Washington Teen Link

Talk it Out

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  • Socially withdrawn from spending time with friends and family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

Youth Suicide Prevention

Did you know you can bring our trainers with Crisis Connections to your school?

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.

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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.

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Working with mental health challenges can be overwhelming sometimes, and it’s okay to feel that. If you need extra support, consider calling Crisis Connections’ adult support line, the 24-Hour Crisis Line: 1.866.4CRISIS

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Looking for more info or resources?

Find the most typically requested services and resources. For more information or for further help, please contact us.

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Need additional resources on substance use?

Check out these resources for adult influencers!

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Youth Now

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

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Athena Forum

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

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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.

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download WTTFT Spanish

Teen to Teen: Let’s Talk It Out

7 Days a Week
6-10pm

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866-833-6546

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Teen Link is a peer-to-peer support line. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, we encourage you to dial 988, any time, day or night.

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