Suicide and Teens: What Parents Need to Know
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and teen suicide is a heartbreaking and very real concern. As a parent, hearing that your child is having suicidal thoughts is terrifying. You might feel powerless, unsure of what to say or do, or even tempted to brush it off as “a phase.” But here’s the truth: suicidal thoughts are not just part of growing up—they’re a signal that your teen is in deep emotional pain and needs help.
One of the most important things parents can do is to take all talk of suicide seriously. Ask direct questions: “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” It’s a myth that talking about suicide puts the idea into someone’s head. In fact, it often brings immense relief to a teen to be asked openly and without judgment.
Teens today are under an incredible amount of pressure—from academics, social media, and navigating their own identities. If your teen seems overwhelmed, disconnected, or hopeless, don’t wait to intervene. Early support can make all the difference.
This is where Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) comes in. DBT is a life-saving, evidence-based treatment specifically designed for people who feel things intensely—often including suicidal thoughts and urges. It teaches four core skill sets: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. These aren’t just therapy buzzwords—they’re tools that help teens survive moments of crisis and build a life they actually want to live.
One of the things I love about DBT is how practical it is. A teen learns, “Here’s what I can do instead of hurting myself.” And they practice these skills again and again—with support, accountability, and the validation that their pain is real, while also being reminded that change is possible.
If you’re a parent, know that you don’t have to do this alone. There are clinicians—like myself and many others—who are trained to help your teen build the skills they need to stay alive and eventually thrive.
Hold on. Ask the hard questions. And reach out. Help is available, and hope is real.
