09/18/2026
Su***de Prevention Awareness Month: Let’s Talk About Our Teens
Teen distress doesn’t always look like sadness.
Sometimes it looks like anger. Irritability. Sleeping all day. Staying in their room. Saying “I’m fine.” Suddenly not caring about school. Pulling away from people they used to enjoy.
And sometimes, those changes are easy to mistake for “just being a teenager.”
While changes are a normal part of adolescence, significant or concerning shifts in your teen’s behavior, mood, or functioning are worth paying attention to.
Some signs to look for may include:
• Increased irritability, anger, or emotional outbursts
• Withdrawing from friends, family, sports, or activities
• Significant changes in sleep or appetite
• Declining grades or suddenly not caring about school
• Increased alcohol or substance use
• Reckless or unusually risky behavior
• Giving away meaningful belongings
• Talking or posting about death, dying, or su***de
• Expressing hopelessness or feeling trapped
• Saying things like “Nobody would care if I was gone,” “Everyone would be better without me,” or “I don’t want to be here anymore.”
So, how can we support our teens?
Notice the change, not just the behavior.
Instead of “What's gotten into you lately?” try:
“You haven't seemed like yourself lately. What's been going on?”
Listen without immediately trying to solve it.
Your teen may need connection before solutions. Try:
“You don't have to figure this out right now. I'm here to listen.”
Make space for conversations that aren't forced.
Car rides, walks, grabbing food, or sitting together without direct eye contact can sometimes make difficult conversations feel a little easier.
Don't minimize what feels big to them.
A breakup, friendship conflict, academic pressure, social media, or feeling left out may look different through an adult lens—but the emotions attached to it can be very real.
Ask directly when you're concerned.
“Have you been thinking about su***de?”
Asking directly about su***de does not cause suicidal thoughts. It gives your teen an opportunity to tell you what they're experiencing.
Most importantly, remind them:
There is nothing you could tell me that would make me stop showing up for you.
Our teens don't need us to have every answer. They need adults willing to notice, listen, stay curious, take them seriously, and help them connect with support.
If you're concerned about your teen, consider reaching out to a qualified mental health professional or healthcare provider.
If your teen is experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, call or text 988 for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. If there is immediate life-threatening danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
