434. "I lost my brother at 16 to suicide, it shouldn't have happened" ft. Ben West

434. "I lost my brother at 16 to suicide, it shouldn't have happened" ft. Ben West

Author: iHeartPodcasts June 29, 2026 Duration: 1:02:05

TW: Discussions of suicide.

This week, I'm joined by mental health campaigner Ben West for one of the most moving conversations we've ever had on the show. At 18, Ben lost his brother to suicide. He has taken that experience and decided to change the lives of thousands, if not millions with his 'Reasons to Stay' campaign. 

In this episode we discuss:

  • Why grief changes over time 
  • How to find purpose after unimaginable heartbreak
  • The psychology of hope and why strangers can save lives
  • What supporting someone through suicidal thoughts actually looks like
  • Ben's incredible initiative, Reasons to Stay, and the millions of people it's already reached
  • His two personal rules for protecting his own mental health
  • Why healing isn't about 'moving on' but learning to carry what you've lost

Watch on Netflix: HERE

Preorder Ben's book: HERE 

Follow Ben: HERE 

If you need help, it is available. You are NEVER alone. Please find some further resources HERE.

Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s

For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com 

The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


Navigating your twenties can feel like a constant, bewildering experiment where you're both the scientist and the subject. The Psychology of your 20s, hosted by Jemma Sbeg, treats this unique decade with the thoughtful analysis it deserves. Released every Tuesday and Friday, each episode picks apart a specific thread of the modern twentysomething experience-whether it's the anxiety of mapping out a career, the complexities of dating apps, the strain on friendships, or the stress of managing money for the first time. Jemma grounds these universal themes in psychological research and science, offering clarity on why this period feels so tumultuous. The conversations move beyond simple advice, instead providing a framework for understanding the mental and emotional underpinnings of decisions big and small. This isn't a lecture; it's a companionable exploration of the growing pains that define adulthood's first chapter. Tuning into this podcast feels like gaining a new lens on your own life, one that transforms confusion into comprehension. It’s produced by iHeartPodcasts.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Psychology of your 20s
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