Suicide Prevention in Schools: How a Teacher Noticing Saved a Life

One caring adult can make the difference between life and death.

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Chloe shares how her teacher noticed warning signs of her depression and suicidal thoughts — and stepped in to have a direct, lifesaving conversation.

Her story is a powerful reminder that teachers, coaches, and mentors play a critical role in suicide prevention. By noticing changes in behavior, asking hard questions, and showing compassion, educators can literally save lives.

This is not just Chloe’s story — it’s a call to action for all of us to notice, care, and step in.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Chloe’s early struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts
• How masking and “joking” hid her true pain
• The panic attack that exposed her struggles
• The pivotal role of her PE teacher in noticing signs and stepping in
• Why asking directly about suicide saves lives
• The harm of stigma and unhelpful hospital responses
• Recovery, hope, and finding color again after depression
• How Chloe now coaches student athletes with mental health in mind
• The “healing circle” of giving back what was once given to her
• Practical suicide prevention steps anyone can take

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction  
02:01 – “The Boy and the Starfish” story and why one action matters  
02:22 – Meet Chloe: six years suicide attempt free  
03:20 – Depression starting at age 11 and masking pain  
04:21 – Panic attack at age 16 exposes struggles  
05:20 – A teacher steps in and notices  
06:27 – Believing pain would never end  
07:01 – Suicide attempt and unhelpful hospital response  
08:33 – Hope returns: seeing the world in color again  
09:29 – Second crisis moment: teacher’s direct intervention  
10:33 – How one conversation saved her life  
11:18 – Asking directly about suicide: why it matters  
13:02 – Recognizing others’ silent struggles  
14:00 – Walking 220 miles for mental health awareness  
14:32 – Moving to the U.S. on a soccer scholarship  
15:45 – Becoming a coach: giving back to student athletes  
17:24 – Closing reflections: the circle of hope and healing  
20:49 – The responsibility of teachers, coaches, and mentors  
22:08 – How peers also play a role in noticing warning signs  
24:03 – Closing gratitude to educators, mentors, and youth supporters  

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