Reaching out to others and educating oneself are so critical when tackling mental health issues. In addition to the resources available at school, there are many websites that have had such a positive impact on the lives of teens and their families. Some of these issues are tremendously difficult to handle, it is so important that teens know that they are not handling them alone.
Some fantastic resources include:
Crisis Text Line
http://www.crisistextline.org/
Crisis Text Line provides free emotional support and information to teens in any type of crisis, including feeling suicidal. You can text with a trained specialist 24 hours a day. Text “CTL” or “LISTEN” to 741-741.
ReachOut.com
http://us.reachout.com/
This website provides information and support for teens and young adults struggling with mental health issues, including suicide. All the material is written by teens and young adults. There are fact sheets about depression and suicide, stories about dealing with suicide issues, information on how to get help for yourself and how to help a friend, and the ReachOut blog. You can also join a forum to connect with your peers for immediate support and information or use the text service ReachOut TXT to get help from trained volunteers.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
The Lifeline is a 24/7phone line for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. An online chat option is available at http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/GetHelp/LifelineChat.aspx
Trevor Project
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth ages 13–24. Its website has information about the signs of suicide and a way to connect online with other LGBTQ youth. The Trevor Helpline is a 24-hour toll-free suicide hotline at 1-866-488-7386. An online chat and text option are also available.
Youth Suicide Prevention Program
http://www.yspp.org/
This website is full of information for teens about suicide and suicide prevention, depression, how to help, and where to get help, as well as information for LGBTQ youth, including a video. It also has information on how to talk to a friend or an adult about suicide and materials for teens and adults who want to provide education about suicide prevention or start a suicide prevention program.