Behind the Smile: The Hidden Face of Suicide in Young People (Blog #56)

By Glenda Henning-Augustine*

When we think about teen and young adult suicide, many of us imagine visible warning signs—tears, withdrawal, sadness. But the truth is, you can’t always tell from the outside.

This reality has touched my own family. My great nephew, in his early twenties, was the kind of young man everyone admired. Friends surrounded him, he had a bright future, and came from a supportive family. Like many of my children’s classmates and friends, he “had everything going for him.” Yet, beneath the surface, he carried a pain that few could see.

This heartbreaking experience reminds me—and I hope it reminds all of us—that suicidal thoughts don’t have a single face. Some of the brightest smiles, funniest personalities, or most accomplished students are silently carrying a heavy burden, and the people closest to them are shocked when a crisis occurs.  To be sure, the burdens that our youth carry are real.  And, as the data shows, teen suicide especially impacts our black youth. 

The Johns Hopkins University's Bloomberg School of Public Health reports that black youth have the fastest rising suicide rate among their peers of other races and ethnicities: 

·       In the 13-year period between 2007 and 2020, the suicide rate among Black youth ages 10-17 increased by 144%.

·       Black boys up to age 19 have more than twice the suicide rate compared to Black girls of their age group.

·       In 2021, one in five Black high school students reported seriously considering attempting suicide in the past year. That same year, nearly 18% of Black high school students had made a suicide plan in the past year, and 15% reported attempting suicide. Nearly 1 in 20 needed medical attention as a result of their suicide attempt.

This is why suicide prevention requires more than observation - it requires listening, creating safe spaces, and ensuring access to resources.

Why You Can’t Tell Just by Looking

●      Appearances can be misleading. Many young people hide their pain behind academic success, athletics, humor, or a “perfect” social media presence.

●      Stigma plays a role. Teens may fear judgment, cultural misunderstanding, or being a “burden,” so they mask their feelings.

●      Different faces, same struggle. Suicidal ideation can affect anyone—straight-A students, athletes, artists, LGBTQ+ youth, or young people from BIPOC and immigrant communities.

The face of suicidal youth doesn’t look one way. That’s why connection and conversation are so critical. And there are many resources that can help.

General Teen Suicide Prevention Resources

●      988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Text, call or chat 24/7 for immediate help

●      CDC Suicide Prevention Resource for Action - Evidence-based strategies for schools and communities.

●      Hope Squad  – Peer-to-peer prevention program in schools.

●      Active Minds  – Mental health advocacy academy and peer support in schools and colleges.

●      National Institute of Mental Health - Suicide Prevention resources - Fact sheets, graphics, and tools for youth outreach.

 

LGBTQ+ Youth-Focused Resources

●      The Trevor Project -  24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth – Text, call or chat.

●      Trans Lifeline -  Peer-run hotline: (877) 565-8860.

●      Human Rights Campaign - HRC Mental Health Resources – Resources tailored for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals.

●      GLSEN - Tools for building safe and inclusive school climates.

 

BIPOC Youth & Under-Represented Groups

●      LifeAct  – Tools supporting LGBTQ+ and BIPOC youth mental health.

●      Culturally Informed Strategies – Trusted community leaders, culturally competent care, and safe environments make a difference.

Final Reflection

I share my great nephew’s story not just to grieve, but to remind others and myself: you honestly can’t always tell who is struggling. Behind laughter, accomplishments, and outward success, there can be silent battles.

If you take anything from this, let it be this: check in on your young people, ask how they’re really doing, and listen without judgment. Sometimes that small act of presence and care can open a door to healing.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please don't hesitate to reach out. You are not alone. Help is available.

●      Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

●      The Trevor Project for LGBTQ+ youth

●      Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860

Together, by breaking the silence and sharing resources, we can bring hope where it feels lost.

*Glenda Henning-Augustine, MSW, M.Ed, is co-Founder of 2 Black Moms & A Mic