Developmentally speaking, the years between youth and adulthood are critical for the development of emotional, cognitive, social, and mental change. Adolescence welcomes a time of growth, as children navigate milestones to prepare them for their roles as adults, this includes education and employment, living circumstances, and relationships. It can be a challenging and difficult time and is often associated with a higher risk of suicide.

When children live through traumatic events PTSD is a real risk. The traumatic events that may lead to PTSD include being the victim of a violent crime, which includes both physical and sexual abuse. Other traumas include school shootings, fires, floods, and car accidents. Additionally, the death of a loved one or suicide can trigger PTSD.