Mother of son who died by suicide joins psychologist for Feb. 25 teen suicide, depression discussion

Nancy Wagner, the mother of Jonas Wagner who died by suicide in 2021, will be a presenter at an event on Feb. 25 at Pax Christi Catholic Community in Eden Prairie.

Nancy, a Pax Christi parishioner, joins Dr. Sue Pearce, a licensed adolescent psychologist with 20 years of experience in the field.

Nancy was featured in Eden Prairie Local News’ eight-part series “Silent Struggles,” published in October and November 2023.

Jonas died by suicide on June 11, 2021, after a four-month battle with depression and suicidal ideation. He was 17. Nancy told his story to EPLN, describing the family’s extraordinary efforts to help Jonas and the agonizing grief that followed his death. After “Silent Struggles” was published, Nancy pledged to continue to tell Jonas’ – and her – story as often as she could to whoever would listen.

Advertisement

Topics for the event, titled “Teen Depression and Suicide: What Every Parent Needs to Know,” include what depression looks like in teenagers and how it is different from “teen angst,” when to become concerned and how to recognize and respond to warning signs, how to have difficult conversations with your teen, and instilling hope for the future.

The event is from 6 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, in Pax Christi’s Hall of Martyrs.

For questions, email Shannon Rouston at srouston@paxchristi.com.