Teen Suicide Prevention: Recognizing Warning Signs and Starting Conversations That Save Lives

Rates of teen depression and suicide are rising at alarming levels, creating what experts now call a youth mental health crisis. In this deeply personal episode, we hear from Lauren, who was diagnosed with depression at 13 and attempted suicide at 15.

Now a survivor and advocate, Lauren shares the subtle but important warning signs her loved ones missed, what might have helped her open up sooner, and how stigma and invalidation pushed her deeper into silence. She also explains why asking direct, compassionate questions about suicide can actually save lives—and what parents, friends, and teachers can do to support struggling teens.

If you’re worried about a young person in your life, this episode offers insight, validation, and hope.

Primary Topics Covered:

• The CDC’s alarming statistics on teen depression and suicide
• Lauren’s journey from silent suffering to suicide attempt and survival
• Early warning signs of teen depression and suicidal thoughts
• Why stigma and invalidation can make depression worse
• How parents and friends can ask the right questions
• The lifesaving impact of empathy and listening without judgment
• The importance of crisis resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Messages of hope: why survivors like Lauren are glad to be alive

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and welcome
 01:10 - Rising rates of youth depression and suicide
 01:59 - PBS documentary “Hiding in Plain Sight”
 02:57 - Introducing Lauren, teen suicide attempt survivor
 03:59 - Lauren’s early symptoms of depression at age 13
 04:25 - Warning signs of isolation and withdrawal
 05:40 - What others might have noticed before her attempt
 07:02 - Why wording matters when asking about mental health
 07:56 - Would she have admitted suicidal thoughts if asked?
 08:38 - Why she hid her struggles from parents and friends
 09:47 - Hoping someone would reach out before it was too late
 10:42 - The importance of validating emotions, not dismissing them
 12:08 - How stigma and invalidation increase suicide risk
 12:53 - Depression’s lies: feeling worthless and hopeless
 13:54 - The reality of facing death during an attempt
 15:01 - Why asking directly about suicide can save lives
 16:38 - What to do if someone says they are suicidal
 17:50 - How Lauren now copes with suicidal thoughts
 18:40 - Lessons for friends, parents, and teachers
 20:55 - Role of 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
 22:22 - Gratitude for Lauren’s story and closing reflections

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/