📢 Suicide is a topic we often shy away from, yet it touches countless families, communities, and lives every single day.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Female Voices: Life and Loss, hosts Teresa Reiniger and Wayna Berry open up an honest conversation about suicide awareness, prevention, and the deep emotional struggles that often go unseen.

From heartbreaking stories of children as young as 11 who felt unseen and unheard, to the pressures faced by college freshmen adjusting to independence, to the overwhelming expectations placed on adults in their 30s, 40s, and beyond this episode, suicide across all stages of life. Teresa and Wayna highlight the importance of paying attention to red flags: sudden withdrawal, giving away belongings, self-harm, or even subtle phrases like “I’m just tired.”

They also take on the complex role of parenting, safe spaces, and cultural dynamics in prevention. Together, they stress how open communication, consistent presence, and creating a “safe place to land” can make all the difference for children, teens, and adults struggling with mental health.

The conversation doesn’t shy away from tough realities like the dangers of turning to AI for mental health support, or the lingering guilt survivors often feel after losing a loved one to suicide. The message throughout is one of hope and healing: that support is available, that safe spaces can be built, and that every life has value and worth.

🎧  Listeners are reminded that if they or someone they love is struggling, they are not alone. Whether it’s reaching out to a therapist, a grief coach, or calling 988, help and understanding are within reach.

Topics Discussed:

✔️ The impact of suicide on children, teens, and adults

✔️ Warning signs and red flags to look for in loved ones

✔️ The role of parenting, safe spaces, and communication in prevention

✔️ The dangers of relying on AI for mental health support

✔️ Breaking the stigma around talking about suicide and seeking help

Key Takeaways:

✅ Suicide is often tied to unrelenting emotional pain and the belief that there’s no other way out.

✅ Warning signs include isolation, giving away belongings, self-harm, sudden withdrawal, or subtle phrases like “I’m just tired.”

✅ Open, consistent communication with children and young adults builds resilience and trust.

✅ Seeking professional support is vital don’t stop at the first “no-fit” therapist or coach.

✅ Release guilt and practice self-compassion; it is not your fault.

Quotes to Remember:

💭“Kids are going to go through hard stuff, and if they have a safe place to land, they’re going to be okay.” – Wayna

💭 “They are suffering, and they just don’t know any other way to get rid of that pain.” – Teresa

💭 “Don’t stop with the first therapist. Keep going you will find the right person.” – Wayna

 ✨ Mentions

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text for immediate support

👉 Connect With Us:

Have a story to share?  Interested in being a guest?  Need Support?  DM us on social media or send an email.

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