Tag: Parenting and Mental Health

Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma, Suicide Awareness and Prevention

Suicide Warning in Kids and Teens

Brandi Crum, MA, LMFT

Suicide Warning in Kids and Teens

Not Just a Phase: Suicide Warning Signs in Kids and Teens

Red Flags in Teen Behavior

Teenagers are known for mood swings, independence, and testing boundaries. But sometimes what looks like “just a phase” may actually be a cry for help. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people. Let that marinate for just a moment. I am going to say it again for those in the back. SUICIDE IS THE SECOND LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE. Many parents, teachers, and caregivers miss the warning signs because they mistake them for normal teenage behavior.

It’s time we learn to recognize the difference.

Behavioral Warning Signs

  • Withdrawal: Pulling away from friends, family, or activities once enjoyed.

  • Changes in sleep or appetite: Sleeping too much or too little, loss of interest in eating, or sudden overeating.

  • Drop in grades or motivation: A sudden decline in school performance or apathy about the future.

  • Risk-taking: Engaging in reckless behaviors like substance use, unsafe driving, or self-harm.

  • Giving away belongings: A subtle but serious sign that a child may be preparing for death.

Emotional Warning Signs

  • Hopelessness: Expressing feelings that nothing will ever get better.

  • Persistent sadness or irritability: More than just “bad moods.” These emotions linger.

  • Loss of interest: A flatness or lack of excitement in things that used to bring joy.

  • Feeling like a burden: Statements about being “in the way” or “better off gone.”

Verbal Cues

Sometimes teens will say things directly, and it’s crucial not to dismiss them as attention-seeking. Listen for phrases like:

  • “I wish I wasn’t here.”

  • “Everyone would be better off without me.”

  • “I just want it to stop.”

  • “What’s the point?”

If a child is talking about death or suicide, even in a joking way, it’s a red flag that needs immediate attention.

What Parents and Caregivers Can Do

  • Take every sign seriously. It’s always better to overreact than to regret silence.

  • Create open conversations. Ask direct, compassionate questions: “Are you thinking about suicide?”

  • Remove access to means. Lock away medications, firearms, or sharp objects.

  • Seek professional help. Therapists, school counselors, and doctors can provide support and intervention.

  • Stay present. Your consistent love and attention are powerful protective factors.

A Final Word

Teen behavior can be confusing, but your attentiveness can make the difference between life and death. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, don’t wait. Reach out, lean in, and seek help.

💛 If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You are not alone.

 

 

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Mental Health for Challenging Kids and Their Parents

Brandi C

mental health and kids

Mental Health for Challenging Kids and Their Parents

Parenting is a journey filled with love, joy, and challenges—especially when raising a child who struggles with mental health or behavioral difficulties. Some days, it feels like a rollercoaster of emotions, and as a parent, you may find yourself exhausted, second-guessing your choices, or simply trying to make it through the day. You are not alone because mental health for challenging kids and their parents is a real thing.

Supporting your child’s mental health doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means creating a foundation that helps them feel safe, supported, and understood. Here are a few key ways to do just that:

1. Keep Everything Simple

When life feels overwhelming, simplicity is key. Kids—especially those with anxiety, ADHD, autism, or other challenges—can struggle with too many choices, complex instructions, or chaotic environments. Break things down into small, manageable steps. Use visual schedules, short and clear directions, and predictable routines to help reduce stress for both you and your child.

2. Allow for Play

Play is a child’s natural language, and it’s also a powerful tool for mental and emotional health. Whether it’s imaginative play, sensory activities, or outdoor exploration, giving kids space to play helps them regulate emotions, process their experiences, and build important coping skills. Even older kids and teens benefit from activities that let them be creative and express themselves.

3. Keep a Routine

Children thrive on routine, especially those with anxiety or behavioral struggles. A consistent daily structure helps create a sense of security and predictability, reducing stress and emotional outbursts. Try to keep wake-up times, meals, and bedtime as consistent as possible. When changes need to happen, prepare your child ahead of time to ease transitions.

4. Watch for Warning Signs

Sometimes, kids express emotional distress in ways that don’t look like sadness. Watch for signs of anxiety, depression, or distress, including:

  • Increased meltdowns or irritability
  • Changes in sleep or eating habits
  • Avoiding activities they used to enjoy
  • Increased aggression or withdrawal
  • Physical complaints (stomachaches, headaches) with no medical explanation

If you notice these warning signs, don’t brush them off. Early intervention matters. Reach out to a therapist, counselor, or pediatrician to get support for your child—and for yourself.

Taking Care of You

Parenting a challenging child takes patience, resilience, and so much love. But it’s important to remember that your mental health matters too. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Find moments to breathe, lean on your support system, and remind yourself that you are doing the best you can.

If you need guidance on parenting strategies, mental health support, or simply a safe space to talk, reach out for a free 15-minute consultation or schedule an appointment today (Kentucky residents). You don’t have to do this alone.

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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