The Importance of Teen Mental Health and Suicide Prevention: What Every Parent Needs to Know
She sat across from me in my office withdrawn, eyes downcast, her words barely audible. She was afraid to “take up space” in the room. She didn’t believe she had any value, didn’t see that she mattered or that she was worth anything. She thought it would be better off for everyone if she was no longer here on this earth.
My heart internally broke. I wanted in that moment to say “oh precious girl, that is that is so far from the truth. You absolutely matter! You have a purpose that no one else can fulfill. You are lovable!” And, in time, in the appropriate therapeutic way, I did communicate that to her. However, in that initial moment, the belief she held about herself was so strong that my words would not have been received. Thankfully, she had the courage to keep showing up and we were able to undo the false messages she had received about herself and replace it with truth. To see her come to life, embrace her strengths, and see her value was incredible.
Yet, sometimes, teens aren’t able to get there before it’s too late. Teen mental health and suicide is a pandemic in and of itself. It is heart breaking and tragic.
My heart has been heavy this week as three teens in Seminole County died as a result of suicide. Three beautiful lives, with great value, potential, a life to live, are no longer walking on this earth. This has to change.
It’s not easy being a teenager today. Between high academic pressure, social media influence, changing friendships, family dynamics, and the growing challenges of an uncertain world, many teens are carrying more emotional weight than they know how to handle. As parents and caregivers, it can feel overwhelming to know how to help — especially when your teen seems distant, irritable, or “fine” one minute and shut down the next.
Yet the truth is, our presence and willingness to listen can be the very thing that makes the difference between hope and despair. Teen mental health is not a luxury topic — it’s a matter of life and death. Suicide is now one of the leading causes of death among teenagers. Behind those statistics are real young people — children who often felt unseen, unheard, or too ashamed to reach out for help.
But there’s hope. The more we talk about mental health openly, the more we can break the silence that isolates struggling teens. You don’t have to have all the answers — you just have to start the conversation.
Why Teen Mental Health Matters
Adolescence is a time of massive change — physically, emotionally, relationally and neurologically. The brain is still developing, especially the areas that regulate emotions, decision-making, and impulse control. That means teens often feel things intensely but may not yet have the coping tools to manage those feelings.
When stress, anxiety, or depression take hold, these emotions can quickly feel unbearable. If left unaddressed, that emotional pain can lead to thoughts of suicide or self-harm. However, when teens have adults who take their feelings seriously and provide a safe place to talk, they begin to feel seen, understood, soothed, and their risk of suicide decreases dramatically. Connection truly saves lives.
Warning Signs Parents Shouldn’t Ignore
Not every teen who struggles will talk about suicide directly. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to changes in mood and behavior. Some signs of emotional distress may include:
Withdrawing from friends or family
Changes in sleep or appetite
Declining grades or loss of interest in school
Increased irritability or anger
Talking about feeling hopeless or like a burden
Giving away possessions or saying goodbyes
Risk-taking behaviors or sudden mood swings
If you notice several of these signs, don’t dismiss them as “just being a teenager.” They might be a cry for help.
Some teens are great at masking any symptoms. They tend to avoid and may seem put together, talented, the life of the party, have good grades, etc. Yet that does not mean they are internally okay. It is important to tune in and ask direct questions.
Questions to Gently Ask Your Teen
When emotions are high, it’s easy to slip into lecture mode or problem-solving. You love your teen and want to help and “fix” things so they don’t have to feel the pain of their circumstance. But what teens need most is to feel understood. Try asking open-ended questions and then listen — really listen — without judgment or interruption. It is okay if their experience is different than yours. They may not handle it the same way you would have. It is important to allow them to have space to process.
Here are a few conversation starters that can help you connect:
“How have you been feeling lately — really?”
“What’s been hardest for you these days?”
“When do you feel most stressed or alone?”
“What helps you feel calm or supported when things get tough?”
“How is the dynamic in your friendships?”
“Is there anything you wish I understood better about what you’re going through?”
It’s okay if your teen doesn’t open up right away. The goal is to create consistent safety — to show them that you can handle whatever they share, without reacting, and that they don’t have to face it alone.
Practical Tips for Parents
Create emotional space. Make time every day, even if just a few minutes, to check in without distractions. Teens open up more when they don’t feel rushed or pressured.
Model emotional honesty. Share your own feelings appropriately — for example, “I’ve been stressed lately, too. Would it help to know how I navigate it?.” This normalizes emotion rather than hiding it.
Limit social media. This may be difficult at first if your teen has had open access, yet it is critical for teens mental health. Talk about the difference between real life and online life. Encourage breaks from screens and help your teen find grounding activities — time in nature, exercise, art, a hobby, with friends, or spending time with pets.
Encourage professional help. If your teen shows ongoing sadness, anxiety, or withdrawal, connect them with a licensed therapist who specializes in adolescents. Therapy can help teens learn coping skills and feel supported outside the family.
Build a support network. Let your teen know they can talk to trusted adults — a teacher, coach, pastor, or counselor. It takes a community to nurture resilience.
If You’re Worried About Your Teen’s Safety
If you ever suspect your teen might be suicidal, take it seriously. Stay with them, remove any potential means of harm, and reach out for immediate help.
Call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — available 24/7)
If there’s immediate danger, go to your nearest emergency department or call 911
Remember: asking for help is not a failure — it’s love in action.
A Final Word of Hope
Parenting through a teen mental health crisis can feel frightening and uncertain. But you are not alone, and neither is your teen. With openness, compassion, and early support, healing is possible. Your consistent love, even in the quiet moments when words fall short, can be the anchor your child needs to keep going.
Because sometimes, the greatest gift we can give is our presence — showing our teens that their life, their story, and their future truly matter.
If you or your teen need additional support, please reach out today. You don’t have to walk this road alone!
About the Author:
Brenda Stewart is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified EMDR therapist and Coach. She specializes in working with adolescent and young adult women who are experiencing struggles with anxiety, relationships, trauma, and eating disorders. She offers both individual and group counseling. Healing is truly possible!
