When a teen or tween is experiencing a mental health crisis—such as depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts—parents and caregivers often feel scared, exhausted, and increasingly isolated.

In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, clinical psychologists Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen explore how to truly show up for families navigating a teen mental health crisis. They discuss a painful and often unspoken reality: families in crisis are frequently left out of social gatherings, receive fewer invitations, and feel increasingly alone—not because others don’t care, but because people don’t know what to say or how to help.

This conversation explores why that withdrawal happens and how it can unintentionally deepen stress, shame, and disconnection for parents already under immense emotional strain. Dr. Caron and Dr. Allen offer practical, compassionate guidance for friends, extended family members, and communities who want to support families without overstepping, fixing, or offering unwanted advice.

Together, they explore:

• Why parents of teens in a mental health crisis often feel isolated, excluded, and forgotten

• How uncertainty and discomfort cause people to pull away—even with good intentions

• What meaningful support actually looks like during a mental health crisis

• How to communicate care without minimizing, judging, or problem-solving

• Simple ways to stay connected with families navigating teen mental health challenges

• Why presence, consistency, and patience matter more than saying the “right” thing

Here are some highlights from the episode:

00:00 How to Support Families Dealing With a Teen’s Mental Health Crisis

01:12 Mental Health Crises vs. Medical Crises: Why Responses Differ

03:09 Why Families in Crisis Often Feel Isolated

04:49 The Invisible Stress Parents Carry

05:29 What Actually Helps Families Feel Less Alone

06:40 Practical Ways to Show Up

06:53 1) Keep Showing Up, Even When It’s Uncomfortable

10:05 2) Let Families Know They Still Matter

10:48 3) Listen Without Trying to Fix

13:06 4) Keep Invitations Open Without Pressure

14:11 5) Handle Shared Information With Trust and Care

17:07 The Difference You Can Make

19:06 Why Kindness Takes Courage

If you care about a family parenting a teen or tween through depression, anxiety, or a mental health crisis—and want to support them without increasing pressure or distance—this episode offers clear, compassionate guidance.

Watch this episode Here on YouTube or
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