Jeff Yalden

Jeff Yalden is a recognized youth mental health speaker who has dedicated more than three decades to supporting students, educators, and communities in addressing teen mental health and suicide prevention. Yalden has spoken at over 4,500 high school assemblies and presented to more than 4,000 live audiences across all 50 states, every province in Canada, and 49 other countries. His presentations reach more than a million people annually, focusing on mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and youth empowerment.

Yalden's commitment to youth mental health stems from his personal experiences. As a teenager, he faced challenges including a stutter, facial tic, acne, and a learning disability, graduating near the bottom of his high school class. He served four years in the United States Marine Corps, earning recognition as a Two-Time Marine of the Year. After his honorable discharge, Yalden began a career as a motivational speaker in education. He openly discusses living with depression, anxiety, bipolar type 2, and PTSD, sharing his experiences to connect with audiences. Yalden has also overcome significant health challenges related to diabetes, losing 100 pounds and improving his well-being through surgery, yoga, and self-care.

Yalden was featured as a teen and family life coach on MTV's reality show, "MADE," and has appeared in print, radio, and television interviews nationwide, including FOX, CBS, NBC, SPIKETV, A&E, and The Oprah Network. He delivered a TEDx talk titled "Teen Suicide: The WHY Behind America's Suicide Epidemic," contributing to the national conversation on suicide prevention. Yalden holds a doctorate in divinity and a bachelor's degree in psychology.

As an author, Yalden has written several books, including "BOOM! One Word to Instantly Inspire Action," "Teen Suicide: The WHY Behind America's Suicide Epidemic," "Your Life Matters," "They Call Me Coach," "Keep It Simple," "20 Ways to Keep It Simple," and "Traits of a Leader." He co-authored "Lead Now or Step Aside" and contributed to the New York Times bestseller A Cup of Chicken Soup for the Soul. His podcast, "Mental Health & Motivation: The Unlikely Life Coach," addresses motivation, self-improvement, and mental health topics for families and teens.

Yalden extends his work through nonprofit initiatives and curriculum development. The Jeff Yalden Foundation, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to teen suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Yalden is a suicide crisis intervention expert and suicide prevention trainer, working with school communities in crisis and guiding students, parents, and educators through the grieving process. Through speaking, writing, and advocacy, Yalden promotes open conversations about mental health and encourages individuals to seek help and support.