Teen Suicide Prevention: A Grieving Mother’s Message on Warning Signs and Support

When someone dies by suicide, the grief is unlike any other. It’s filled with questions, guilt, love, and a desperate wish to understand. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we share the story of Patty Kijawa, a grieving mother who lost her teenage son Jack to suicide.

Through her pain, Patty has chosen to speak openly to help others. She talks about the importance of listening for subtle warning signs, breaking down stigma, and reminding teens and families that help is always available.

Her heartbreaking yet powerful message underscores this truth: suicide can happen even when families do everything right. But it also shows how one voice, even in grief, can inspire others to reach out, speak up, and get help.

If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call or text 988 in the U.S. to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

🎙️ Primary Topics Covered

• A mother’s story of losing her son to suicide
• Why grief after suicide is unique and complicated
• The importance of listening for subtle warning signs
• What teens often share with friends instead of adults
• Why speaking up could save a life
• How Patty’s message spread to other teens and families
• The role of faith and finding purpose in loss
• Suicide prevention hotlines and resources

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to episode and suicide awareness
 01:41 – Why acknowledging suicide loss matters
 02:13 – Patty shares her son Jack’s story
 03:18 – Their last family conversation
 04:37 – A mother’s painful goodbye
 04:56 – Speaking at Jack’s memorial mass
 06:23 – Teens honoring Jack’s memory
 07:39 – Jack’s words of support to others
 08:12 – His private struggles revealed in his diary
 09:08 – Why warning signs can be missed or masked
 09:53 – Friends noticing changes before adults do
 10:39 – Red flags teens and families should look for
 10:58 – Patty brings her message to schools
 11:31 – Finding faith and purpose in loss
 12:23 – Suicide prevention resources (988 & crisis text line)

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