Teen Suicide Prevention: Why Kids Don’t Tell Parents & How to Open the Conversation

Many parents wonder: Why didn’t my teen tell me they were suicidal? In this episode, Dr. Stacey Freedenthal continues her conversation on the ten reasons teens avoid talking to parents about suicidal thoughts. We explore how stigma, denial, fear of overreaction, and misunderstanding silence kids—and what parents can do differently.

Listeners will learn:

• Why some parents dismiss or overreact when kids disclose suicidal thoughts
• How "cognitive constriction" makes it hard for teens to see hope beyond the pain
• The damaging effects of overprotection and punishment after disclosure
• Why asking “Are you still suicidal?” repeatedly can backfire
• How to listen without judgment, fear, or panic
• Practical ways to start conversations if you suspect your child is struggling
• The role of CBT and DBT in helping teens manage suicidal thoughts
• How to make your home and your relationship a safe space for disclosure

This episode is for any parent, caregiver, or adult who loves a teen and wants to know how to prevent suicide and create open, honest conversations about mental health.

Link to full list: http://www.speakingofsuicide.com/2013/05/29/parents-and-teens/

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why suicidal teens stay silent around parents
• Cognitive constriction and the "mental toothache" analogy
• Parent underreaction: dismissing, denying, or minimizing suicidal thoughts
• Parent overreaction: rushing to ER without listening
• How to respond when suicide talk feels like “attention-seeking”
• The dangers of repeated questioning (“Are you still suicidal?”)
• Overprotective behaviors that make teens feel punished
• How parents can approach conversations with compassion and curiosity
• The importance of making help and hope visible
• Suicide prevention resources (Lifeline 988, Crisis Text Line 741741)

Detailed Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and episode framing
 01:10 – Dr. Stacey Freedenthal’s expertise on suicide prevention
 01:39 – Recap of part one: 5 reasons teens avoid telling parents
 02:34 – Understanding "cognitive constriction" and suicidal focus
 03:45 – Therapies that help: CBT and DBT in suicidal crises
 04:21 – Reason #6: Parents dismiss or downplay suicidal thoughts
 04:48 – Reason #7: Parents overreact and rush to the ER
 05:19 – Why “attention-seeking” suicide talk is misunderstood
 06:30 – The compassion lens: what’s behind suicidal communication
 07:04 – Why rushing to hospitalization can silence teens
 07:55 – Reason #8: Parents grow impatient, asking “Are you still suicidal?”
 09:16 – A better way to check in with teens about suicide
 09:50 – Reason #9: Overprotective parenting backfires
 10:36 – Why removing phones or isolating kids can worsen depression
 10:45 – How parents can proactively start the conversation
 11:41 – The most important thing parents can do: listen with empathy
 12:31 – The phrase both experts repeat: “Help and hope are available”
 13:07 – National suicide prevention resources for parents and teens
 13:29 – Key takeaway: connection, not control, saves lives
 14:06 – Preview of next episode: who teens tell if not their parents
 14:32 – Closing reflections and support resources

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