Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd highlight the steep rise in teen depression and suicide, with more than a third of teens reporting persistent sadness. They note depression can be hard to spot and may show up as isolation, sudden changes in sleep/eating or school, risky behavior, substance use or self-harm. Parents should make steady, deeper conversations a priority, take any talk of dying seriously, and involve medical and counseling support when needed. Bottom line: Trust your gut, intervene early, and keep teens engaged in care with clear boundaries and compassionate support.

Mark's residential counseling ministry, Heartlight, is designed specifically to help struggling teens. To learn more and see if it's right for your teen and family, please visit heartlightministries.org

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org.