Parenting is never easy, but when your teen is going through a mental health crisis, the challenge can feel overwhelming. Whether your child is struggling with depression, anxiety disorder, or even thoughts of suicide, you may feel helpless, scared, or unsure of what to do. You want to protect your teen, but you may not know the right words to say or the best steps to take.
The good news is that your presence, understanding, and support can make an enormous difference in your child’s healing.
Recognizing the Signs That Your Teen Is Struggling
Every teen has ups and downs, but when everyday stressors escalate into something more serious, you’ll often notice changes in behavior, emotions, and daily functioning. Being able to spot these warning signs early can help you step in before the crisis worsens.
Common signs of depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation in teens include:
- Withdrawal from friends, family, and activities they once enjoyed
- Sudden changes in sleep patterns (sleeping too much or too little)
- Noticeable weight loss or gain, or changes in appetite
- Decline in school performance or loss of interest in learning
- Increased irritability, anger, or mood swings
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Talking about death, dying, or wanting to disappear
- Engaging in risky behaviors or self-harm
If you notice these patterns, don’t dismiss them as “just teenage behavior.” Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it’s worth paying attention to.
What You Can Do to Support Your Teen
When your child is in a mental health crisis, you may feel pressure to “fix” things quickly. But your role is not to solve every problem—it’s to create an environment where your teen feels safe, supported, and not alone in their struggle.
Here are some key ways you can support your child:
- Listen without judgment. Your teen needs a safe space to share their feelings without fear of being criticized or dismissed. Instead of offering immediate advice, simply listen. Validation shows your teen that their emotions are real and important.
- Take their feelings seriously. Even if what they’re struggling with seems small to you, it may feel overwhelming to them. Avoid phrases like “You’ll get over it” or “It’s just a phase.” These can make your teen feel dismissed and less likely to open up in the future.
- Encourage professional help. A therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist can provide tools and treatment that go beyond what you can offer at home. Let your teen know that seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness but a step toward healing. Offer to help them find the right professional and go with them to appointments if they want you there.
- Be patient. Mental health recovery takes time. There may be setbacks along the way. Remind your child that it’s okay to have bad days, and reassure them that you’re in this together for the long haul.
- Create a supportive home environment. Maintain a predictable routine, which can help reduce stress and encourage healthy habits like sleep, exercise, and balanced meals. Limit access to harmful items (such as medications or weapons) if your teen is at risk of self-harm. Always be sure to celebrate small victories and progress.
What to Avoid Doing
Sometimes, even with the best intentions, certain reactions can worsen your teen’s feelings of isolation or shame. Try to avoid:
- Minimizing their struggles. Saying things like “You’re overreacting” or “Other people have it worse” can invalidate their feelings.
- Reacting with anger or frustration. Yelling or punishing your teen for their struggles can push them further away.
- Forcing conversations. Give your child space when they need it, but let them know you’re always available to listen.
- Expecting immediate change. Healing is not instant. Avoid pressuring your teen to “snap out of it.”
When a Crisis Escalates
If your teen is expressing suicidal thoughts or has made threats of self-harm, treat it as an emergency.
- Do not leave your child alone.
- Remove access to potential means of self-harm.
- Seek immediate professional help by contacting a mental health provider, visiting the nearest emergency room, or calling 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
How Creekside Can Help
Located in Kingsport, TN, Creekside Behavioral Health understands the weight parents carry when their teen is in crisis. Our compassionate team provides structured inpatient and outpatient care designed to stabilize symptoms and help adolescents develop healthier ways of coping.
We offer:
- Comprehensive assessments to understand each teen’s unique needs
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- A safe and supportive environment for healing
- Education and resources for parents to continue supporting their child at home
You don’t have to walk this journey alone—our team is here to guide your family through it.
