'Mom-Enough'

The topic of self-harm and suicide is a scary topic to discuss with your teen; it can feel like you are increasing the likelihood of these things happening but in reality, keeping these things quiet strengthens the hold they have. The secret itself has an allure, becomes a partner, a friend to your teen. Be courageous and introduce yourself to these demons that your teen is fighting. It does not make them more real to speak about them, in fact, bringing the demons into the light, giving them a name, and speaking openly about them, begins to strip them of the allure and power they have acquired. Talking about your teen's suicidal feelings, or what draws him or her to self-harming, makes you an ally in the battle that they are ALREADY engaged in. And what teen can't benefit from having their mom and dad as an ally when they've begun a battle that they fear they cannot win?