We won’t sugarcoat things. Starting school and moving through this stage of life can bring changes, emotions, and situations that sometimes feel challenging.  

You’re dealing with:

• Fear of sharing your true identity and risking rejection
• School pressure that feels impossible
• Running on barely any sleep
• Trying to keep up with social media and friendships
• Family stress that’s way heavier than people think
• Adults who act like they “get it” but… don’t
• Masking your difference so you fit in

You’re also figuring out you: who you are, where you fit, who you want to be, while the world keeps telling you who it thinks you should be.

On top of all that, external factors—climate change, politics, wars, nonstop bad news—can make it feel like the world is on fire.

You deserve honesty, even about tough topics like mental health, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. Most of all, you deserve clear, caring information to help you feel supported and safe.

Here’s the thing about shame: it loves silence. Suicidal thoughts often hide in that silence. But when you speak them out loud — to a friend, a trusted adult, or a crisis line — the shame starts to lose power.

It’s normal for this period of your life to feel challenging at times. There are things you can do to build resilience when life feels tough. Hanging out with friends, getting outside, journaling, or practicing meditation are all practices that can help make hard days feel a little easier to handle.

Still, it’s a lot. No wonder some teens feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed. Sometimes things can get really complicated and take a scary turn, and suicidal thoughts show up. That doesn’t make you broken—it makes you human.

I’m not just saying this from a distance. I’m a dad of three teens and a psychologist who’s worked with young people for decades. I’ve sat with teens who’ve told me about their pain, their secrets, their fears. And I’ve watched them go from hurting to healing.

I know it’s possible. And here’s what I want you to hear:

• When the world sees your privilege, we see your hidden pain.
• When the community celebrates tech and success, we know you’re longing for unconditional love.
• When adults argue about right and wrong, we know what you really want is acceptance and belonging.

Here’s the thing about shame: it loves silence. Suicidal thoughts often hide in that silence. But when you speak them out loud — to a friend, a trusted adult, or a crisis line — the shame starts to lose power. You don’t have to go through this alone.

Therapy can also help. Here’s what it looks like:

• We listen — really listen.
• We help you make a plan to stay safe.
• We teach coping skills that actually work.
• We remind you that life can hold joy and purpose again.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has been found effective for a range of mental health conditions and issues, including depression, self-harm and suicidal ideation and others. Check out this article to learn more about DBT and how it works.

Here’s a promise I’d like you to make to yourself:
“If I ever feel like I can’t handle it, I will call 988, text HOME to 741741, or tell a trusted adult. I won’t go through this alone.”

If you’re having suicidal thoughts, here’s what you can do right now:

Call or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential).

Text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.

If you’re LGBTQ+, reach out to The Trevor Project for support from people who truly understand.

Because your life matters. When depression tries to convince you it doesn’t, that’s depression talking. The truth is: You are here for a reason. You are loved more than you know. And there is a future worth living for — one step, one conversation, one breath at a time.

We’re always in your corner!  

For support from CHC, please have a parent call or email us at 650.688.3625 or [email protected].

We’re here for you.

— Dr. Ramsey Khasho & the CHC Team