Help
It’s not always
easy to ask for help, especially when you’re not sure where to turn. Telling a trusted adult should be your first choice. If that is not possible or if they’re not sure where to turn, there are organizations who are available and are often a call or text away. There are federal programs that are available to anyone in the United States. Your state also has programs and services and so does your county and in some areas, even your city or town can provide the help you need.
image provided by The Mental Teacher
Youth.gov (formerly FindYouthInfo.gov) was created by the Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs (IWGYP), which is composed of representatives from 13 federal departments and 12 federal agencies that support programs and services focusing on youth. Here yo
u will find information on these topics: Adolescent health, Afterschool programs, American Indian and Alaska Native youth, Bullying prevention, Children of incarcerated parents, Civic engagement, Dating violence prevention, Disabilities, Driver safety, Employment, Expectant and parenting young families, family engagement, Financial capability & Literacy, Gang involvement prevention, Homeless & runaway, Juvenile justice, Mental health, Mentoring, and Opportunity youth.
Whew! That's a lot of information.
We all feel down sometimes, so how do we know if what we are feeling is something more?
My Mental Health: Do I Need Help? can help you sort it out. It has self-assessment tools as well as self-care tips and links to get more information and help.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for anyone in crisis. You can call, text, or use chat on the website.
The Trevor Project is a non-profit that was founded in 1998 to help preve
nt suicide among LGBTQIA+ youth. They have counselors available as well as info about sexual orientation and gender identity and tools for yourself or to help a friend.