Category: Teen Counseling

 

Social media, gaming, streaming videos, or even just scrolling online are all normal activities for adolescents to engage in, especially in today’s world of instant digital media. Teens often find themselves glued to their devices well into the night.

While technology can offer many benefits, excessive screen use before bedtime has been linked to various emotional and mental health issues.

How Screen Use Before Bedtime Affects Adolescents

Bedtime screen use can disrupt sleep patterns, affect brain function, and contribute to emotional distress. These effects can manifest in different ways:

Disrupted Sleep Patterns
Exposure to the blue light emitted from screens suppresses melatonin production, making it harder for teens to fall and stay asleep.

Increased Anxiety and Stress
Constant notifications, social media comparisons, and gaming-induced adrenaline rushes can heighten anxiety levels.

Emotional Dysregulation
Poor sleep quality can make adolescents more prone to mood swings, irritability, and difficulties managing emotions.

Reduced Coping Mechanisms
When teens use screens to escape stress rather than develop healthy coping strategies, they may struggle with emotional resilience.

The Science Behind Sleep Disruptions and Emotional Well-Being

Studies have highlighted the negative effects of bedtime screen exposure on sleep and mental health. How?

Melatonin Suppression
The light from screens disrupts the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, delaying the onset of sleep.

Difficulty Falling Asleep
Engaging in screen use right before going to bed makes it difficult to wind down, leading to later than usual bedtimes.

Fragmented Sleep
Teens who use screens late at night often experience lighter and more restless sleep, which can leave them feeling excessively fatigued the next day.

Heightened Emotional Sensitivity
Sleep deprivation affects the brain’s ability to regulate emotions, increasing the likelihood of anxiety, depression, and irritability.

The Emotional Toll of Late-Night Screen Use

Beyond sleep disruptions, prolonged bedtime screen exposure can contribute to various emotional and psychological challenges.

Constant exposure to social media images and videos can negatively impact teens’ self-perception and lower their self-esteem. Studies suggest that excessive social media use is linked to higher rates of depression in adolescents, as the pressure to stay constantly updated can lead to stress and anxiety. This persistent engagement makes it difficult to disconnect, further exacerbating emotional strain. Additionally, cyberbullying and online conflicts, especially before bed, can be particularly distressing, preventing teens from relaxing and stabilizing emotionally.

Strategies to Reduce Bedtime Screen Use

To support better sleep and emotional health, parents and teens can learn to implement healthier digital habits.

• Establish a “screen-free” bedtime routine. Encourage winding down with more relaxing activities, such as reading, listening to calming music, or taking a bath.
• Set screen curfews and limits. Designate a cut-off time for technology, ideally 60-90 minutes before bedtime.
• Use night mode or blue light filters. These features can reduce melatonin suppression but should not replace overall screen reduction.
• Encourage more engagement in offline activities. Promote hobbies and social interactions that don’t involve screens to reduce a reliance on digital entertainment.
• Create a tech-free sleep environment. Keep devices out of bedrooms, or use parental controls to limit nighttime screen access.

Seeking Professional Help

If an adolescent is struggling with emotional issues, and it could be related to excessive screen use, professional support may be beneficial. A mental health professional can help address underlying concerns and provide personalized strategies for managing screen time and emotional well-being.

Sleep Specialists
Consulting a sleep expert can help identify sleep disorders and provide tools on how to promote healthier sleep hygiene.

Parental Guidance and Family Therapy
Family counseling can help address screen-time conflicts and create a balanced approach to technology use at home.

Therapists and Counselors
They can work with teens to develop healthier coping skills and address anxiety, stress, or depression linked to screen use. Give it a try, and schedule a consultation today!

Published: October 16, 2025 | Posted by Mary Ellen Benz

Many people think of ADHD as a children’s disorder. While it’s often diagnosed in childhood, it’s not something that “goes away” over time, though it can absolutely be managed with the right help and support.

If you have a teen with ADHD, it’s important to understand how the signs and symptoms might shift from childhood. Maybe they haven’t been officially diagnosed, but you’ve noticed some things that make you wonder. Maybe they were diagnosed as a child, but things have started to change in the way they handle the disorder.

Whatever the case, as a parent, it’s important to know how to stay connected, provide structure, and support your teen as they start to prepare themselves for the real world. Let’s cover some tips you can put into practice right away.

Foster Open Communication

Encouraging healthy communication is important for every parent-teen relationship. However, it’s especially helpful when your teen has ADHD and is likely going through unique experiences.

Choose to be an active listener. Take an interest in the things your teenager has to talk about, and encourage them to open up about their feelings. Even though both of your lives might be busy, it’s a good rule of thumb to schedule times to talk when neither of you will be distracted. You might be surprised by how much you start looking forward to those designated talk times!

As you try to guide your teen and validate their concerns or even their struggles, use positive reinforcement. Don’t solely focus on the negative behaviors and efforts. Tell them about their strengths and how they can use their skills to do better.

Build a Routine

Most people recognize that routines are important for little ones. That doesn’t end as you get older. Even adults benefit from daily structure, and it’s especially helpful for teenagers dealing with ADHD.

Establishing times for your teen to wake up, do their homework, eat meals, etc., can help to provide stability and keep them more organized and on task. If they tend to have trouble understanding or sticking to daily expectations, use visual aids to help. Things like charts and checklists can make daily routines easier and serve as reminders for them.

It’s easy for people with ADHD to feel overwhelmed. So, consider breaking down tasks into smaller pieces for your teen when you want them to do something. Additionally, encourage breaks. These strategies will help to keep them motivated and focused.

Show Support

The best thing you can do for your teen is to be a source of support. Be an advocate for them at school and with others so they have the accommodations they need to succeed. At home, create a space that makes them feel comfortable expressing themselves and celebrating their strengths.

If you find that your teenager is struggling with some of life’s challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. Things like teen counseling can go a long way in helping them understand those challenges and how to cope with them. Counseling can also help to build their self-esteem and remind them that they aren’t defined by ADHD.

As a parent, it’s also important to have self-compassion. Be kind to yourself and possibly consider counseling, as well, if you’re having a hard time. Parenting a teen can be challenging, no matter what. When they have ADHD, those challenges are often heavier. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure you’re doing what you need to care for yourself as you work to support your teen.

If you’re interested in more information or you’re ready to set up an appointment for you or your teenager, feel free to contact us soon.

Though the college application and transition process can be exciting for teens, there’s no question that it can also be a little overwhelming, and even scary. It might be the first major life change your teen is going through.

While you might be excited for them, it’s important to do what you can to calm their nerves. A little anxiety is normal, but if you find that their anxious thoughts are impacting their quality of life, there are things you can do to guide them through the process effectively.

Helping your teen with anxiety now can encourage them to prioritize their mental well-being as they step into the real world. With that in mind, let’s cover a few helpful tips you can use to guide your anxious teenager through this transition period.

Practice Open Communication

One of the best ways to ease your teen’s anxious thoughts is to make sure you’re both communicating openly and honestly. Create a comfortable environment where your teen can express their needs and concerns without the fear of being judged.

Listen to their concerns about the application and transition process. Validate their feelings.

It’s important to help your teen establish realistic expectations about the entire experience. Maybe their fear is that they won’t get into their “dream school.” Let them know that acceptance into a certain school doesn’t define who they are or what they’re worth.

If they are concerned about what the actual transition will look like, let them know it’s normal to feel a little anxious or overwhelmed about it, so they don’t spend time worrying about their worries.

Break Things Down

Breaking down overwhelming tasks into more manageable steps can ease your teen’s anxiety and give them a boost of self-esteem.

During the application process, that might look like creating checklists or deadlines for things, rather than trying to tackle it all at once.

Encourage your teenager to celebrate the small victories, even as they transition to college on their own. If they accomplish something, no matter how small it is, they should celebrate their progress. This will help them stay motivated and confident throughout their college experience.

Prioritize Self-Care

Self-care looks different for everyone, so encourage your teen to find things that will fit into their daily routine. Anything that promotes their overall well-being is helpful.

Things like exercise, getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, and journaling are all great forms of self-care that can be done now and as they transition to college. Establishing a self-care routine can improve mental wellness, reduce anxiety, and make it easier for your teen to feel grounded as they go through this transition period of life.

Self-care can also give your teen the confidence they need to pursue their own interests and to be their authentic selves, rather than worrying about what others might want or expect from them.

Seek Support

Promoting self-advocacy is important. It will encourage your teen to get help on their own in school when they need it. That might include asking questions to a professor, working with a guidance counselor, or even talking to a mental health professional.

If you find that your teen is struggling with anxiety now, during the application process, you can teach them the importance of reaching out for help by trying therapy for anxiety.

Therapy, even before college, can help your teen better understand where their anxious thoughts stem from and why they might be getting worse. Your teen’s therapist will help them learn techniques to manage their symptoms effectively. They can take those tools with them to school and use them for the rest of their lives.

So, while it’s normal to be nervous during this chapter of life, those nerves don’t have to take over your teen’s entire thought process. If you’re trying to be a support system for them, you don’t have to do it on your own. Reach out for a consultation today.

We love to think of the teenage years as a time where children go through “phases.” Disobeying their parents, sleeping more, skipping class, being irritable and complaining—all natural teenage behaviors. But what happens when these things become more than just phases? What if they are more persistent, interfering with their daily lives in a negative way? It’s possible that it may be more than just a phase, it could be depression.

Teen depression is a serious mental health condition that affects how adolescents think, feel, and function. It’s more common than people realize, and unfortunately, it’s often misunderstood as typical teen moodiness. Understanding the signs and impact of depression during adolescence is important for early intervention and long-term emotional well-being.

Why Is Depression Hard to Spot in Teens?

Teenagers are going through significant changes. This can make it challenging to distinguish between normal teenage ups and downs and something more serious, like clinical depression.

• Mood swings are expected, making emotional changes easy to dismiss
• Teens may hide their feelings out of fear, shame, or not wanting to burden others
• Parents may attribute changes to hormones or assume their child is just being dramatic
• Irritability, not sadness, is often the main symptom in teens, which can be misread as defiance

Common Signs of Depression

While depression can look different in every individual, there are several warning signs to watch out for in adolescents:

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness that lasts for more than two weeks
• Irritability or anger that seems disproportionate or hard to explain
• Withdrawal from family, friends, or activities they enjoy
• Changes in sleep patterns, including insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Noticeable changes in appetite, either overeating or significant weight loss
• Fatigue or low energy, even with adequate rest
• Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or excessive self-criticism 
• Talking about death or suicide, or engaging in self-harming behaviors
• Physical complaints, like headaches or stomachaches, without a clear medical cause

Causes and Risk Factors for Teen Depression

There is no single cause of depression. Instead, it’s typically the result of a combination of factors, including:

• Genetics: A family history of depression can increase the risk
• Brain chemistry: Changes in neurotransmitters or hormonal shifts during puberty
• Trauma or abuse: Past or current exposure to trauma, neglect, bullying, or harassment
• Chronic stress: Academic pressure, social comparisons, family conflicts, or identity crises
• Low self-esteem: Negative self-image or feelings of inadequacy
• Lack of support: Feeling isolated or misunderstood by peers or adults

It’s important to remember that depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw. There is nothing wrong with your teen. It is a medical condition that requires compassionate care and treatment.

What You Can Do to Help a Teen with Depression

If you suspect a teenager in your life may be struggling with depression, try some of these steps:

• Listen without judgement: Create a safe space where they can actually speak their mind openly.
• Don’t minimize their pain: Avoid using phrases like “You have nothing to be sad about,” or “This won’t matter in a few years.”
• Encourage healthy habits: Sleep, nutrition, exercise, and social connection all support depression recovery.
• Stay connected: Even if they pull away, continue showing them care and availability.
• Educate yourself: Learn about teen mental health to better understand what they’re experiencing.
• Seek immediate help: If your teen is engaging in self-harming behaviors or talking about wanting to end their lives, don’t wait! Get them medical attention right away.

Therapy Makes a Difference

Therapy for teens offers teens a confidential space to explore their thoughts and feelings with the guidance of a professional. In therapy, teens can:

• Learn coping skills to manage emotions
• Identify negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier ones
• Build communication and problem-solving skills
• Improve self-esteem and emotional resilience

Teen depression is serious, but also treatable. With the right support, your teen can begin to feel better and reconnect with joy in their life! Reach out today to learn more about how DenverCAC can support your teen.

The intense amount of pressure adolescents face nowadays is enough to make anyone anxious. It’s normal for teens to experience stress and anxiety; it’s all a part of growing up! However, persistent anxiety can take a toll on their mental health, affecting more than just their own well-being. Unfortunately, signs of anxiety in teens are overlooked as “typical teenage behaviors.”

Anxiety isn’t just worry, it’s a mental health condition that can impact a teen’s quality of life. Recognizing these signs early and getting proper intervention can make all the difference.

1. Frequent Physical Complaints Without a Medical Cause

Anxiety can show up in the body before we even realize it’s there. Teens struggling with anxiety may have unexplainable complaints about how they’re feeling.

Physical symptoms may be:

• Stomachaches or nausea, especially before school or social events
• Headaches or migraines
• Muscle tension or fatigue
• Dizziness or shortness of breath
• Difficultly sleeping or frequent nightmares

These symptoms will occur in the absence of a medical condition and may worsen during times of high stress.

2. Excessive Worry or Catastrophic Thinking

While it’s normal for teens to worry about their grades, friendships, appearances, or their future, anxiety can make these thoughts overwhelming and constant.

Look for signs like:

• Repeatedly asking about “what if” scenarios and fearing the worst possible outcome for certain situations
• Struggling to move past minor mistakes or their perceived failures
• Constantly seeking reassurance from caregivers, teachers, or friends
• An exaggerated fear of something bad happening to loved ones

This persistent worry about daily situations can interfere with overall functioning.

3. Avoidance of Social Situations or Responsibilities

Anxiety can make teens avoid activities that trigger their fears. This isn’t just about them being “shy,” it’s a coping mechanism that protects them from threats to their safety, even if these threats are everyday experiences.

Examples of avoidance include:

• Skipping school or asking to leave early due to “not feeling well”
• Avoiding extracurriculars or previously enjoyed hobbies
• Withdrawing from friends or family gatherings
• Refusing to speak in class or participate in group projects

Over time, this kind of avoidance can lead to isolation and a decrease in self-esteem.

4. Changes in Academic Performance or Focus

A decline in school performance doesn’t always mean laziness or lack of motivation, it can be a symptom of anxiety. Teens with anxiety may struggle to concentrate, stay organized, or retain information.

Watch out for:

• Drop in grades or missing assignments
• Procrastination or perfectionism that interferes with their progress
• Trouble focusing in class or doing homework
• Overreacting to minor academic setbacks

Anxiety makes it nearly impossible to concentrate when the mind is in a constant state of “what if?”

5. Irritability and Emotional Outbursts

While anxiety is often associated with nervousness or fear, it can also present as irritation or even anger, especially in teenagers. They may not always have the emotional language or coping tools to express their turmoil, so it comes out in more reactive ways.

Emotional signs may include:

• Snapping at family or friends
• Easily frustrated by small problems
• Crying unexpectedly or becoming suddenly overwhelmed
• Mood swings that seem out of proportion to the situation

Emotional outbursts like this are not a sign of defiance, it’s a sign of internal distress.

6. Restlessness and Compulsive Behaviors

Some teens show their anxiety through constant motion or repetitive behaviors aimed at managing their discomfort. These may not always be obvious, but they’re worth paying attention to.

Behaviors may include:

• Nail-biting, skin-picking, or hair-twirling
• Pacing, fighting, or frequent restroom visits
• Repetitive checking, whether to make sure their doors are locked or that things are perfect
• Over-planning or following rigid routines

These actions are attempts to create a sense of control in their world that feels chaotic.

Don’t Wait—Get Support Today

If you notice these anxiety signs in your teen, teen counseling may be an invaluable resource. Reach out to one of our mental health therapists to help your child navigate through their anxiety and come out on top!

When we think of kids having Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), we often imagine young children bouncing off the walls or struggling to sit still in a classroom. However, when ADHD shows up in teenagers, it can look significantly different. Sometimes, it may even go undiagnosed altogether. The teenage years bring unique developmental changes, social pressures, and greater academic demands, all of which can mask or reshape how ADHD presents.

Why ADHD Symptoms May Look Different in Teens

As children with ADHD enter adolescence, their symptoms often evolve. While some signs like hyperactivity may lessen, others, such as emotional regulation difficulties, may become more apparent.

Symptoms may shift from:

• Increased responsibilities: Teens are expected to manage more—schoolwork, extracurriculars, and social interactions. ADHD-related struggles with organization and time management become more noticeable.
• Social awareness: Teens become more self-conscious and may mask or internalize these symptoms to fit in.
• Hormonal changes: Shifts in mood and energy levels can intensify ADHD symptoms or mimic other mental health issues.
• Environmental expectations: As academic and social environments become more demanding, symptoms may worsen.

Common ADHD Symptoms in Teens

1. Difficulty with Focus and Attention

While younger children may seem easily distracted, teens with ADHD often struggle with tasks that require sustained mental effort, like studying or following long conversations.

• Zoning out during class or conversations with people
• Frequently losing track of assignments or deadlines
• Making careless mistakes due to inattention

2. Executive Functioning Challenges

Executive function skills include planning, organizing, and prioritizing—all essential skills for teens to learn.

• Trouble organizing schoolwork, sports, or chores
• Constantly misplacing personal items
• Starting tasks but struggling to complete them

3. Emotional Dysregulation

Teenagers with ADHD often experience intense emotions and have difficulty managing them.

• Frequent mood swings or emotional outbursts
• Low frustration tolerance
• Difficulty calming down after being upset

* Sometimes this can be mistaken for “typical teenage behavior,” however the intensity and frequency of the dysregulation tend to be higher in those with ADHD.

4. Impulsivity

Impulsivity doesn’t always mean physical recklessness. In teens, it may show up in social situations and decision-making contexts.

• Interrupting conversations or blurting things out
• Engaging in risky behaviors without considering consequences
• Difficulty waiting their turn or thinking through their actions

5. Restlessness or Hyperactivity

Although physical hyperactivity may decrease with age, teens may still feel an internal restlessness.

• Feeling “on edge” or having trouble relaxing
• Constantly tapping, fidgeting, or moving
• Seeking constant stimulation and jumping from activity to activity

6. Poor Academic Performance

ADHD doesn’t affect intelligence, but it can heavily impact performance due to its effects on focus, organization, and follow-through.

• Underperforming in school despite their abilities and knowledge
• Inconsistent academic results with grades and test scores
• Avoidance of assignments or heavy procrastination tendencies

7. Low Self-Esteem and Social Struggles

Many teens with ADHD experience repeated failure or criticism for how they act or behave, which can really break down their self-worth.

• Withdrawal from social situations
• Sensitivity to rejection or criticism
• Belief that they are “lazy” or “not smart”

Why Symptoms are Often Missed or Misunderstood

ADHD symptoms in teens can be mistaken for:

• Depression or anxiety (due to emotional dysregulation or withdrawal)
• Oppositional defiant behavior (because of impulsivity or frustration)
• Laziness or lack of motivation (because of executive functioning deficits)

In some cases, high-achieving teens may mask their ADHD with excessive effort, only to struggle significantly in college or adulthood when this mask starts to slip away.

How Therapy Can Help!

Professional support can make a significant difference for teens living with ADHD. Therapy provides tools to:

• Develop time management and organizational skills
• Improve emotional regulation and coping skills
• Build confidence and a stronger sense of identity
• Address co-occurring mental health issues like anxiety or depression
• Neurofeedback is a specific kind of therapy that helps retrain brainwaves and is evidenced based in treating ADHD symptoms. DenverCAC is now offering neurofeedback.  Check out our neurofeedback page to learn more!

 

Support is available! Reach out today for a consultation and help your teen thrive.

 

Published August 6, 2025 by Mary Ellen Benz

Teenagers are often perceived as moody or unpredictable, but it’s crucial to distinguish between normal adolescent behavior and signs of depression. Depression in teens doesn’t always look like prolonged feelings of sadness; it manifests in different ways, making it challenging for parents, teachers, and other peers to recognize. Let’s take a deeper dive into what depression may look like in teens.

Emotional Changes

• Irritability and Anger: Teens with depression often exhibit irritability or frequent outbursts of anger instead of stereotypical sadness. They may lash out at loved ones over seemingly minor issues.
• Persistent Sadness or Hopelessness: They might feel deeply unhappy or have a pretty negative view on life, even if nothing specific seemed to have triggered it.
• Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt: Teens may believe they’re a burden to others, express self-loathing, or feel excessive guilt for making small mistakes.

Behavioral Changes

• Withdrawal from Activities: Depression can lead teens to lose interest in hobbies or extracurricular activities they previously enjoyed. They may avoid social gatherings or isolate themselves in their room.
• Decline in Academic Performance: A noticeable drop in grades or a lack of motivation to complete assignments can be a red flag.
• Risky Behavior: Some teens might engage in reckless activities, such as substance abuse, unsafe sexual behavior, or thrill-seeking as a way to cope or escape from emotional pain.

Physical Symptoms

• Fatigue or Low Energy: Teens with depression often feel physically drained, even after minimal effort. They may complain about feeling tired all the time.
• Changes in Appetite or Weight: Some teens may lose interest in food, while others may overeat to find comfort, resulting in potential health issues and weight fluctuations.
• Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia, trouble staying asleep, or oversleeping can all be signs of depression.

Cognitive Changes

• Difficulty Concentrating: Depression can make it hard for teens to focus in class or while completing tasks. Lack of focus can lead to frustrations and a sense of overwhelm.
• Negative Thought Patterns: Teens may dwell on negative thoughts or make small issues seem unbearable.
• Indecisiveness: They may struggle to make even simple decisions, such as choosing what to wear or what to eat.

Social Changes

• Conflicts with Peers or Family: Depression can lead to heightened sensitivity to criticism or perceived rejection. This may cause more arguments or strained relationships.
• Avoidance of Social Interactions: Teens may start to skip social outings, refuse invitations, or stop responding to messages from friends.
• Increased Dependency on Online Activities: Some teens retreat to excessive use of social media, gaming, or internet surfing to escape their emotional struggles.

Warning Signs of Severe Depression

If you begin to notice any of the following signs, seek help for your teen immediately.

• Self-Harm Behaviors: Cutting, burning, scratching, or other forms of self-injury are often a coping mechanism for teens dealing with intense emotional pain.
• Talk of Death or Suicide: Any mention of wanting to die, feeling life is meaningless, or making plans to harm themselves should be taken seriously and addressed immediately.
• Giving Away Belongings or Saying Goodbye: Making plans to give out or donate possessions, or finding that they are speaking in a way that feels finalized, it may mean they are contemplating suicide.

What Parents and Caregivers Can Do

Have open conversations. Approach your teen with empathy and a nonjudgmental attitude. Start the conversation by saying, “I have noticed you seem down lately. Do you want to talk about anything?”

Create a supportive environment and encourage healthy habits, including exercise and a consistent sleep schedule. Show them unconditional love and support no matter what.

Don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Contact a mental health professional who has experience with adolescents. Early intervention is crucial and can make a significant difference. Therapy is a safe, supportive environment for your teen to learn skills on how to overcome depression and cope with difficult emotions. Call us for more information!

Published: January 9th, 2025

Teen suicide is a growing concern worldwide, affecting thousands of individuals, families, and communities. Adolescence is a period of intense changes, and for some, these changes become so overwhelming that it leads to thoughts of self-harm and suicide. Understanding these causes is crucial for addressing the crisis; it may even be life-saving.

Why Teen Suicide Matters

Teen suicide is the third leading cause of death for individuals aged between 15-19. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 700,000 people die by suicide every year, with a significant portion of these deaths occurring among teens. For every teen who dies by suicide, others may attempt it, creating a ripple effect.

The good news? Teen suicide is preventable. As caregivers, educators, and professionals, it’s important to be able to identify warning signs and help teens navigate these challenging feelings in a safe, supportive environment.

Common Causes of Teen Suicide

Mental Health Challenges

Mental health issues, like depression and anxiety, are the most significant contributors to teen suicide. These conditions often go undiagnosed or untreated, leaving teens to cope with emotional pain on their own.

• Teens with depression may experience feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and persistent sadness.
• Anxiety can present as extreme fear, worry, or panic, which may feel unmanageable.
• Lack of access to mental health resources can make these symptoms worse.

Bullying and Social Pressures

Adolescents are highly influenced by their social environment. Experiences like bullying, peer rejection, or harassment can lead to feelings of isolation and low self-worth.

• Social media can amplify bullying, making it harder for teens to escape the harassment.
• Teens often feel pressure to conform to expectations, or achieve unrealistic goals, in order to “fit in” with others.
• Not feeling accepted by others can cause self-esteem issues, which only increases feelings of hopelessness.

Family Dynamics and Trauma

Family relationships play a significant role in a teen’s emotional well-being. Conflict, neglect, and abuse within the home can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

• Teens from families with a history of mental illness or suicide may be more vulnerable.
• Traumatic events, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, sexual or physical abuse, can deeply affect teens’ mental health.

Academic and Extracurricular Stress

Many teens face intense pressure to excel academically and participate in extracurricular activities, often at the expense of their own mental health.

• Overwhelming workloads and a fear of failure can lead to burnout and exhaustion from life.
• Teens may feel that their self-worth is tied to their achievements, creating a fear of disappointing others.

Substance Abuse

Experimentation with drugs and alcohol is common during adolescence, but it can have dangerous consequences for vulnerable teens.

• Substance use can impair judgment, making impulsive actions more likely.
• It may also serve as an unhealthy coping mechanism for their pain.

Warning Signs of Teen Suicide

• Behavioral Changes: Withdrawal from friends and family, loss of interest in activities, or drastic mood changes.
• Verbal Cues: Statements like “I wish I wasn’t here anymore,” or “Life isn’t worth living.”
• Physical Symptoms: Changes in sleep patterns, appetite, or energy levels.
• Risky Behaviors: Increased drug and alcohol use, reckless actions, or self-harm.
• Giving Away Possessions: This can indicate planning or intent to act on suicidal thoughts.

How to Help a Teen in Crisis

If you suspect a teen is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it’s essential to act immediately.

• Start a Conversation: Expressing your concern and offering your help is a great way to start the conversation.
• Listen Actively: Let them share their feelings without interrupting or offering unsolicited advice.
• Remove Immediate Risks: If you suspect immediate danger, ensure that the teen does not have access to anything that can cause them harm, and seek help right away.
• Seek Professional Help: Encourage them to speak to a counselor, therapist, or school psychologist. Therapy is a great way to ensure their safety and to help them work through these distressing thoughts. If you know someone struggling, reach out right away.

If you live in Colorado you or your child can call or text the Colorado Mental Health Line at *988.

If you are concerned about the safety for yourself or a loved one, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room or mental health crisis center.

It is hard to think clearly when you are having suicidal thoughts, this is why it is so important to seek help immediately so that you or your loved one can be kept safe.

When your teenager loses a friend to suicide, it’s a heartbreaking and overwhelming experience to say the least. As a parent, you may feel unsure about how to provide the support your teen. It also may bring up some of your own fears for your child’s mental health and safety. Here are some important things to remember when it comes to supporting your teen through this  confusing and painful time.

Understand Everyone Experiences Grief Differently

Everyone experiences grief differently and teens are no exception. It is normal to experience a vast range of emotions during the grieving process including: shock, denial, sadness, anger, avoidance, guilt, or confusion. Here are some of the most common reactions to grief:

• Withdrawal from loved ones
• Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping more than usual
• Difficulty concentrating in school
• Struggling with grades, failing test
• Risky behaviors
•  Feeling numb
• Expressions of hopelessness or guilt

Communication and a Safe Space

One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to create a safe space for your teen to talk, when they are ready. Try to resist the urge to ask the questions you may have out of curiosity and make sure not to force them to open up if they are not ready. Let them know you are here for them if they want to talk. Ask them questions like “How can I support you best in this time?” If they tell them they don’t know, you can let them know it’s okay they aren’t sure what they need, and if they do think of anything that might be helpful, they can let you know. You also might ask them “what is not helpful?” Sometimes for teens it’s easier to identify things that frustrate them over the helpful things, this allows you to do the opposite and potentially help them feel more supported in this difficult time.

Your teenager may not open up right away, but knowing that they can talk to you if and when they are ready is crucial. Let them know they are not alone in their grief and you are there to support them.  The beginning stages of grief are often experienced in shock in denial. Often by the time someone’s brain can actually wrap their head around what has happened, and they need support the most, everyone has moved on with their life. Make sure to check in weeks and even months later. This let’s them know it’s okay to still be grieving.

Don’t Make it About You

Make sure you aren’t making it about you. While this is likely never a parent’s intention. Suicide is not just heartbreaking and overwhelming for the teen, it is scary for adults too. It can bring up fears surrounding your own child’s mental health.  If your child has been actively suicidal in the past, it is a good time to check in with them on their own thoughts. If you have safety concerns for them, you should immediately take them to the emergency room or a mental health crisis center to be evaluated. If you do not have immediate safety concerns, try self-regulate so you can show up for them in the ways they need.  If teens see their parents falling apart, they may feel they need to keep their feelings to themselves so they don’t “overwhelm” their caregiver. It is of course ok to show them your grief for them and the situation, but they need to know the adults in their lives are taking care of them during this time, rather than feeling they need to be strong for their caregivers. This can be tough to balance, so it’s best to reach out to other adults in your life for support so you can best support your teen during this time.

Allow them to be sad. As caregivers, we often want to fix things for our children, because it is so heartbreaking to see them in pain. However, when we try to fix things, or rush along grief, we communicate it is not okay to be sad. As a caregiver, you have to learn how to sit in your own grief so they can feel the freedom to grief at the pace they need.

Supporting Your Teenager’s Mental Health

While emotional support from family is important, professional therapy can also be a crucial part of healing after a loss, especially because suicide isn’t just grief, it’s also trauma.  Trauma-informed grief counseling can provide your teenager with a safe space to process their experience and heal from the trauma they have experienced.

Seeking mental health therapy can prevent elongated suffering and help your child gain strength in the face of tragedy. Parent’s can also benefit from counseling in processing their own emotions related to these experiences. This helps them to show up better for their teen, and it models it’s okay to ask for help.

Tips for Helping Your Teen Cope with Loss

Here are some additional strategies you can use to support your teen during this challenging time:

1. Normalize Grief

It’s important for teens to understand that grief is a normal reaction to losing someone they care about. Encourage them to express their emotions, whether through talking, journaling, or engaging in creative activities like art or music.

2. Maintain Routine and Structure

After a traumatic event, maintaining a sense of routine can provide your teen with a sense of stability. Encourage them to stay engaged with school, extracurricular activities, and social connections.

3. Monitor Their Mental Health

Keep an eye on how your teen is coping with their emotions. If you notice concerning behaviors like withdrawing from loved ones, expressing hopelessness, or engaging in self-harm, it’s crucial to seek professional help right away.

4. Encourage Peer Support

Teenagers often find comfort in talking to friends who may be going through similar emotions. Encouraging your teen to connect with their peers can help them feel less isolated in their grief.

When to Seek Professional Therapy

It’s natural for your teenager to experience intense emotions after losing a friend to suicide, but if their grief seems to persist or worsen over time, it may be time to consider professional counseling. Prolonged sadness, feelings of guilt, or changes in behavior like disengagement from daily activities could indicate that your teen is struggling to process the loss on their own.

Finding a therapist that specializes in working with teens experiencing grief can help your child work through their emotions and develop healthy coping strategies for managing their grief. If you feel your teenager could benefit from counseling, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Losing a friend to suicide is a life-changing event for any teenager. As a parent, your role is to provide comfort, patience, and a supportive environment where your child feels safe to express their emotions. Professional mental health therapy is an invaluable resource that can help your teen navigate the complex emotions of grief and loss.

If your family is seeking support during this difficult time, we are here to help. Our specialized therapists are trained to work with teens and children, providing the care and guidance they need to heal. We also work to support parents through parent coaching so that you can best support your child. If you think counseling may help you or your teen. Don’t hesitate to reach out today for a free 15 minute phone consultation.