⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses teen self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

Teen mental health is in crisis. Many parents feel overwhelmed and unsure how to respond when their teen is struggling with self-harm, suicidal ideation, anxiety, or intense emotions.

On this episode of The Parenting Collective Podcast, Donna speaks with licensed therapist and author Katie K. May, who works with high-risk teens and their families.

They explore:

• Why teens self-harm
• The real function of self-destructive behavior
• What “big emotions” actually mean
• How validation calms the nervous system
• The difference between emotion and behavior
• Setting boundaries without losing connection
• Breaking generational parenting patterns
• Becoming a safe place for your teen

If your teen is dealing with depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, or suicidal thoughts, this conversation will help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface—and how to respond in ways that build trust, safety, and resilience.

⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Why This Matters
01:17 Meet Katie
03:48 Hidden Anxiety
05:19 Fire Feelers
07:43 Decode Behavior
09:36 Validation
10:56 Good-Enough Parenting
12:57 Break Cycles
15:11 Trust the Data
16:47 Self-Harm
17:47 Emotion vs Behavior
18:21 Nature + Nurture
19:34 Invalidation
20:32 Repair
22:06 Boundaries + Connection
24:43 Letting Go
27:23 Parenting Grief
28:16 Resources

If you or your teen is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services or a suicide prevention hotline in your country.

Follow Katie K. May: 

Website: https://katiekmay.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiekmay/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativehealingphilly

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiekmay

Tiktok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@katiekmay

Buy You’re on Fire, It’s Fine: https://youreonfireitsfine.com/

I would appreciate it greatly if you could please LIKE and FOLLOW this podcast and if you are not following me over on instagram, head over there for all of my top tips and advice around sleep and parenting @parentingcollective.au. I also offer a free 15 minute phone chat to run through all your questions CLICK here to book your FREE 15 minute chat

Much Love 💞

Donna Moala
Parenting Collective

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