Silent Struggles: Youth Suicide Prevention

September 10, 2025

By: Natasha Poulopoulos, PhD

One of the most heartbreaking realities we face is youth suicide— the second leading cause of death among young people in the United States. Recent data from the National Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey (YRBSS) suggests that 20% of high school students seriously considered suicide in the past year and 40% endorsed persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Behind the statistics are real kids, teens, families, and communities impacted by unimaginable loss. Awareness and prevention are not just professional priorities—they are personal responsibilities we all share.

Understanding the Scope 

Each year in the United States, thousands of young people die by suicide. Even more attempt it or struggle silently with thoughts of ending their lives. The reasons are complex and often interact: mental health challenges, social pressures, trauma, identity struggles, bullying, loss, and sometimes a feeling of being disconnected or unseen. No person should feel that ending their life is their only option.

Warning Signs

Parents, educators, and caregivers are often the first line of defense. Some signs that a young person may be struggling include:

• Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities they once enjoyed

• Drastic changes in mood, behavior, or sleep

• Talking or writing about death or hopelessness

• Declining performance in school

• Giving away belongings or saying goodbye

• Engaging in reckless or risky behaviors

These signs don’t always mean a teen is suicidal, but they do signal that support is needed (hence the suicide prevention piece).

How to Support Youth

• Open Conversations: Ask directly about feelings and struggles. Talking about suicide does not cause suicide—it opens the door for support.

• Listen Without Judgment: Create a safe space where young people feel heard rather than criticized.

• Seek Professional Help: Early intervention from a licensed mental health professional can be lifesaving.

• Reduce Stigma: Normalize conversations about mental health so youth feel less alone in their struggles.

Prevention is Possible

By fostering strong connections, teaching coping skills, and ensuring access to mental health care, we can make a difference. Every small action—checking in with a friend, listening to a teen, speaking up when something feels wrong—can save a life.

As a pediatric psychologist, here are some insights from my clinical experience:

• Parents who respond openly and non-judgmentally to mental health struggles or discussions about suicide with their children, create an environment where children feel supported

• Safety Plans work

  • Develop a plan of coping strategies, supportive environments, people to contact and ways to manage emotions during a crisis

  • Do not blame, shame, or punish a child for sharing their struggle 

  • Means restriction involves locking up medications (yes, over the counter medications!), ropes/chords, razors/sharps, and removing firearms from the home.  

Resources for Immediate Support 

If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. 

Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate support.

Our children deserve a future full of hope, belonging, and possibility. Together, through awareness and compassionate action, we can help prevent suicide and ensure no young person feels invisible in their pain.

Questions or thoughts? Comment or connect with me: info@drtash.com