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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
CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses suicide and suicidal ideation, which may be difficult for some listeners; if you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or a crisis hotline like 988.
"When you are suicidal, it is an incredibly isolating feeling. It’s feeling like nobody really understands." In this episode of RECOVER, host Terry McGuire sits down with Dr. Sara Kohlbeck, PhD, a distinguished suicidologist and public health researcher, to peel back the layers of a topic often kept in the shadows. Dr. Kohlbeck shares her profound insights into the "suicide spectrum" and the reality of being high-functioning while struggling with thoughts of ending one's life.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
This conversation is designed to normalize the human experience of suicidal ideation and provide practical, research-backed tools for intervention. Whether you are currently struggling, a loss survivor, or someone worried about a friend, this episode offers a roadmap for connection. Dr. Kohlbeck explains the "Suicide Thermometer," why sadness isn't always the primary symptom, and how to navigate the fear of "saying the wrong thing."
Dr. Sara Kohlbeck, PhD, is a leading expert in suicide research, focusing on the complex socio-economic factors that contribute to suicidal behavior. Her work emphasizes that connection is prevention.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or reach out to local mobile crisis teams. You are not a burden, and there is hope for recovery.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: Breaking the Silence on Suicide
01:31 – Normalizing Thoughts of Suicide
03:05 – The Suicide Thermometer: Understanding the Spectrum
05:58 – The Reality of High-Functioning Suicidality
06:36 – Critical Messages for Those Currently Struggling
13:47 – Why It Happens: The Complex Risk Factors
15:55 – What to Say to Someone Who is Suicidal
22:22 – The Myth: Does Asking About Suicide Plant the Idea?
24:03 – Crisis Response: When to Call 988 vs. 911
47:24 – How to Tell a Partner or Parent You’re Struggling
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
How do I talk to someone who is suicidal?
Does asking someone about suicide put the idea in their head?
What is the difference between passive and active suicidal thoughts?
Can you be high-functioning and suicidal at the same time?
What happens when you call or text 988?
What should I do if someone gets angry when I ask if they are suicidal?
Why do I want to die if I don't feel sad?
What are the subtle warning signs of suicide?
How do I tell my parents I’m struggling if they don’t believe in therapy?
Is suicidal ideation a normal part of the human experience?
What is the "Suicide Thermometer" concept?
When should I call 911 for a mental health crisis?
How can I support a suicide loss survivor?
What are "Warm Lines" and how do they differ from crisis lines?
How do I help someone who feels like a burden?
#suicideprevention #mentalhealth #988lifeline
Living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) often feels like being "screamed at by your brain" while trying to navigate everyday life. In this deeply personal and educational episode, we go beyond the "scary" stereotypes to reveal the intense emotional pain and interpersonal turmoil that defines this condition.
Joining us is Sage Nestler, an LGBTQ+ mental health specialist and a leading educator on BPD. Sage is a member of the advocacy committee for the National Education Alliance on BPD (NEA-BPD) and provides a rare perspective as a clinician who also lives with the disorder. He explains that for those with the quiet version of BPD, the struggle is often internalized, making their experience invisible to the outside world. They share how the "Favorite Person" (FP) phenomenon and black-and-white thinking can create a constant cycle of idolization and fear of abandonment in relationships.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Sage clarifies the common confusion between BPD, Bipolar Disorder, and PTSD, explaining why he believes focusing on symptoms rather than labels is critical for proper care. They also address the most searched questions on the internet: Is there a specific medication for BPD? (The answer might surprise you) and can the disorder truly be "cured"?. Whether you are a "support person" for a loved one or someone seeking clarity for your own experience, they offer the validation and insight needed to move forward with compassion.
For more resources, check out the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Family Connections Program through the NEA-BPD.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Defining Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
01:21 – Common Stereotypes vs. Reality
02:55 – What Living With BPD Feels Like Internally
05:31 – Advice for Loved Ones and Support Systems
08:56 – How to Know if You Have BPD
10:02 – Resources: NEA-BPD and NAMI
15:08 – The "Favorite Person" (FP) Concept Explained
22:52 – Breaking Down the 9 Diagnostic Criteria
46:02 – Best Medication and Treatments for BPD
48:53 – Can Borderline Personality Disorder Be Cured?
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
#BPD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #MentalHealth Awareness
Stop the stigma. Sage Nestler, MSW, an LGBTQ+ mental health specialist and leading educator on BPD, joins the podcast to pull back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions. Often villainized or confused with narcissism, Borderline Personality Disorder is actually defined by intense emotional pain and a desperate search for relief. Sage shares his personal journey of being diagnosed after a mental breakdown and how he transitioned from fearing he was "evil" to becoming a specialized advocate for the BPD community.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
In this deep-dive episode, Sage explains the fundamental characteristics of BPD, including mood dysregulation, an unstable sense of self, and the pervasive fear of abandonment that often sabotages relationships. We explore the specific nuances of "Quiet BPD," where emotional turmoil is turned inward through self-harm or eating disorders rather than external outbursts.
Sage also breaks down the power of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in managing daily spiraling thoughts. Whether you are living with a diagnosis or supporting a loved one, this conversation offers essential tools for de-escalation, communication, and radical self-compassion. Learn more about Sage Nestler’s work and advocacy by visiting the National Education Alliance on BPD.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Sage Nestler, MSW
01:38 – What is Borderline Personality Disorder?
02:36 – Understanding BPD Mood Dysregulation
03:29 – How BPD Impacts Sense of Self
04:30 – The Reality of BPD in Relationships
07:59 – BPD vs. Narcissism: Ending the Stigma
19:25 – Is it Dangerous to Self-Diagnose BPD?
20:45 – Quiet BPD vs. Traditional Symptoms
27:11 – Supporting Someone with BPD in Crisis
36:06 – What Causes BPD: Genetics vs. Trauma
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
#BPD #MentalHealth #QuietBPD
"The second I feel that I am cured and it no longer exists, is the moment that it invites itself back in." In the conclusion of our powerful conversation, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) Aja Chavez joins host Terry Maguire to move beyond symptoms and into the real work of recovery. We tackle the "uncomfortable conversations" that save lives, including how to decode the "FINE" acronym and why you must directly ask about suicidal thoughts.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Aja Chavez brings both professional expertise and the lived experience of surviving a 2008 suicide attempt to discuss depression as a chronic condition that requires long-term management, much like diabetes. This episode provides a practical roadmap for those feeling like a burden, explaining how medication provides a "floor beneath your feet" and how to build a personal "wellness wheel" that incorporates therapy, spirituality, and even the smallest moments of joy. Whether you are struggling to get out of bed or trying to reach a partner who is pushing you away, Aja’s blunt clinical insights and compassionate perspective offer a way forward.
About Our Guest: Aja Chavez, LMFT, LPCC, is a clinical expert specializing in adolescent mental health and crisis intervention. She is a dedicated advocate for lowering barriers to care and helping individuals rediscover their worth through evidence-based therapy and holistic wellness.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – [Intro: Why Depression is Never Fully "Cured"]
01:04 – [Review: Laziness vs. Clinical Depression]
05:54 – [The Lies Depression Tells: "You Are a Burden"]
09:28 – [Why Therapists Don't Give You a "Lies vs. Truth" List]
12:36 – [How 988 and Crisis Hotlines Actually Help]
14:26 – [Managing Depression Like Diabetes]
17:22 – [Decoding "FINE": F***ed Up, Insecure, Neurotic, Emotional]
19:25 – [How to Support Someone Who Pushes You Away]
22:42 – [Finding Free and Low-Cost Mental Health Resources]
27:02 – [Why You Should Never Say "At Least..."]
32:01 – [The Power of "Wellness Wheels" and Small Joys]
35:50 – [Medication: "Do You Want to Be Pretty or Dead?"]
42:26 – [The Role of Prayer and Spirituality in Recovery]
47:31 – [The Safest Move: Asking Directly About Suicide]
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
#depressionrecovery #mentalhealthsupport #988lifeline
Ever stared at your to-do list and wondered, "Am I depressed or am I just lazy?". You're definitely not the only one searching for that answer. In this episode of RECOVERable, host Terry McGuire is joined by Aja Chavez to peel back the layers of a condition that often hides in plain sight. Aja Chavez is an EMDR-trained Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) & Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) who offers a perspective that is as rare as it is vital: she is both a clinical expert and a suicide attempt survivor.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Depression isn't always sitting in a dark room with the blankets pulled over your head. For some, it feels like a "warm, heavy weighted blanket" or a "stage four clinger" that robs you of your ability to connect with joy. Aja shares her personal journey from a high-achieving 20-something who "had it all" to the moment she realized her internal dialogue was a lie designed to keep her in a shame spiral.
We dive into the "train whistle" warning signs you need to watch for and how "contrary action" can save your life when the darkness starts to feel like a "nice friend". This isn't just a clinical lecture; it’s a conversational toolkit for anyone navigating the muddy waters of mental illness. If you've ever felt "other" or like you missed the life rulebook, this episode is for you.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to RECOVERable and guest Aja Chavez
01:35 – What does depression actually feel like?
03:54 – The #1 search: Am I depressed or am I lazy?
06:47 – Why depression is a medical condition, not a choice
10:53 – High-functioning depression: Hiding in plain sight
13:02 – Aja’s story: When depression feels like a "nice friend"
23:08 – Dropping the mask and asking for help
30:48 – The "Train Whistle": Identifying early warning signs
37:01 – Wellness plans and the power of "contrary action"
42:21 – Why do I feel depressed for "no reason"?
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
#mentalhealth #depressionrecovery #highfunctioningdepression
Stop being the thermometer that reads the room and start being the thermostat that sets the temperature. In this deep dive, emotional regulation expert Alyssa Blask Campbell (New York Times Bestselling Author and CEO of Seed & Coach) reveals why our reactions are often "learned habits" and how we can regain self-control in high-stress moments. Whether you are navigating a toddler's meltdown, a workplace panic attack, or a heated argument with a partner, understanding your nervous system is the key to changing the outcome.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Learn more about Alyssa’s work at Seed & Sew: https://www.seedandsew.org/
Alyssa explains the science of the Vagus Nerve—the "muscle" of your parasympathetic nervous system—and why TikTok is obsessed with it. You’ll learn why "hiding" your feelings actually fuels anxiety and how "cold exposure" or "humming" can physically reset your body's fight-or-flight response in seconds. We also explore the revolutionary idea that behavior is never the problem; it is merely a symptom of an unmet need.
By the end of this episode, you will have a toolkit of grounding techniques that actually work and the insight to stop "shutting down" when things get hard. Alyssa Blask Campbell, M.Ed., is the author of Tiny Humans, Big Emotions and Bigger Kids, Bigger Feelings.
Stop reacting and start responding. Emotional development expert Alyssa Blask Campbell, M.Ed., explains how to understand and fix your unique nervous system today. Feeling overwhelmed, snappy, or like you're constantly "treading water" just to stay afloat? You’re likely living in a state of nervous system dysregulation. In this episode, New York Times bestselling author Alyssa Blask Campbell, M.Ed., breaks down the science of emotion regulation and why most of us never learned these essential adulting skills in our youth.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Learn more about Alyssa’s work at Seed & Sew: https://www.seedandsew.org/
We dive deep into the crucial difference between "coping mechanisms" that provide temporary dopamine hits—like substance use or impulsive shopping—and "coping strategies" that produce lasting serotonin and oxytocin to truly calm the body. Alyssa introduces the Collaborative Emotion Processing (CEP) method, explaining how our unique sensory systems—including proprioceptive and vestibular senses—dictate how we experience stress and how we must recharge.
Whether you are navigating "sensory mismatches" in your marriage, trying to handle a child’s grocery store meltdown, or recovering from trauma, this conversation provides a roadmap to self-awareness and self-control. Discover insights from her New York Times bestseller, Tiny Humans, Big Emotions , and learn why "microdosing" self-regulation throughout the day is the key to lasting peace.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: The "Only Way Out is Through"
10:33 – What is emotion regulation?
28:09 – How do I know if I'm dysregulated?
40:19 – Does nervous system reset actually work?
41:41 – What is the fastest way to calm myself down?
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
#nervoussystem #emotionregulation #parenting
Relapse isn’t failure — it’s feedback. This conversation explores why relapse is a normal part of addiction recovery and how to use it as data to build a powerful relapse‑prevention plan.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Dr. Jasleen Chhatwal, a board‑certified psychiatrist and addiction medicine physician, explains that addiction relapse prevention strategies hinge on self‑awareness and preparation. You’ll learn why relapse in addiction recovery often reveals hidden triggers, how to identify stressors and cravings early, and why shame‑free support from loved ones matters. We unpack the difference between sobriety and holistic recovery, showing that addressing trauma and mental health is vital to staying well. The video also highlights the signs of addiction and what it means to be a functional addict so you can recognize subtle warning signs before they spiral.
Beyond personal insight, you’ll get compassionate tips on how to talk to someone with addiction without confrontation and how to build a relapse‑prevention plan that works. We cover the stages of addiction recovery, treatment options like medications and 12‑step programs, harm‑reduction approaches, and how to integrate community support. You’ll hear why willpower alone isn’t enough and why hope and intentionality are key. We also tackle co‑occurring mental health issues, signs of trauma and addiction, and what to do when you’re worried about your drinking. Whether you’re struggling yourself or supporting a loved one, this video offers practical tools to avoid relapse, cultivate self‑compassion, and seek help without stigma.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction & why relapse is part of recovery
02:30 – Learning from relapse & building prevention strategies
05:45 – Hope, harm reduction & staying sober long‑term
08:20 – Recovery vs sobriety & trauma triggers
11:55 – What is a functional addict? Subtle signs you might miss
15:50 – Treatment options: medication, 12‑step & personalized care
18:45 – Compassionate conversations: how to talk to someone with addiction
24:30 – Signs of addiction & when to seek help
30:00 – Co‑occurring mental health & holistic recovery
34:50 – Final takeaway: love, support & hope in healing
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
#addictionrecovery #relapseprevention #mentalhealth
Addiction isn’t a moral failing — it’s a chronic brain disorder that hijacks your reward circuitry and turns coping into compulsion. In this episode, Dr. Jasleen Chhatwal unpacks what addiction really is and why so many people use substances or behaviors to self‑medicate pain, trauma or anxiety. She explains that 40–60% of risk is genetic, but genes don’t doom you — understanding your family history allows you to make healthier choices.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
We discuss how addictive disorders cross all demographics, from CEOs to stay‑at‑home parents, and why trauma and stress can rewire the prefrontal cortex so that cravings and compulsions take over. Dr. Chhatwal debunks the “rock bottom” myth by showing that recovery is a process of weighing pros and cons and learning from setbacks. She breaks down the four C’s of addiction — compulsion, cravings, continuing despite consequences and loss of control — and shares simple ways to spot early warning signs, like secrecy or drastic behavior changes. You’ll learn how to ask caring, observational questions instead of accusing someone and why emotional literacy can prevent future substance use.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: Addiction Defined & Brain Hijack
01:20 – Self‑Medication, Trauma & Feeling “Normal”
04:30 – How Families Can Support Without Enabling
12:54 – Genetics vs Moral Failure: Myths Busted
15:58 – Stereotypes vs Reality: Addiction Affects Everyone
19:11 – Root Causes: Trauma, Mental Health & Brain Development
20:38 – Do You Need Rock Bottom? Motivation & Recovery
23:50 – The Four C’s: Compulsion, Cravings, Consequences, Control
26:29 – Warning Signs & How to Talk About Addiction
29:35 – Is My Kid Using Drugs? Teen Behavior & Emotional Literacy
33:52 – Why Do People with Addictions Lie? Confabulation Explained
37:15 – Why Can’t Addicts Just Quit? Brain Hijack & Treatment
40:30 – Process & Behavioral Addictions: Work, Gaming, Porn
43:24 – When Does a Habit Become an Addiction? Functional Impairment
45:31 – Compassionate Boundaries & Community Support
49:41 – Moderation vs Sobriety & Harm Reduction
51:48 – Harm Reduction & Hope: Meeting People Where They Are
52:07 – Closing & Next Episode Teaser
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
#addiction #mentalhealth #recovery
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RECOVERable features conversations with top experts in mental health, addiction recovery, and emotional wellbeing. Each episode answers the internet’s most-asked questions about topics like…
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