Suicidality with Anna Lieber, MS, LCMHC, NCC, CCMHC

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about suicide, suicidal ideation, and mental health. Please prioritize your well-being while listening. If you need immediate support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Suicide is one of the most difficult topics to discuss, yet it impacts nearly all of us, either personally or through someone we know. In this thoughtful and compassionate conversation, hosts Sara Hillring and Riley Speth welcome Anna Lieber, behavioral health leader, counselor educator, clinician, and suicide prevention expert, to explore the realities of suicide, suicidality, and mental health. Together, they discuss common misconceptions, warning signs, risk factors, and the importance of direct, open conversations. Anna shares both her professional expertise and personal lived experience, offering valuable insight into how connection, empathy, and community support can make a meaningful difference. Whether you're seeking to better understand suicide, support someone you care about, or reduce stigma through education, this episode provides practical guidance, hope, and a reminder that no one has to navigate these experiences alone. Guest Name: Anna Lieber, MS, LCMHC, NCC, CCMHC ● Bio: Anna Lieber is a clinician with more than 25 years of experience in mental health care and over 15 years of experience in suicidology. She serves as Clinical Director of Westminster University's Counseling and Counselor Education Program and Community Clinic and Training Center. Anna is a certified psychological autopsy investigator and AMSR-certified trainer who provides consultation and training to mental health and healthcare professionals throughout Utah and the United States. Episode Outline · Understanding suicide as a spectrum rather than a single event · Common risk factors and protective factors · Myths and misconceptions about suicide · Signs that someone may be struggling · How to ask someone directly about suicidal thoughts · The role of connection, empathy, and peer support · Suicide prevention and intervention resources · Pediatric, adult, and older adult suicide considerations · The importance of language when discussing suicide · Supporting yourself while supporting others · Hope, recovery, and resilience Additional Resources & References Immediate Support 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline · Call or text 988 · Available 24/7 throughout the United States · https://988lifeline.org Additional Resources · National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org · American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): https://afsp.org · The Trevor Project (LGBTQIA+ crisis support): https://www.thetrevorproject.org · Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then Press 1 · Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 Talking About Suicide: Breaking Stigma, Building Connection, and Saving Lives with Anna Lieber | Notion Host & Show Info ● Hosts Names: Sara Hillring, MS, RDN, CD, SFP-MRC and Riley Speth, CMHC ● About the Hosts: ○ Sara Hillring (she/her) is a Sport and Clinical Registered Dietitian, as well as certified running coach. She specializes in Women's Health, GI Health, Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating, and Sports Nutritional Care. Outside of providing patient-centered and collaborative care, Sara loves to- coach, run, hike, strength train, practice yoga, play tennis, kayak, travel, cook, and adventure through life and share new experiences with friends + family. ○ Riley Speth (she/her) is a Clinical Mental Health Therapist. She practices through a multicultural lens and supports clients across diverse identities and life experiences. Her clinical focus includes working with trauma (PTSD), substance use, depression, anxiety, body image and eating concerns, grief, life and faith transitions, and attachment issues. In her personal time, she enjoys cooking, being near large bodies of water, biking, running, and spending time with friends/family. Key Takeaways Asking someone if they are thinking about suicide does not put the idea in their head. Suicide is rarely caused by one factor and is often the result of multiple overlapping experiences and stressors. Many people experiencing suicidal thoughts are not visibly struggling. Human connection and compassionate conversation are powerful protective factors. You do not need to be a mental health professional to help someone access support. Recovery is possible, and experiencing suicidal thoughts is not a personal failure. Contact the show: bewellpodcast@aruplab.com Thank you to our guest Anne Lieber, as well as our audio engineer for this episode, Isaac Acosta Alvarez. Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway. This episode is for educational purposes only and does not substitute medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals regarding diagnosis, treatment, or changes to your care plan.