SEEING THE INVISIBLE

Suicide Warning Signs, Struggles, and Hope

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Episode Summary

The warning signs of suicide are often visible, but easy to miss. In this episode of Human Resilience, we sit down with suicide prevention expert Susan Tellone to explore how trauma, stress, and emotional overwhelm can quietly build toward crisis, and the practical steps anyone can take to recognize and respond early.

Drawing from decades in hospice care, schools, and psychiatric emergency rooms, Susan explains why self-harm runs counter to our deepest survival instincts—and how connection, validation, and presence can shift someone back toward safety. She also unpacks the FACS model (Feelings, Actions, Changes, and Talk), how to interpret subtle cues, and the everyday situations that increase vulnerability.

Listen and Learn

  • The real warning signs, and what distress looks like in behavior, language, and emotional shifts
  • How simple, nonjudgmental prompts like “tell me more” open the door to honesty and safety
  • Tools to address loneliness, overexposure, achievement stress, and social media overload in teens and beyond
  • Micro-practices, joy resets, and sustainable strategies to maintain emotional well-being while supporting others

For teens and adults alike, Susan offers a grounded, compassionate framework anyone—parents, educators, friends, coworkers—can use to help someone feel seen and supported. We also highlight how community-based programs and digital engagement tools extend care between touchpoints and reduce relapse risk.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If this conversation resonates, share it with someone who may need it and subscribe for more episodes that humanize healing.

Hosts

Featured Guests

  • Susan Tellone, MSN, BSN, CSN, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Expert

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