Empowering Families: Facing Teen Suicide Together

Last week, I did something that pushed me out of my comfort zone: I gave a talk about suicide prevention and how to talk to our teenage children about suicide. Normally, I rely on humor when I speak, using jokes and lightheartedness to keep things engaging. But this wasn’t a topic that allowed for humor- at least, not in the way I usually use it.

I won’t lie; I was nervous. Talking about such a heavy subject, especially to a room full of parents who just want to keep their kids safe, felt daunting. But if we don’t talk about it, we risk leaving our kids alone in their struggles, and that’s not something I’m willing to do.

One of the biggest takeaways from my talk was this: The conversation about suicide isn’t something we should shy away from. Avoiding it doesn’t make the problem go away, and it certainly doesn’t make our kids immune to it. In fact, openly discussing mental health and suicide can actually reduce the risk by showing our children that they’re not alone and that they have a safe space to express their feelings.

I shared some key points that I want to repeat here:

1. Talk to your kids—early and often. Don’t wait for a crisis. Let them know they can come to you with anything, no matter how dark or scary it feels.

2. Listen without judgment. Sometimes, our first instinct is to fix things or dismiss worries as “just a phase.” But our kids need to feel heard and validated.

3. Use direct language. It is important to ask directly “Are you thinking about suicide?” It doesn’t plant the idea in their heads- it shows that you’re not afraid to talk about it.

4. Know the warning signs. Changes in behavior, withdrawing from friends, giving away possessions, or even sudden bursts of happiness after a long period of sadness can all be signals.

5. Get help when needed. There’s no shame in therapy, crisis hotlines, or reaching out to professionals. We’re not meant to handle everything alone.

   
   
   
   

Most importantly, I reminded parents that they don’t have to be perfect. We just have to be present. Creating a home where our kids feel safe enough to talk to us is one of the best things we can do.

After the talk, several parents approached me, thanking me for opening up the conversation. Some even shared their own struggles, either personally or within their families. It reminded me why stepping out of my comfort zone was worth it. If even one parent left feeling more prepared to support their child, then every moment out of my comfort zone was worth it.

If you’re a parent, guardian, or just someone who loves a teenager, I encourage you to start the conversation. It might be uncomfortable at first, but it could be the most important discussion you ever have.

Let’s keep talking. Let’s keep listening. And most of all, let’s remind our kids that they are never alone. Reach out to learn more about my suicide prevention education, and keep an eye on this space to learn more about supporting others.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for support. Your life matters.