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Supporting Adolescent Mental Health: What Parents and Teens Need to Know

  • Writer: MFM Health
    MFM Health
  • 3 hours ago
  • 3 min read

At MFM Health, we care deeply about the well-being of every family we serve, including our youngest patients. While we do not currently provide adolescent mental health services directly, we believe in making important information and trusted resources accessible to our community.



Mental health challenges among teens and young adults are rising at alarming rates. Whether you're a parent, guardian, teacher, or friend, knowing the signs of emotional distress and where to turn for help can save lives.


Why Adolescent Mental Health Matters More Than Ever

Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for youth and young adults ages 10 to 24 in the United States (CDC, Jason Foundation). That’s more than deaths from cancer, heart disease, and other serious conditions combined. Recent national data underscores just how urgent this issue has become:

  • Suicide rates for this age group increased by over 52% between 2000 and 2021 (CDC).

  • Girls and young women face particularly high rates of self-harm and emergency department visits—more than twice the rate of boys (CDC).

  • In 2021, 9% of high school students reported attempting suicide. Rates were highest among non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native students (20.1%) (CDC).

  • In just one day, an estimated 3,703 suicide attempts occur among U.S. youth in grades 9–12 (Jason Foundation).


Bullying plays a significant role in these outcomes. A study involving over 70,000 middle and high school students found strong links between bullying—especially related to gender, race, and sexual orientation—and increased mental distress and suicide attempts (Healthline).


What to Watch For: Signs a Teen May Be Struggling

As a trusted healthcare provider for families, we encourage you to take notice if your child or teen:

  • Withdraws from family, friends, or previously enjoyed activities

  • Expresses feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or deep sadness

  • Has a sudden change in sleeping or eating habits

  • Becomes unusually irritable, angry, or anxious

  • Talks about death, suicide, or wanting to disappear

  • Engages in risky or self-harming behaviors


According to the Jason Foundation, four out of five teens who attempt suicide show warning signs beforehand. Listening, staying engaged, and asking honest questions—without judgment—can make a life-changing difference.


Trusted Resources for Teens, Parents, and Families

While MFM Health does not provide adolescent behavioral health services, we’ve compiled a list of free and low-cost resources to help you and your family get the support you need:


Immediate Support


General Mental Health Resources


LGBTQIA+ Youth

  • The Trevor ProjectSuicide prevention and peer support for LGBTQIA+ teens and young adults.


Bullying Prevention

  • StopBullying.gov Tools for teens, parents, and educators to identify and stop bullying.




Final Thoughts

You don’t have to navigate this alone, nor does your child.


Even if your teen doesn’t show visible signs of distress, now is the time to start open conversations about mental health. Normalize checking in. Make it clear that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.


At MFM Health, we’re here to support the whole health of your family—and that includes helping you find the care and resources you need beyond our walls.

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