Mental Health for Teens
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TEXT "teen2teen" to 839863
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Reasons youth call/text:
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Suicide
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Self-harm
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Bullying
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Mental Illness
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Relationship Issues
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LGBTQ+
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Family/Friend issues
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Sexual Violence
The teenage years are a crucial period for developing emotional habits important to mental and social well-being.
See these videos from pop culture icons.
TEXT "teen2teen" al 839863
Motivos por los que llaman los jóvenes:
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Suicidio
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Autolesiones
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Intimidación
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Enfermedad mental
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Problemas de relación
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LGBTQ+
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Problemas familiares
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Violencia sexual
Self-Care
Taking care of yourself can look different for everyone, and the type of support you need depends on where you at on the spectrum of mental health.
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Self-care can include the little things we do to look after our mental and physical health. It often requires slowing down to listen to how we are feeling so we can take care of ourselves.
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Check out these culturally relevant mental health resources for: Hispanic/Latine, Indigenous/Native, Black/African American, and Asian American/Pacific Islanders.
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Trauma is a stressful event that makes a person fear for their or other people's life or safety. Learn more.​
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Coping with Stress
We all experience different levels of stress throughout our lives. Instead of becoming overwhelmed by stress it can be helpful to find ways to process and cope with stress!
Self-harm and self-injury are sometimes used as a way to release painful emotions. Find help here.
Research has shown that substance use can actually make mental health, depression, and anxiety worse.
Healthy Boundaries
Personal boundaries are limits that help to protect the physical and emotional space in all kinds of relationships. Boundaries help everyone to feel safe and in control of their surroundings, noticing and asking what each person is or isn't comfortable with, and communicating those boundaries to others. Setting boundaries isn't always easy. But it's essential for developing strong friendships and dating relationships that are respectful, supportive, and healthy.
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Setting healthy boundaries can look like labeling and naming your feelings, limiting time spent on social media, taking a break from the things that cause stress, or communicating your needs to friends or a partner. If you aren't sure what your boundaries are, try writing/drawing them in a journal.
Bullying and unhealthy relationships have big impacts on our mental health. Learn more from these videos on bullying.
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The majority of LGBTQ+ youth (52%) report being bullied in person or electronically. You decide IF and WHEN coming out is right for you, you don't have to do this alone. The Trevor Project & It Gets Better have resources and connections to an affirming, online community for LGBTQ+ youth.
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Crisis Support
Local resources for when you or someone you know are in crisis or need mental health support.
988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. That could be:
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Thoughts of suicide
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Mental health or substance use crises
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Emotional distress
The Trevor Project has trained counselors that understand the challenges LGBTQ young people face and are available for support 24/7.
Grief & Healing
Everyone grieves in their own unique way; there is no “right way” to grieve. Grief can be intense and loud or quiet and barely there. Some people aren’t sure what they feel. It’s all okay.
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If you are looking for ways to understand the grieving process, check out these trauma resources from the Dougy Center.
If you're looking for more specific resources, check out: Books about suicide grief, this LGBTQ+ Grief article, and a podcast on grieving and remembering.
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Grief is a natural and normal reaction to loss, professional support can be helpful to process your feelings. The Columbia Gorge has local Therapists listed on this website.