You didn’t hear much about child anxiety or suicide when you were growing up. Back then, kids got moody, sure—but now, something feels different. Something heavier. Something urgent.
And you’re right. Anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts have become alarmingly common among kids and teens. In fact, sadly, suicide is now one of the leading causes of death for young people—even among pre-teens.
Experts can list dozens of contributors: social media, overloaded schedules, academic pressure, disconnection, and fear about an uncertain future. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and uncertain yourself, it makes sense that your child might be too.
Our kids are absorbing more than we realize—and they’re often carrying it alone.
Parents often ask us, “How would I know if something is seriously wrong?”
Start by watching for these three subtle shifts:
- Withdrawal: Is your child suddenly uninterested in friends or activities they once loved? Isolation can be a symptom of depression and a possible red flag for suicidal thoughts.
- Sleep and Appetite Changes: Are they sleeping much more or much less? Eating differently—binging or barely touching food? These may signal emotional distress.
- Increased Emotion or Irritability: Hormonal shifts are normal, but if anger, crying, or volatility seem constant or unrecognizable, it may be something deeper.
Other red flags might include:
- A drop in school performance,
- Expressions of hopelessness,
- Risky behaviors (including substance use),
- Frequent unexplained physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches, and
- Watch for signs of cutting or self harm.
Remember this. When kids face a mental health crisis, they don’t need perfection. They need:
- Connection: Quiet listening without judgment. They need to know they can tell you the truth—and that you’ll stay steady.
- Safety: Home needs to feel like a shelter, not a spotlight. A place where they’re free to express, question, and be, without fear of retribution or punishment.
- Hope: Even if they don’t ask for it, they’re searching for reassurance. Let them know that what they feel won’t last forever—and that help exists, and that you are honored to walk even the difficult times with them.
You don’t have to face this alone—and neither do they.
At Care to Change, our counselors specialize in walking alongside young people. They aren’t there to “fix” your child. Instead, we help them:
- Understand their emotions and where they come from
- Develop tools to understand and handle anxiety, depression, and stress
- Explore difficult thoughts in a judgment-free space
- Learn new ways to communicate
- Reconnect with you through guided support
We also support you—because parenting through crisis is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do.
If your child is struggling, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. In fact, seeking help shows your strength as a parent. The willingness to say, “I don’t have all the answers, but I care enough to find them,” is an act of love.
The earlier your child begins to heal, the more hopeful the journey can become.
Learn more about our team of professionals who specialize in working with children and teens. Or simply contact us—we’ll walk with you toward finding the right fit. The sooner we begin, the sooner your child can start to feel safe, supported, and understood.