As parents, it’s natural to believe our children are safe, happy, and out of harm’s way. We want to believe the best about them—and we should. But that hope can sometimes make it hard to see warning signs when our children are silently struggling.

At Pathstones Counseling Center, we want to lovingly challenge a common belief many parents hold: “My kid would never think about suicide.”

It’s a comforting thought—but unfortunately, it can be dangerously misleading.

The Truth About Teen Suicide

The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS) created the “Not My Kid” campaign to raise awareness about the increasing rates of suicide among adolescents and teens. And the data is hard to ignore:

· Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10 to 24.

· Many teens who die by suicide showed no obvious signs to their families or teachers beforehand.

· In many cases, parents had no idea their child was even thinking about suicide.

The goal of the “Not My Kid” campaign isn’t to scare—it’s to equip parents to open conversations that can save lives.

Why It’s Okay to Talk About Suicide

Talking to your child about suicide does not put the idea in their head. In fact, research shows that when we talk openly and calmly about mental health and suicide, we help remove the stigma—and increase the chances that our children will reach out for help if they ever need it.

You don’t have to be a counselor. You just need to be a safe space.

Signs Your Teen Might Be Struggling

While some teens hide their pain well, there are still signs to watch for, including:

· Withdrawing from family or friends

· Sudden changes in mood or personality

· Loss of interest in things they once enjoyed

· Talking or joking about death or dying

· Declining grades or school avoidance

· Giving away possessions or saying goodbye

Even if these signs seem small, don’t ignore them. Trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to check in.

What You Can Do as a Parent

1. Start the Conversation Let them know it’s okay to talk about anything—including depression or thoughts of suicide.

2. Ask Directly If you’re concerned, ask calmly and directly: “Have you ever thought about hurting yourself?” Asking won’t make things worse—it shows you care.

3. Listen Without Judgment Your job is not to fix everything in one conversation. Just be there and listen with love.

4. Get Help If your teen is struggling, reach out for professional help. Talk to a counselor, a school therapist, or call/text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Pathstones Is Here to Help

At Pathstones Counseling Center, we provide affordable Christian counseling for children, teens, and families in the Longview, Texas area. Our licensed counselors are trained to walk with young people through anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and more—with care and compassion.

If you suspect your child might be struggling—or you just want to talk through how to support them—we’re here for you.

Contact Us Today to schedule a session or learn more.

Final Word: Believe It Could Be Your Kid

Believing “Not My Kid” may be a comforting thought, but awareness is the first step to prevention. Let’s choose to be proactive, present, and prayerful for the children in our lives. Visit sptsusa.org/not-my-kid for more tools and resources. Together, we can help our kids know they are never alone—and always deeply loved.