Support for teens

I need help for...

Myself

Teen outside (Frank Flores for Unsplash)

Growing up can feel really hard. Nothing has to be "wrong" to reach out. We can talk about whatever you're thinking or feeling. Not sure if you're ready to talk? Check out more info for yourself below.

Three teens taking heart selfie (Nappy for Unsplash)

If you're feeling worried about a friend, read more about how you can support them. Learn about some of the signs that might mean your friend needs someone to talk to.

Sometimes it's easier for teens to open up to a peer. We're here to help no matter what your teen is going through. If you're worried about your teen, encourage them to contact Teen Link.

Teen girl in the wind (Or Hakim for Unsplash)

Coaches, tutors, teachers, mentors, and community members often see changes in teens first. Teen Link can be a supportive resource that's easy to share with youth. It's free and confidential.

Support for myself

How do I support myself?
Growing up can be really confusing. Connecting with a peer can help you sort out what you're feeling or experiencing. Nothing has to be "wrong" for you to call, text, or chat with Teen Link. Check out the info below to learn more about mental health signs and self-care. We're here for you every day from 6-10pm. If you need support any other time: call, text or chat with 988.

What mental health signs should I watch for in myself?

Noticing changes in your mental health and how you respond to stress can be good signs to reach out for support:

Eating, sleeping, and other daily tasks have significantly changed from what’s normal for you
Not enjoying activities you used to enjoy
Spending significant time obsessing over bad things that might happen
Isolating yourself from friends or doing risky or reckless things
Thinking about hurting yourself or someone else
Having thoughts of suicide
Unexplained headaches and stomach aches
Hopelessness
Hearing from someone close to you that your emotions or behavior seem different
Feeling numb or unable to really connect with your feelings
Low energy—tired all the time or poor concentration
Feeling bad about yourself, like you’re a failure or letting people down

If you're having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text 988.

What are some ways I can care for myself?

Staying mentally healthy is just like staying physically healthy—there are a lot of things we can do. Some things to try are:

Notice what you're eating
Lots of sugar and processed foods or not drinking enough water can lead to anxiety, depression, insomnia, and inability to focus.
Get sleep
Being tired can make it hard to keep your energy up, focus, and do daily tasks.
Take a tech time out
Talking in person through something tough or sharing an experience with a friend helps us connect and be present.
Notice your thoughts
Are you being mean to yourself? Stuck on the same thoughts or doubting yourself? Try taking time to be kind to yourself just like you would be to a friend.
Movement
Physical activity increases blood flow to your brain for better concentration and sleep, creates endorphins (happy chemicals), and helps process feelings like stress and anxiety.
Trust yourself
Trust your instincts if your thoughts or feelings are getting overwhelming. Talk with a friend or someone you trust, and if you need to, you can connect with us, a doctor, or therapist for additional support.

Call or text Teen Link 7 days a week from 6pm –10pm at 866-633-6546. If you need immediate help, call or text 988.

Support for a peer

How do I support my peer?
If you're worried about a friend and don't know what to do, you don't have to handle it on your own. Teen Link volunteers are here to help you find ways to support a friend and take care of yourself too. Learn more about signs a friend may be struggling, how to help, and what to do if someone is having thoughts of suicide. If you're concerned your friend is having thoughts of suicide or self-harm: call, text, or chat with 988.

What are some signs my friend or peer is struggling?

They’re missing class or skipping their after-school activities
They are using drugs or alcohol in an unsafe or illegal way
They make comments about being “over it” or not wanting to live
They are getting in fights with people and being aggressive
They have a lot of stress at home or are being treated poorly by family members
They are hurting themselves or talking about wanting to do it

If you're worried your friend is having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text 988.

What can I do to help my friend?

Show you care
Pick a time to talk when you are less likely to be interrupted
Be specific about what you’ve noticed in your friend
Tell them you are concerned and you want to help them
Listen without judgment and without giving advice
Trust your gut – if your friend seems like they are in danger, talk to a trusted adult
If your friend seems suicidal, ask them directly, “Are you thinking about suicide?”
Maintain a safe space: move away from anything that could be used for self-harm
Do not touch anything that could be used for self-harm
Don’t keep it a secret!
Do not leave your friend alone
Get help!

Call or text Teen Link 7 days a week from 6pm –10pm at 866-633-6546. If you need immediate help, call or text 988.

How to help a friend if they have suicidal thoughts

My friend is thinking of suicide or hurting themself... What do I do?

If your friend is talking about hurting themself or they are talking about suicide, you should:

Ask them if they have thoughts about wanting to hurt themselves or ask if they are thinking of killing themself
Ask them if they have any plans to hurt or kill themself
Talk to an adult you or your friend trusts about this – it’s important to have resources for your friend and yourself

Asking someone if they are thinking of suicide will not put the idea in someone’s head. Research actually shows the opposite. People are often relieved to have someone willing to talk about what they’re going through. While you want to help with their problem, sometimes the best thing is just to do your regular thing. When you’re going through hard times, having a friend invite you to go to the gym, see a movie, or go get dinner can be calming and comforting while the storm blows over.

Support for my teen

How do I support my teen?
As a parent, it can be hard to know whether your teen is going through the typical ups and downs of adolescence, or if there’s something more concerning going on. Sometimes it's easier for teens to talk with a peer who understands. Teen Link is private—conversations stay between your teen and the volunteer.

Honoring where your teen is and leaning on community support
Changes in behavior may be noticed by school staff, coaches, friends, or family. Encourage your teen to talk with other adults they trust. Building relationships helps teens feel seen and heard.

What are some signs my friend or peer is struggling?

They’re missing class or skipping their after-school activities
They are using drugs or alcohol in an unsafe or illegal way
They make comments about being “over it” or not wanting to live
They are getting in fights with people and being aggressive
They have a lot of stress at home or are being treated poorly by family members
They are hurting themselves or talking about wanting to do it

If you're worried your friend is having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text 988.

What if I am concerned about a specific behavior?

If there’s something specific you’re worried about, explain to them why you feel concerned
Talk to your family doctor about your concerns, and ask them to talk to your teen about what you’ve noticed. In Washington state, teens over the age of 13 have the right to get medical attention without sharing information with their parent. While it can be hard to not know everything that’s going on, making sure they have a professional adult they can talk to is an important step
Check with your insurance to find a therapist that is covered.

What if I feel overwhelmed?

Support
for a teen
I know

How do I support my teen I know?
If you are a coach, a tutor, a school staff, or just someone who knows a lot of young people, you may be one of the first people to notice when something has changed or they aren’t doing well. It can be easy to think they would ask for help if they needed it and you want to respect their privacy, but many young people aren’t confident reaching out and would love to know you’re available to support them.

They may be working hard at just getting by and may not have realized how much they’re struggling. Having an adult with more awareness about mental health issues point out what they’re noticing can be the key to starting a conversation around a young person getting the support they need.

Signs a teen is struggling

They have had a low mood or significant sadness for more than two weeks
Their eating habits or weight have changed noticably
Their sleep patterns and energy level have changed
They seem withdrawn from friends and family
Missing assignments, slipping grades, or skipping class
Increased physical complaints like headaches and stomach aches
Depression in teens is often experienced physically not just mentally and emotionally
Behavior changes that are unlike them

If you're worried your teen is having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text 988.

How can I support a teen?

Check in regularly to keep communication channels open
Ask them what they need
Remind them you support them
Don't minimize their experiences or concerns
Listen without judgment, which creates a safe space for sharing
Share your life experience—remind them you didn't have everything figured out at their age
Make space for activities where they get your undivided attention

Call or text Teen Link 7 days a week from 6pm –10pm at 866-633-6546. If you need immediate help, call or text 988.

Youth Suicide Prevention Training

We strive to serve the emotional and physical needs of individuals across Washington state, especially our youth and our educators. Following the Washington Department of Health’s guidelines, Crisis Connections has created a suicide prevention training for middle school and high school students that are residing in Washington.

Each training covers the common warning signs and symptoms of depression and suicidal behaviors. Teens have the opportunity to build confidence in having difficult conversations and will learn how to reach out for help for themselves or a friend. Email teenlink@crisisconnections.org to schedule a training.

Helpful resources

Prevent Coalition | Clark, Klickitat & Skamania Counties

Youth Now

StopOverdose.org

Public Health Insider | Marijuana

Athena Forum | Substance Use

HCA | Substance Use Prevention

National Institute on Drug Abuse | Lesson Plans & Activities

WASAVP | Substance Misuse & Violence Prevention

Support for teens

I need help for...

Myself

A Peer

My Teen

A Teen I Know

Support for myself

Support for a peer

My friend is thinking of suicide or hurting themself... What do I do?

Support for my teen

Support
for a teen
I know

Helpful resources

Safety & Privacy

Talk to someone

Get Help

Support for teens

I need help for...

Myself

A Peer

My Teen

A Teen I Know

Support for myself

Support for a peer

Support for my teen

Support for a teen I know

Helpful resources

Safety & Privacy

Talk to someone

Get Help

Support
for a teen
I know