Teen Depression and Suicide Prevention: Real Stories and Warning Signs Parents Need to Know

Teen suicide is now the second leading cause of death among young people ages 15–24, yet too often conversations about it are avoided out of stigma and fear. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we begin a two-part series featuring the powerful documentary Not Alone, which shares raw and real stories from teens living with depression and suicidal thoughts.

You’ll hear candid voices of teens describing what depression feels like, the warning signs too often missed, and how silence and stigma only make the struggle harder. The episode also highlights how parents, teachers, and peers can help—and why creating safe spaces for teens to talk openly about mental health is vital.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or friend, this episode will give you insights, tools, and hope to better support the teens in your life.

Link to "Not Alone" film: http://not-alone.live/see-the-film/

Primary Topics Covered:

• The rising rates of teen depression and suicide
• Firsthand stories from teens living with depression
• The stigma and silence surrounding youth mental health struggles
• Key warning signs of suicidal ideation in teens
• How parents, educators, and peers can provide support
• The importance of creating safe spaces for open conversations

Timestamps:

00:10 – Introduction to the episode and its focus on teen suicide
 01:14 – Why covering teen depression is difficult but necessary
 02:35 – Opening story from the Not Alone documentary
03:27 – How stigma and silence prevent conversations about suicide
04:27 – Jacqueline Minetta’s motivation for creating the film
05:26 – Teens sharing candid experiences of depression
07:10 – Why peer-to-peer conversations can break through stigma
08:39 – The impact of guilt after losing someone to suicide
09:58 – Recognizing warning signs of self-harm and risky behaviors
10:41 – Additional signs of depression and suicidal thoughts in teens
12:05 – The importance of open conversations in schools
12:30 – Where parents and teens can turn for support
13:03 – Closing thoughts and preview of part two

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