up (29:14) Helping others while protecting your own mental health (31:49) What brought you JOY today? If you're struggling or have lost someone to suicide, you're not alone. Call or text 988 anytime in the U.S., Canada, and on military bases overseas. If you're a writer who wants to take control of your finances, read Mitlin Financial's  Write Your Financial Future: A Financial Guide for Authors: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/insights/blog/write-your-financial-future-a-financial-guide-for-authors/ Resources: Sending your child to college will always be emotional but are you financially ready? Take the College Readiness Quiz for Parents: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/college-readiness-quiz/ Doing your taxes might not be enJOYable but being more organized can make the process less painful. Get Your Gathering Your Tax Documents Checklist: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Mitlin_ChecklistForGatheringYourTaxDocuments_Form_062424_v2.pdf Will you be able to enJOY the Retirement you envision? Take the Retirement Ready Quiz: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/retirement-planning-quiz/ Connect with Larry Sprung: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencesprung/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larry_sprung/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LawrenceDSprung/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/Lawrence_Sprung About Our Guest: Kristen Christy, a lifelong military family member, is a Master Resilience Trainer, international speaker, best-selling author, and co-creator of 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.  Her contributions to the field of resilience have been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2018 Air Force Spouse of the Year, Force for Change, the Mighty25 Changemaker Award, and Red Star Foundation Service Award. Connect with Kristen Christy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenchristy/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristen.christy.cares/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristen.christy.1 X (Twitter): https://x.com/kristenchristy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kristenchristy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kristenchristy988  Website: <a href

Podzilla Summary coming soon

Sign up to get notified when the full AI-powered summary is ready.

Get Free Summaries →

Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.

Listen to This Episode

Get summaries like this every morning.

Free AI-powered recaps of Mitlin Money Mindset and your other favorite podcasts, delivered to your inbox.

Get Free Summaries →

Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.