A Parent’s Guide to Teen Depression and Suicide

The statistics on teen suicide are staggering. According to the Centers for Disease Control, each year, an average of 8% of American teens will attempt suicide. This makes suicide the second leading cause of death for kids aged 10 to 24. In fact, it is believed that more teenagers die from suicide than from cancer, pneumonia, birth defects, AIDS, influenza and heart disease combined. Denver Mental Health Collective offers a parent’s guide to teen depression and suicide.

Studies have found that teens who have presented with a mood disorder or who abuse drugs are at the greatest risk of attempting suicide. While research suggests girls attempt suicide more often, boys more often die from it.

Unfortunately, there is still much stigma and misunderstanding surrounding depression and suicide, that often teenagers keep their emotional pain to themselves.

What can parents of teenagers do to keep their children safe and healthy?

Speak with Your Kid

Many parents believe that trying to speak with their kids about their moods and feelings will only push them farther away. This is a dangerous misconception. In reality, teenagers need to know they are safe, loved and cared for, and will generally be happy to confide in you if they feel that you are a safe and understanding person to speak to.

Chances are, you’ll know when something is wrong with your child’s emotions. You may want to begin your conversation by asking general questions about what’s going on in their life. When the time feels right, you can ask if they have ever had thoughts of self-harm. If their answer alarms you, ask specifically if they are planning on or intending to harm themselves.

Validate Their Feelings

Once you’ve begun this sensitive dialogue with your teen, it’s important to actively listen and validate their feelings. Your kid must really believe you are a) hearing what they’re telling you, and b) recognizing the importance of it. Try and listen without judgement, and respond calmly and compassionately. This will help your child relax and open up, thereby giving you an opportunity to learn more about their inner-emotional life so that you can direct them to the help that they may need.

Clarify the Situation

If your teen confides they are having thoughts of suicide, it’s incredibly important that you remain calm and ask questions that will help clarify the situation. Do not get visibly angry or upset, as this will likely cause your child to shutdown and end the conversation. You will want to determine if they are mentioning suicide because they:

  • Want to tell you just how bad they are feeling.
  • Alert you to something they need but are not getting.
  • Need to vocalize their desire to stop feeling so many emotions.
  • Have actually planned how and when they will take their life.

Seek Professional Guidance

This is a beginner parent’s guide to teen depression and suicide. Any talk of suicide is a serious matter and requires professional guidance by a trained therapist. It’s vital not to force your teen into any treatment plan, but instead, allow them to help direct the course of their plan. Some of their depression might stem from an overall lack of control they feel they have in their own life, so it’s important you let them have a voice in the direction of treatment. You may also find that you will want to speak with someone through this difficult time.

If you or a loved one is seeking treatment options for a troubled teen, please contact us using the form below. We would be more than happy to discuss how we may be able to help your family. Not ready? Read more about our team. 

Note: We do not accept any of the following: Kaiser Permanente, Bright Health, Medicare, or TriCare.
Note: Our providers do not prescribe or manage medication. For help with medication, please visit our friends at https://www.axismh.com/


2121 South Oneida St.
Denver, CO 80224

Hello@DenverMHC.com
(720) 863-6100

Got Questions?
Send a Message!

Note: We do not accept any of the following: Bright Health, Medicare, or TriCare.
Note: Our providers do not prescribe or manage medication. For help with medication, please visit our friends at https://www.axismh.com/