Wellness & Education

Suicide Awareness Month: Teen Mental Health Warning Signs Parents Shouldn’t Ignore

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Published: September 9, 2026

Table of Contents

A teenager may say, “I’m fine,” even when everything about them tells you something has changed.

They may stop eating with the family. They may quit caring about grades, practice, work, church, hobbies, gaming, music, or friends. They may sleep all day, barely sleep at all, seem angry all the time, or spend more and more time alone.

Parents often notice the change before they know what it means.

During Suicide Awareness Month, Rush Memorial Hospital wants parents and caregivers to know this: you don’t have to diagnose depression, anxiety, or a mental health condition before you ask for help. If your teen’s mood, behavior, sleep, eating, school performance, relationships, or safety feels different, that’s enough reason to start a conversation.

If your teen is in immediate danger or may hurt themselves or someone else, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department. For mental health crisis support, call or text 988.

Teen warning signs can look different than adults expect

Teenagers don’t always look sad when they are struggling.

Some become quiet. Some become angry. Some seem reckless, numb, exhausted, or easily overwhelmed. Some keep going to school and activities while hiding how much they are hurting.

A rough day or hard week doesn’t always mean a teen is in crisis. But changes that last, worsen, or interfere with daily life deserve a closer look.

Pay attention if your teen pulls away from friends or family, loses interest in things they used to enjoy, has major sleep or appetite changes, stops caring about school, uses alcohol or drugs more often, gives away important items, takes dangerous risks, or talks about feeling hopeless, trapped, worthless, or like a burden.

Also listen closely to statements like:

“I can’t do this anymore.”

“Everyone would be better off without me.”

“What’s the point?”

“I wish I could disappear.”

“I don’t want to be here.”

Don’t treat those words as drama. Treat them as a reason to step closer.

“They say they’re fine. Should I still ask?”

Yes.

A teen can say “I’m fine” and still be struggling. That does not mean they are trying to mislead you. They may be embarrassed, afraid of getting in trouble, unsure what they feel, or worried their pain will be too much for you.

Start with what you have noticed.

“I’ve noticed you haven’t been eating with us lately.”

“You used to care about practice, and now you seem too tired to go.”

“You’ve been spending more time alone, and I’m worried.”

“I’m not mad. I want to understand what has been going on.”

“You don’t have to tell me everything at once, but I need to know if you are safe.”

The first conversation may not go smoothly. Your teen may shrug, cry, get angry, or shut down. That does not mean the conversation failed. It may mean they need to see that you will keep showing up without judgment.

Ask directly if you are worried about suicide

If you are worried your teen may be thinking about suicide, ask clearly.

You can say, “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” or “Are you thinking about suicide?”

That question can feel scary to ask. Ask it anyway.

Asking directly does not put the idea in someone’s head. It gives your teen a chance to stop carrying it alone.

If they say yes, stay as calm as you can. Thank them for telling you. Stay with them. Move medications, firearms, sharp objects, or anything else that could be used for harm out of reach. Call 911, go to the nearest Emergency Department, or call or text 988.

988 is not only for the person in crisis. Parents and loved ones can call or text 988 if they are worried about someone else and need help deciding what to do.

When a teen needs help right away

Don’t wait if your teen talks about wanting to die, talks about suicide, has a plan to hurt themselves, has self-harmed, or you believe they may be unsafe.

Don’t leave them alone. Stay nearby, speak calmly, and get help right away.

Call 911, go to the nearest Emergency Department, or call or text 988 if your teen is in crisis, has suicide thoughts, or you’re unsure whether they’re safe.

Other signs that need quick action include sudden extreme mood changes, severe agitation, dangerous risk-taking, heavy substance use, or a sudden calm after a long period of distress. That sudden shift can sometimes happen when a person has made a decision to harm themselves.

When safety is the question, it’s better to overreact than to wait.

What if it doesn’t feel like an emergency, but you’re still worried?

You still shouldn’t wait for things to get worse.

Call your child’s provider and say, “I’m worried about changes in mood, sleep, school, and behavior. I’m not sure how urgent this is, but I need guidance.”

That’s a normal reason to call.

Rush Memorial Hospital’s Pediatric Care and Primary Care teams can be a starting point for parents who are worried about mood, anxiety, sleep, behavior changes, school struggles, or safety.

Rush Memorial Hospital also offers Behavioral & Mental Health services for patients who need mental health support. If you are not sure where to begin, Find a Provider can help you connect with care.

You don’t have to choose the perfect starting point. You only need to start.

What parents can do today

You don’t have to fix everything in one conversation.

Start by noticing the pattern. Write down what has changed, when it started, and whether it is affecting sleep, eating, school, work, friendships, family time, hygiene, mood, anger, fear, or daily life.

Then choose one next step.

Sit nearby without lecturing. Ask what has been going on. Ask directly about safety if you are worried. Call your teen’s provider. Use 988 if you need help deciding what to do. Remove access to anything that could be used for harm if you believe your teen may be unsafe.

A parent’s steady presence matters.

You don’t need to have the perfect words. You can start with:

“I love you.”

“I’m worried.”

“I’m not mad.”

“You don’t have to handle this alone.”

“We’re going to get help together.”

Don’t wait for a crisis to believe the warning signs

Suicide Awareness Month is a reminder to pay attention to the changes teens may not know how to explain.

A teenager shouldn’t have to fall apart before adults believe something is wrong. If your teen’s behavior, mood, sleep, eating, school performance, friendships, or safety feels different, trust that concern.

Rush Memorial Hospital is here to help Rush County families start the conversation and find the right level of care.

If there is immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department. For mental health crisis support, call or text 988.

For non-emergency concerns, contact a Rush Memorial Hospital provider and ask where to begin.

Medical Disclaimer
This blog is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always follow guidance from your healthcare provider. If you think you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.