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Who We Are
About Us
Shana created Speak on Suicide after the devastating loss of her 15-year-old son, Adam, to suicide in November 2023. Adam was smart, funny, compassionate, and deeply loved, but like so many others, he struggled in silence.
We all want to believe we’d know if someone we love was struggling. That they’d say something. That we’d notice. But the truth is, silence can wear a convincing mask.
In the months that followed Adam’s suicide, Shana found herself searching not just for understanding, but for a way forward - a way to honor Adam’s voice by helping others find their own.
That’s when Speak on Suicide was born.
Our Mission
We believe that silence should never be the end of anyone’s story. Through storytelling, education, and compassionate connection, Speak on Suicide empowers communities to have the hard conversations that can save lives.
We create safe spaces for teens, families, educators, and clinicians to talk openly about suicide, grief, and mental health without shame. Whether it’s through a keynote speech, a classroom workshop, or a crisis resource card, our goal is simple: speak, support, and save.
Why This Matters
Every suicide has a story — and they don’t all look the same. That’s why our work centers not just on statistics and risk factors, but on lived experience and emotional truth. We approach every conversation with empathy, honesty, and a trauma-informed lens, knowing that even one open dialogue can be a lifeline.
The SPEAK Framework
Shana Belyeu is a mother, suicide awareness advocate, and the founder of Speak on Suicide. After the loss of her son Adam, she began speaking about the realities of suicide, grief, and survival. Her message is raw, relatable, and rooted in her lived experience - and it’s changing lives.
Shana also developed the SPEAK Framework, a simple but powerful model to help people respond when silence feels safer than speaking. She leads impactful keynotes and workshops on suicide prevention for schools and community organizations, and is certified in QPR Gatekeeper Training. Shana is often joined by her PTSD service dog, Sadie, who provides grounding support in both public and private spaces.
Signature Topics & Offerings
Breaking the Silence: Finding Strength in S.P.E.A.K.ing
A powerful talk for middle and high school students on the dangers of silence, the weight of shame, and how to speak up for yourself and your friends using the S.P.E.A.K. framework.
Educator & Clinician Sessions - What I Wish You Knew
Tailored for those who work with teens, this session combines my lived experience with suicide prevention research, highlighting risk factors, missed signs, and how professionals can show up in life-saving ways.
Grief & Loss -
Life After Suicide
A deeply personal message for survivors of suicide loss or anyone supporting them. I share my journey through unimaginable grief, the role of support groups and therapy, and what healing can look like.
Community Talks - Breaking the Silence Together
A broader message for parents, PTAs, and community groups about building open conversations around mental health, the impact of online addiction, and how every voice matters in prevention.
QPR Gatekeeper Training
Certified QPR Trainer (Question, Persuade, Refer). This 60-90-minute evidence-based training teaches participants how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, offer hope, and refer someone to help. Perfect for schools, parent groups, workplaces, or community organizations.
Podcast Appearances
Manifesting with Meg & Shana Belyeu, Ep. 137 Conduct an Examination of Your Life!
Shana Belyeu, founder of Speak on Suicide (www.speakonsuicide.com), began her grief journey after the tragic loss of her 15-year-old son, Adam, to suicide. Shana is driven by a promise to Adam that his story didn’t end with his death. She has dedicated herself to sharing his life, the impact of his loss, and her journey to mental wellness. Through her advocacy, she aims to spark open conversations around suicide and mental health, breaking the silence that often surrounds these issues. Shana’s efforts are making a difference in reducing the stigma, and she believes that together, we can break the silence.
194. Love, Grief, and the Courage to Speak on Suicide with Shana Belyeu
Shana Belyeu, founder of Speak on Suicide (www.speakonsuicide.com), began her grief journey after the tragic loss of her 15-year-old son, Adam, to suicide. Shana is driven by a promise to Adam that his story wouldn’t end with his death. She has dedicated herself to sharing his life, the impact of his loss, and her own path toward healing. Through her advocacy, she fosters open and honest conversations about suicide and mental health, challenging the stigma that too often silences these topics. Through her grief, Shana has found gratitude – for the love that remains, the lives she touches, and the support of those who have walked beside her in this journey. By speaking out, Shana hopes to remind others that even in the darkest moments, hope and healing are possible.