Depression, Loneliness & Suicide in College: A Story of Survival and Hope- Belle's Story
Release Date: 04/13/2025
Inside the Explosion of Online Grooming with Jo Robertson (#52)
7 On Sundays™
Online safety expert Jo Robertson returns to 7 on Sundays to break down the explosive rise of sextortion, grooming, and digital exploitation — including an 1800% increase among 7–10-year-olds. She explains how predators operate, which kids are most targeted, why grooming can happen in just 45 minutes, and how parents can protect their children without creating shame or secondary trauma. This is essential listening for any caregiver navigating the modern online landscape. Key Points What sextortion is and how it differs from sexual exploitation Why boys and LGBTQ+ youth are...
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The New Landscape of Sextortion and Teen Online Safety with Jo Robertson (#51)
7 On Sundays™
In this powerful episode, sex educator, trauma therapist, and porn researcher Jo Robertson breaks down the alarming rise in online grooming, sextortion, and exposure to sexual content among today’s youth. With clear data, real-world examples, and insight from years of clinical and educational work, Jo explains how digital spaces are shaping young people’s relationships, sexual development, and vulnerability to harm. This conversation is essential listening for teens, parents, and anyone invested in online safety. Key Points Why exposure to sexual content is now almost universal...
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Toxic Relationships, Love Bombing & Gaslighting: A Story of Healing and Self-Worth -- Natasha’s Story
7 On Sundays™
Toxic relationships, gaslighting & love bombing—Natasha shares her story of red flags, narcissism, and healing in modern dating. Toxic relationships, gaslighting, and love bombing are more common than we think—and Natasha knows this firsthand. In this powerful episode of 7 On Sundays, hosts Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye sit down with Natasha to unpack her journey through toxic relationships, narcissistic behaviors, and the emotional toll of manipulation. From recognizing red flags like love bombing to understanding the impact of gaslighting, Natasha shares her candid story of...
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When Sex Turns Extreme: Porn, Trauma, and Boundaries in Relationships — Thomas’s Story
7 On Sundays™
Thomas shares a rare male perspective on porn, trauma, violent sex, and the struggle for boundaries, consent, and healing in modern relationships. What happens when love collides with extreme sexual expectations, past trauma, and pornography’s influence? In this raw and courageous episode of 7 On Sundays, hosts Stephanie Boye and Dr. Chez Leeby sit down with Thomas, who bravely shares his story of navigating a relationship shaped by violent sexual behaviors, unspoken boundaries, and emotional conflict. From the normalization of rough and extreme sex to the generational shift fueled by...
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College Friendships, Sorority Life & Finding Authentic Connections — Danielle & Everett’s Story
7 On Sundays™
College is often portrayed as the time you’ll meet your ride-or-die best friends and create bonds that last a lifetime. But what happens when the reality of friendship doesn’t match the expectation? In this powerful episode of 7 On Sundays, hosts Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye sit down with Danielle and Everett to explore the complexities of college friendships, sorority life, and the search for authenticity. Through their raw and relatable stories, Danielle and Everett reveal the highs and lows of sorority involvement, the challenges of navigating superficial vs. genuine relationships,...
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Hookup Culture, Boundaries & Healing from Past Trauma — Sam’s Journey to Self-Worth
7 On Sundays™
Sam shares her story of hookup culture, codependency, and healing from past trauma — and how she built self-worth through boundaries and respect. Hookup culture is often glamorized as casual and carefree — but for many young adults, it leads to feelings of emptiness, confusion, and self-doubt. In this powerful episode of 7 On Sundays, hosts Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye sit down with Sam, a recent college graduate, who bravely shares her journey of navigating hookup culture, unpacking childhood trauma, and reclaiming her self-worth. Sam opens up about the lasting impact of early...
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Creating Digital Intentionalism & Cultivating Real Connections: Harrison Haynes on Mindful Technology Use
7 On Sundays™
Harrison Haynes shares his journey from social media addiction to digital minimalism—discover tools to reclaim presence, mental health, and connection. Are we more connected—or more isolated—because of our phones? In this powerful episode of 7 On Sundays, hosts Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye sit down with Harrison Haynes to explore the realities of social media addiction, digital dependency, and the urgent need for digital minimalism. Harrison shares his raw and honest experiences navigating screen addiction, online pressures, and post-COVID loneliness, and how switching to a...
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First Crush or Coerced Sex? Hookup Culture, Porn Influence, and Healing - Hope's Story
7 On Sundays™
Hope shares her story of coerced sex, hookup culture, and porn’s influence on teen relationships — and how she found healing and resilience. First crush, hookup culture, coerced sex, and the impact of porn on teen relationships — these are the themes explored in today’s 7 On Sundays™ episode. Our guest Hope shares her story of what should have been an innocent first crush at age 15, but quickly turned into a jarring experience filled with sexual expectations she wasn’t ready for. Like too many teens, Hope was left confused, scared, and shaped by the silence of cultural, family, and...
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Intimacy, Pelvic Floor Therapy & Healing After Vaginismus & Hymenectomy: Lexi’s Story
7 On Sundays™
Lexi shares her journey with vaginismus, hymenectomy, pelvic floor therapy, and intimacy struggles. A raw story of sexual health, hookup culture, and healing. Sexual health struggles are more common than most people realize — but rarely talked about openly. In this powerful episode of 7 On Sundays, hosts Stephanie Boye (sex educator) and Dr. Chez Leeby (licensed marriage and family therapist) sit down with Lexi, who bravely shares her personal journey through hymenectomy, pelvic floor therapy, and the emotional challenges of intimacy. Lexi opens up about the physical pain, shame, and...
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Hustle Culture, Mental Health & Finding Balance: Levi’s Story
7 On Sundays™
Levi shares how hustle culture impacts mental health, balance, and purpose. A candid look at Gen Z, achievement pressure, and authentic living. Hustle culture is everywhere — from college campuses to social media — but what is it really costing young people? In this episode of 7 On Sundays, hosts Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye sit down with Levi, a 20-year-old college student, who shares his personal journey navigating the overwhelming pressures of achievement, success, and societal expectations. Levi opens up about the toll hustle culture takes on mental health, relationships, and...
info_outlineBelle shares her story of college depression, loneliness & suicidal thoughts—offering hope, coping tools & strategies for healing.
Depression and loneliness are silent struggles for many college students—and for Belle, these challenges became overwhelming. In this episode of 7 On Sundays, hosts Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye sit down with Belle to discuss her journey through depression, suicidal ideation, and the impact of campus life on her mental health.
Belle bravely opens up about the daily realities of living with depression, the coping mechanisms that helped her survive, and the strategies she uses to create stability, connection, and healing. Together, the conversation explores how to recognize the signs of depression, reduce the stigma around mental health, and provide support for those in crisis.
This candid and compassionate episode offers valuable insights for students, parents, and educators, while reminding listeners that no one has to suffer in silence.
RESOURCES
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Call or Text #988
Crisis Text Line text "TALK" to 741-741
SAMHSA Treatment Referral Hotline (substance abuse)
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning
01:16 Belle's Personal Experience with Depression
05:22 Coping Mechanisms and Their Impact
07:04 Depression is a Numbness to Joy
09:33 Why Depression Shows up in College
13:26 The Role of Loneliness and Social Media
16:56 Hookup Culture and Depression
20:47 Suicidal Ideation and Seeking Help
29:32 Therapeutic Tools and Strategies
38:18 Final Thoughts and Resources