A Teen in my Life - Teen Link

How do I support a teen in my life?

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.

A young person 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 may be struggling

Low mood or significant sadness for more than two weeks
Their eating habits or weight have changed notably
Their sleep patterns and energy level have changed – either increased or decreased
Socially withdrawn from spending time with friends and family
Missing assignments, slipping grades, or skipping class altogether
Increased complaints of physical pain like headaches and stomach aches
Behavior changes that are unlike them

What can I do help the teen?

Check-in regularly and ask them how they’re doing
Let them know you’re available to talk if they need anything
Let them know that you want to support them
Explain the limits of what you can and can’t do, and help them brainstorm how to reach out for additional support
Encourage them to talk their parents or another adult who can help them get what they need
Take them seriously, listen and respond to their concern
Help them practice how the conversation might go, if they are afraid to tell their parents or school counselor

Suicide Prevention Training

for High School Students

Following the WA Department of Health’s guidelines, Crisis Connections offers suicide prevention training for middle school and high school students that are residing in King county and surrounding areas. Each training addresses common warning signs and symptoms of depression and suicidal behaviors.

Youth Suicide Prevention Curriculum

For Elementary through High School Students

Schools play an important role in youth suicide prevention. Crisis Connections offers three health curricula designed to be taught by classroom teachers or counselors, and appropriate for students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels: Riding the Waves, LOOK LISTEN LINK, and H.E.L.P.

Need additional resources on substance use?

Check out these resources for adult influencers!

Prevent Coalition

Working for healthy, thriving, and substance-free communities in Clark, Klickitat and Skamania counties.

Youth Now

Offers resources, campaigns, research and other supports for youth, parents, educators and providers.

StopOverdose.org

Resources for communities to prevent opioid overdose, find treatment options, and support families.

Public Health Insider

News about efforts to protect the health and well-being of all people in Seattle and King County.

Athena Forum

The site for substance abuse prevention and mental health promotion professionals and volunteers.

King County Public Health

Youth marijuana and vaping prevention resources and guides for teachers and community organizations.

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Lessons, activities, and drug facts to educate teens about the effects and consequences of drug use.

ADAI Clearinghouse - a resource for Washington State

ADAI Clearinghouse

A resource center for Washington State residents with print and online resources about drugs and alcohol.

WA Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention

Support safe/healthy communities through substance abuse & violence prevention.

WA Health Care Authority

Details statewide prevention programs, current projects, and community involvement.

Where to Turn for Teens

Where to Turn for Teens (WTTFTs) is a resource guide created especially for youth in King, Pierce, and Snohomish County, covering important topics like:

Alcohol & Drugs
Dating & Domestic Violence
Eating Disorders
LGBTQIA+
Homelessness & Running Away
Suicide
And many more!

The agencies listed in WTTFTs can link youth to organizations providing a wide variety of services. The goal of WTTFTs is to make sure teens are aware of the many youth-friendly resources that exist and empower youth to seek help with the support of others.

download WTTFT Spanish