Chris Coulter thought his daughter Maddie was just being a teenager. Eye rolls, silence, withdrawal. He told himself it was a phase. One night he found her at a party in distress. He told her tomorrow would be a new day. That night she attempted suicide. This article is about what he missed, what he's learned since, and why he built The Mentor Well — a mentorship platform for teens and families navigating mental health challenges. Includes free tools and resources for parents.

After losing his daughter Maddie to suicide, Chris Coulter learned the hard truth: asking your teen "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?" doesn't plant the idea—it opens the door. This guide helps parents ask the questions they dread (substance use, self-harm, depression, suicidal ideation) without punishing honesty, plus what to do if they say yes. Includes crisis resources and practical scripts for hard conversations.

Mental illness is as urgent as any life-threatening condition—yet too often it’s met with silence, stigma, and inaction. One in four employees with children will face a serious family illness. For leaders, offering education, awareness, and mentorship can save lives, protect productivity, and show you care about what matters most—your people.