Support and Resources for Teen Mental Health

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, adolescent mental health continues to worsen each year. The CDC reports that more than 4 in 10 (42%) students felt persistently sad or hopeless, nearly one-third (29%) experienced poor mental health, more than 1 in 5 (22%) students seriously considered attempting suicide, and 1 in 10 (10%) have attempted suicide.

We found these statistics to be both staggering and heartbreaking. In our effort to battle this teen mental health epidemic, we are sharing a few ways you can support a teen in your life, as well as some helpful resources you can use.

Ways to show your support:

• Model vulnerability by showing that it is okay to not be okay

• Rather than agreeing or disagreeing, try to find common ground and understanding with your teen

• Listen attentively when they speak and take an interest in the conversation

• Make sure they know you are always available to talk

• Frequently check in by asking questions and showing you not only care about what is going on in their life but that you remember what you've discussed in the past too. 

• Offer reassurance and love 

Resources:

• Phone numbers:

• Crisis Text Line: Text “START” to 741741 in USA

• List of International Suicide Hotlines

• National Eating Disorder Association:  Call 1-800-931-2237

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

• For LGBTQ Youth: TrevorLifeline at 866-488-7386, TrevorText -Text START to 678-678

• Organizations:

• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

• Anxiety and Depression Association of America

• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

• MentalHealth.Gov

• Mental Health America

• National Institute of Mental Health

• The Kennedy Forum

• International Bipolar Foundation

• National Eating Disorder Association

• Borderline Personality Disorder

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy Resources

In today’s world, it is no surprise that teens are struggling mentally. Although we cannot change the world, we can remember to be conscious and supportive of the teens in our lives and assist them in navigating this mental health journey they are just beginning.