Parenting Teens Through Mental Health Challenges

⚠️ 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-harmThe real function of self-destructive behaviorWhat “big emotions” actually meanHow validation calms the nervous systemThe difference between emotion and behaviorSetting boundaries without losing connectionBreaking generational parenting patternsBecoming a safe place for your teenIf 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 ResourcesIf 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/creativehealingphillyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiekmayTiktok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@katiekmayBuy 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 chatMuch Love 💞Donna Moala Parenting Collective                                               SLEEP & PARENTING ESSENTIALS🩷  For your daily walks, coffee's & travel     CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE COZIGO  🩷  Favourite room darkening product     CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE SLEEPY SUNDAYS🩷 Favourite Goat's Milk Formula    CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE LITTLE OAK FORMULA.🩷 Favourite Rice Milk Formula    CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE ...