Suicidal Thoughts Warning Signs: Teens vs Adults

Thoughts of suicide are not uncommon and can be a part of the human experience for many individuals at various points in their lives. In Part 2 of this series, host Terry McGuire welcomes back Dr. Sara Kohlbeck, PhD, a public health researcher specializing in suicide. This conversation focuses on the "invitations" people send when they are in distress and how to navigate the spectrum of suicidal thoughts with empathy and evidence-based tools. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Dr. Kohlbeck explains that warning signs in teens often manifest as impulsivity or reckless behavior, such as dangerous driving or taking unknown substances. She introduces the "Assist" training framework, which views these behaviors as "invitations" to explore the underlying pain a person is carrying. This episode also clarifies the reality of "passive suicidal ideation"—thoughts like wishing to go to sleep and never wake up—which are valid experiences that require support even without an immediate plan. Dr. Sara Kohlbeck, PhD, provides a rare, firsthand account of her own experience driving herself to the emergency department during a crisis. She details the medical triage process and addresses the common fear that seeking help will lead to immediate restraint or being "locked up". By normalizing these conversations and teaching listeners how to create a "Safety Plan," Dr. Kohlbeck empowers communities to become a foundation for wellness. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – [Intro] Normalizing Thoughts of Suicide 02:50 – Warning Signs in Teens: Impulsivity and Risk 07:15 – Identifying "Invitations" for Help 09;12 – Sudden Calmness: Why It Can Be a Danger Sign 14:10 – Understanding Passive Suicidal Ideation 28:52 – How Long Does a Suicidal Crisis Last? 29:29 – Restricting Access to Lethal Means 33:22 – How to Create a Safety Plan 41:08 – Walking into the ER: Triage and Treatment 45:24 – Will My Therapist "Lock Me Up"? ❓ Questions the Video Answers: How do warning signs in teens differ from those in adults? What is the "Assist" training framework for suicide intervention? What are "invitations" for support and how do I spot them? Is a sudden improvement in mood always a good sign? What does "passive suicidal ideation" feel like? Can the option of suicide act as a "safety valve" for some? How long does a period of imminent suicidal crisis typically last? Why is "limiting access to lethal means" critical for safety? What is "means substitution" and does it actually happen? What words should I use when walking into an ER during a crisis? What medical tests are performed during a psychiatric ER visit? Will I be handcuffed if I admit I am suicidal at a hospital? How do I tell a therapist I have a plan without being hospitalized? What are "coping cards" and how can they help? How can communities better support those with suicidal thoughts? #suicideprevention #mentalhealth #teenmentalhealth