Depression and Suicide in Teens: What Every Parent Needs to Know

When 14-year-old Maddie died by suicide, her father Chris Coulter’s world shattered. In this deeply personal conversation, Chris shares his family’s story — from recognizing the first signs of Maddie’s depression to navigating multiple suicide attempts, hospitalization, and finally, unbearable loss.

Chris also speaks vulnerably about his own struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts in the years after his daughter’s death, offering rare insight into how pain, shame, and silence can compound suffering. Together with Dr. Anita Sanz and co-host Terry, this episode examines how parents can better recognize warning signs, support their children, and continue to show up even when kids push them away.

This is not just a story of loss, but also of advocacy, resilience, and the importance of breaking silence around teen mental health.

Chris Coulter's website/resources:
 https://www.thefinishlinegroup.com/wake-up-resource-guide

Simon Sinek's "Do You Have 8 Minutes?" video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lH6x5zn0GI

Primary Topics Covered:

• The signs of depression that Chris noticed in his daughter Maddie
• How multiple suicide attempts affected the family
• The role of kindness and empathy in Maddie’s short life
• Chris’s own struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts after her death
• Why depression can feel impossible to explain to those who haven’t experienced it
• The impact of shame and silence in worsening suicidal thoughts
• How parents can continue showing up for their children, even when pushed away
• Practical advice on checking in, persistence, and creating “S.O.S. codes” for support
• Why emotional intelligence and mental health education in schools are essential

Timestamps:
 00:00 – Introduction to the episode and today’s guest
 01:26 – Global statistics on teen mental health and suicide
 02:26 – Chris Coulter introduces his daughter, Maddie
 03:50 – Maddie’s struggles with depression and early warning signs
 04:44 – Multiple suicide attempts and psychiatric hospitalization
 05:52 – Maddie’s kindness, even in the hospital setting
 06:46 – Maddie’s final suicide attempt at 14
 07:11 – Chris describes the impact on parents and his own depression
 08:17 – Why depression is difficult to explain to others
 08:52 – Chris shares his own suicidal thoughts years later
 09:42 – The darkest period of Chris’s depression
 10:22 – Shame and silence in not reaching out for help
 10:51 – Why suicidal thoughts can take hold so quickly
 11:27 – Gratitude, burden, and the risks of feeling like loved ones are “better off” without you
 12:53 – Chris reflects on what Maddie may have been thinking before her death
 13:26 – Choosing to be vulnerable and reach out after loss
 14:39 – Insights from Dr. Sanz on parental grief and understanding depression
 15:42 – How to support someone who pushes away help
 17:04 – Strategies for persistence: checking in and following up
 18:54 – Challenging the belief that “no one cares”
 19:34 – Simon Sinek’s “Do You Have Eight Minutes?” S.O.S. support code
 21:22 – Next week’s continuation of Chris’s story and advocacy for school programs

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/