According to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 3 in 5 teenage girls reported feeling persistent sadness in 2021 (double the rate of boys) and 1 in 3 girls had seriously considered attempting suicide.

In the fall of 2021, the Youth Risk Behavior Survey was given to 17,000 adolescents at high schools across the United States. Based on these surveys, teenagers reported high levels of violence , depression and suicidal thoughts among lesbian, gay and bisexual youth. More than 1 in 5 of these students reported attempting suicide in the year before the survey.

Tips for Parents to Help Their Teens

Look for changes. Notice shifts in sleeping and eating habits in your teen, as well as any issues they might be having at school, such as slipping grades. Watch for angry outbursts, mood swings and a loss of interest in activities they used to love.

Keep the lines of communication open. If you notice something unusual, start a conversation. If your teen does not want to talk, offer them help to find a trusted person to share their struggles with instead.

Seek out professional support. A teen who expresses suicidal thoughts may benefit from a mental health evaluation and treatment. You can start by speaking with your child’s pediatrician or a mental health professional.

Resources. If you’re worried about someone in your life and don’t know how to help, these resources can offer guidance: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Text or call 988, The Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741741, and The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.