Trying to Make Sense of Teen Suicide

Teen suicide is one of the most heartbreaking and complex issues facing our communities today. It's a topic that is difficult to confront but impossible to ignore. Whether you're a parent, an educator, or a teen yourself, chances are you've either seen the signs in someone you know—or felt the weight of them yourself. Understanding, awareness, and compassion can go a long way in helping those who are struggling.

This blog aims to provide clarity, support, and practical guidance for navigating this painful issue.

The Current Landscape: What the Numbers Say

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals ages 10–24 in the United States1. In a 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, more than 1 in 5 high school students seriously considered attempting suicide, and nearly 1 in 10 attempted it.

Rates of suicidal ideation and behaviors have been rising over the past decade, with especially sharp increases during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Social isolation, academic pressure, family strain, and online bullying have only amplified the crisis.

These aren’t just statistics. They represent real young people, real families, and real communities hurting in silence.

Common Risk Factors and Warning Signs

Understanding what may lead a teen to consider suicide doesn’t mean we can always predict it. But awareness helps us ask better questions and respond more intentionally.

Risk Factors:

  • Depression or other mental health disorders

  • Substance use

  • History of trauma or abuse

  • Bullying or cyberbullying

  • Social isolation or rejection

  • Family conflict or dysfunction

  • Exposure to suicide (through media, peers, or family)

  • Identity struggles, including gender or sexual orientation without support

Warning Signs:

  • Expressing feelings of hopelessness or being a burden

  • Withdrawal from friends, family, or previously enjoyed activities

  • Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy

  • Giving away belongings or making final statements

  • Risky or self-destructive behaviors

  • Talking, writing, or posting about death or suicide

If you notice these signs in someone you care about, don’t wait to act.

What Parents Can Do

1. Keep the lines of communication open.
Ask open-ended questions, and don’t shy away from hard topics. Teens often test the waters to see if it’s safe to open up.

2. Validate feelings, don’t minimize them.
Even if their concerns seem small to you, they’re not small to them.

3. Monitor screen time and social media use.
Be aware of the content your teen is consuming. Apps can either isolate or connect, depending on how they’re used.

4. Know when to seek help.
If your child is showing warning signs, don’t wait. Reach out to a therapist, pediatrician, or emergency service. Getting professional support early can make a world of difference.

How Educators Can Help

1. Foster a culture of belonging.
Students need to know they matter beyond their academic performance. A caring adult at school can be a lifesaving anchor.

2. Be trained to recognize the signs.
Many schools now offer mental health first aid or suicide prevention training for staff. If yours doesn’t, advocate for it.

3. Respond with sensitivity.
When a student opens up, how we respond matters. Listen calmly, express concern, and refer them to school counselors or outside help.

4. Collaborate with families.
Creating strong communication between school and home can lead to earlier interventions and more holistic support.

Speaking Directly to Teens

If you’re a teen reading this, here’s what we want you to know:

  • You are not alone. Whatever you’re feeling, someone else has felt it too. And they got through it—and so can you.

  • Your pain is real, but it is not permanent. Depression lies. It tells you nothing will ever change, but healing is possible.

  • Please talk to someone. A friend, a parent, a coach, a teacher, or a counselor. You deserve to be heard and supported.

  • Asking for help is not weak. It's brave. It's strong. And it's the first step toward something better.

Building a Safety Net: Community Resources and Crisis Support

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Whether you're concerned about someone else or struggling yourself, the following resources are available 24/7:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

  • The Trevor Project: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678 for LGBTQ+ youth

  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

  • Local Counseling Support: If you're in the DFW area, our team at Harvest Counseling & Wellness offers compassionate care for teens, parents, and families facing these challenges.

Moving Forward with Hope

There’s no single answer to why teen suicide happens, but there are many ways we can respond—with awareness, with care, and with action. The most powerful thing we can do is remind our teens that their lives matter, that their pain is not invisible, and that there is always help and hope available.

Let’s not be afraid to talk about it. Let’s be afraid of what happens when we don’t.

Seeking Professional Help

Mental health professionals have the expertise to assess, diagnose, and develop appropriate treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of the teenager. Remember, seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness but a proactive step towards supporting your teen's mental well-being and helping them thrive.

ARE YOU SEEKING SUPPORT FOR YOUR TEEN?

Harvest Counseling & Wellness is a Mental Health Counseling & Wellness Practice in Argyle, Texas. Our team includes several licensed therapists who specialize in teen and adolescent therapy. We provide support and counseling for preteens, teens, and families struggling with issues related to eating disorders, disordered eating, anxiety, depression, self-harm, school related issues, divorce and separation issues, and more.  Our office is located near Denton, Highland Village, Flower Mound, Lantana, Roanoke, and Justin.  If you are looking for a teen and adolescent therapist in Denton or surrounding areas, contact us today for a complimentary phone consultation, 940-294-7061.

References:

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

  2. CDC WISQARS (Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System)

  3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

  4. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

  5. The Trevor Project National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health (2023)

  6. Crisis Text Line

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