This article summarizes a deeply moving conversation from the Giving Voice to Depression podcast, hosted by Terry McGuire. In Episode 364, we meet Chloe, a courageous young woman whose life was dramatically altered—and ultimately saved—by a teacher who noticed she was struggling and dared to speak up. Through Chloe’s lived experience, we explore the importance of emotional support, early intervention, and the quiet power of paying attention.
1. Depression Can Start Early—and Be Invisible
Chloe first began experiencing symptoms of depression at age 11. She describes her younger self as outgoing and high-achieving, yet internally consumed by sadness and suicidal thoughts. Like many young people, Chloe assumed her pain was just part of growing up.
As Chloe explained:
I thought that everyone my age was feeling the same way that I was… I never really spoke about it because I guess it was such a taboo subject for me growing up.
She masked her distress with humor and popularity, performing well in athletics and maintaining a full social life. But beneath the surface, she was silently suffering. Her experience reminds us that depression doesn’t always look like sadness from the outside.
2. Emotional Bottling Can Lead to Explosive Crisis
For years, Chloe internalized her pain. She was never taught how to express or manage difficult emotions. This emotional bottling came to a head at age 16 after a disappointing soccer performance.
As Chloe recalled:
I remember running to the locker room and punching a wall and just not being able to breathe… I think that was the first time I’d ever had a panic attack before.
Unfortunately, it also marked the beginning of a steep downward spiral. As the pressure to succeed mounted, her mental health deteriorated.
3. The First Attempt: What Chloe Needed Was Understanding
Four months after her panic attack, Chloe attempted to take her own life. Her memories of that day include the grayscale world she saw and the overwhelming emotional pain she wanted to escape—not because she didn’t love others, but because she felt hopeless.
As Chloe described:
I remember looking in the mirror… and I just said, what’s the point in living when I’m not even enjoying being alive?
Sadly, the reactions she received initially were more judgmental than supportive.
Chloe shared:
I remembered [the nurse] shook her head at me and she said like why would you do that to yourself and why would you do it to your family.
She also recounted her mother’s initial response with heartbreak.
Chloe added:
Again she was like how could you do this to me… And all I really needed to hear was that it was going to be okay.
4. Suicide Is Not a Desire to Die—It’s a Desire for the Pain to End
One of the most powerful takeaways from Chloe’s story is that suicidal ideation often stems from a desperate need to escape relentless emotional pain, not a true wish to die.
As Chloe candidly put it:
I think that was the only thought that was going through my head. I just want the pain to end.
Depression convinces people that the pain is permanent and relief is impossible. Chloe’s story challenges that illusion and offers hope to anyone who feels trapped.
5. Asking Directly Can Save a Life
After Chloe’s hospitalization, her pain continued. Around Christmas that same year, she made a second plan to end her life. But this time, someone stepped in.
Chloe recalled the moment her PE teacher intervened:
He pulled me into a classroom and said to me I know exactly what you’ve got planned and I’m not going to let you do it. You’ve got so much to live for. You’ve so much to give to this world.
This moment proved pivotal. The teacher not only noticed the warning signs but used direct and honest language.
As Chloe emphasized:
No one ever asked me before if I had thoughts of suicide… I think the reason that people didn’t ask me that question was because they were scared of the answer themselves.
6. Noticing Changes Can Be a Lifeline
Chloe’s teacher was able to intervene because he noticed behavioral changes:
- She was dressing differently
- She was withdrawing from her regular friend group
- She had lost interest in sports
These may seem like small shifts, but they can be significant red flags.
As Terry eloquently put it:
Most likely is that they’re going to tell you they’re fine. Worst case scenario is probably, “Mind your own business.”
But initiating the conversation matters. It shows someone that they are being seen, that they matter, and that someone cares.
7. Thoughtful Conversations Matter More Than Perfect Words
Many people worry they’ll say the wrong thing. But what Chloe needed most wasn’t a perfect script—it was care and presence.
As Chloe reflected:
He made me realize that people do care and people do want me in this world… my thoughts aren’t necessarily facts.
Even small gestures of concern can counteract depression’s message that you’re alone and unloved.
8. Finding Purpose Helps Anchor Recovery
After surviving her suicide attempts, Chloe began to find new meaning. She embarked on a 220-mile walk across England to raise money for mental health awareness.
Chloe shared what changed:
I didn’t really feel like I had purpose before… Then all of a sudden I had a purpose and I had reason to get up every morning.
Having a purpose—however small—is one of the strongest protective factors against depression and suicide.
9. Life After Crisis Can Be Brighter Than You Imagined
Chloe eventually moved to the U.S. to fulfill her childhood dream of playing soccer on scholarship. While she wasn’t fully healed when she arrived, the journey of self-reflection and growth helped her transform.
As Chloe explained:
I see the world in color again now… I love being alive and I appreciate every single small thing.
Her story proves that even the darkest realities can change. The pain isn’t forever. With the right support, healing is possible.
10. Healing Becomes Powerful When It Comes Full Circle
Today, Chloe is a coach—guiding and supporting young athletes, just as her teacher once supported her.
Chloe described her new role:
My main role on the coaching staff right now is to be someone who’s there for the players mentally and emotionally… I feel like the players know that if they need something or they need to talk to someone… I’m the person to come and speak to.
In this role, she’s closing the healing loop and offering others the same lifeline that once saved her.
Chloe added:
I want to make sure that those players… know that suicide is never the way out and that they always have someone to talk to.
11. Everyone Can Make a Difference—Including You
As the episode concludes, Terry and Carly reflect on how many types of school staff—not just teachers—can play a vital role.
As Carly pointed out:
Young people interact with a ton of adults in any given day. And it’s really just important that one or more of those adults is sort of checking on them out of the corner of their eye.
It’s not just adults, either. Chloe had this realization as a teenager:
Chloe recalled:
There are so many people in this room who are going through something right now that is unimaginable and I have no idea about it… I need to do something to turn this around, not only for myself, but for the people around me.
As Carly explained about today’s youth:
We are each other’s emotional support right now… We are getting each other through the day.
Everyone—regardless of role or training—can be a caring adult or peer who notices, steps in, and helps save a life.
Final Thoughts: The Healing Power of Being Seen
Chloe’s story is a testament to how even one caring conversation can be life-changing. A high school teacher who dared to ask a direct question gave her not only safety, but a sense of worth, hope, and renewed purpose.
Many of us may not consider ourselves mental health professionals. We may not have the perfect words, the right training, or all the answers. But we don’t need to. What we do need is to care enough to notice, brave enough to speak up, and committed enough to listen with compassion.
As Chloe offered this encouragement:
All you have to do is get through the day and survive the day. And then you can start again tomorrow.
Whether you’re a teacher, a coach, a friend, a parent—or just someone in another person’s orbit—you have the ability to make a life-affirming difference. Chloe’s story teaches us that showing up, saying something, and staying connected is sometimes all it takes to redirect someone from despair toward healing.
Key Takeaways
To help you apply the lessons from Chloe’s story, here are some essential points to remember:
Pay attention online too: Today’s warning signs may show up on social media before they show up in person.
Depression can be invisible: High-achieving and happy-looking people may still be struggling.
Trust your gut: If you notice a change in someone, speak up. It’s always better to say something than nothing.
Ask directly about suicide: The most helpful question is also the most uncomfortable. Don’t dance around it.
Listen without judgment: If someone confides in you, meet them with empathy—not fear, shame, or blame.
Stay present: You don’t need to fix someone. Sometimes your consistent presence is enough.
Purpose helps heal: Small goals, acts of service, and meaning-making activities can shift a person’s outlook.
Recovery is not linear: People may revisit difficult emotions, but from new, more resilient vantage points.
Circle it forward: If someone once helped you, consider becoming that person for someone else.
Everyone has a role: Cafeteria staff, bus drivers, and classmates can all be lifesavers.