(123) Why Talking About Passive Suicidality Could Save Lives, But No One’s Listening

(123) Why Talking About Passive Suicidality Could Save Lives, But No One’s Listening

From Hot Mess Espresso by Heather Herington

April 22, 2026 · 52 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the often-ignored topic of passive suicidality and its impact on survivors, featuring insights from guest Olivia Meyer.

CONTENT WARNING: suicidal ideation, attempts & passive suicidality Most conversations about mental health tiptoe around the passive side of suicidality, but Olivia Meyer and I are here to blow the lid off that silence. When surviving multiple suicide attempts, you realize it's not just about wanting to die, sometimes it’s just about wanting the pain to stop, and nobody talks about that. You’ll discover how passive suicidality impacts attempt survivors long after the scars fade, and why society’s obsession with "the dramatic" leaves countless suffering in the shadows. Olivia, a survivor herself, shares her raw journey from trauma to recovery, breaking down the myths around attempts, attention, and validation. I dive into the overwhelming weight of societal stigma, the toll on first responders and youth workers, and how social media has turned vulnerability into a desensitized spectacle. We break down why mental health in the post-pandemic era still feels out of reach: especially for those whose struggles don’t make for a “good story”, plus, honest tips for starting real, judgment-free conversations about the unseen battles. If you or someone you love is managing mental health…

People in this episode

Host: Heather Herington

Guest: Olivia Meyer

Topics covered

  • passive suicidality
  • mental health
  • suicidal ideation
  • trauma recovery
  • societal stigma

Keywords

  • passive suicidality
  • mental health
  • suicide attempts
  • trauma
  • recovery
  • societal stigma
  • youth workers

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: 988

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