How to Talk about Mental Health and Suicide Prevention with your Teen
May 20, 2025Mental health and suicide prevention remains an important topic that families and teachers should always keep in mind. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Youth Risk Behavioral Survey (YRBS) from 2023, 40% of high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, 20% seriously considered attempting suicide, 16% made a suicide attempt, and 9% attempted suicide. When compared to the previous 10 years of data, these numbers have all increased. In addition, female and LGBTQ+ students were more likely than their peers to experience persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, poor mental health and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Knowing what to look out for and how to talk to our teens about their mental health is essential and we at Valley Children's are here to help.
Signs to look out for
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Changes in personality
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Withdrawing from friends and family
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Losing interest in things they once enjoyed
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Neglecting their personal appearance (such as neglecting their hygiene or basic grooming)
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Changes in sleep (sleeping more or sleeping less)
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Changes in mood (uncontrolled anger or sadness)
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Complaints of physical pain (headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, etc.)
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Changes in appetite (eating more or less than usual)
Red flags that prompt immediate action include
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Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
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Seeking methods for self-harm, such as searching online or obtaining a gun
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Talking about death or suicide
If a teen exhibits any of these red flag signs, it’s important to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by texting or calling 988 or call 911. It’s also important to not leave the person alone, remove any lethal means from the vicinity (medications, weapons, etc) and take them to a nearby Emergency Room or walk-in mental health crisis clinic.
How to start the conversation
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to have a discussion with your teen. Although these conversations can be difficult to start, the best way is to simply ask them. Listening without judgment and with empathy is essential to making your teen feel heard and validated. Create a safe space for them to be able to talk openly and making sure they feel secure.
Navigating these conversations can be quite challenging and knowing where to get the proper support is important as well. Your teen's pediatrician can help guide you with the next steps and where to find additional resources. School counselors can also be helpful to talk to and gain knowledge from. Most of the time, a mental health professional such as a psychologist or a psychiatrist will be an essential team member in helping your teen get the help they need.
To learn more information about how you can talk to your teen about mental health, click the links below.
