Being a teenager isn’t always easy. You have to juggle homework, friendships and family relationships day in and day out. Some teens even work part-time while attending school, creating an additional source of stress. During tough times, it’s important to have a reliable source of support.
Not everyone feels comfortable sharing their innermost thoughts with family members or local medical professionals, making confidential helplines a vital resource. A teen helpline typically offers mental health information and ongoing support, ensuring teenagers have a place to turn to when they need help.
Why Teens Need Strong Support
Stress is a normal part of life, but teens often need more support than adults or younger children. The teen years are all about figuring out who you are and what you want to do with your life. Teens also have to learn to navigate new situations, such as setting boundaries with romantic partners and figuring out how to balance work with extracurricular activities.
These are just a few of the reasons teens need strong support.
- Peer Pressure
During the teen years, the brain is still developing, so teenagers are highly susceptible to the influence of their peers. Classmates, neighbors and other teens may pressure each other to drink, use drugs or participate in bullying. Giving in to this pressure contributes to anxiety, sadness and guilt.
If you’re dealing with peer pressure, you’re not alone. According to the Pew Research Center, 7% of both boys and girls report feeling pressured to be sexually active. Many teens — 45% of girls and 37% of boys — feel pressure to fit in socially. Many teens also start smoking or using illicit substances due to peer pressure. - Socioeconomic Challenges
In 2022, nearly 38 million Americans were living in poverty, making it difficult to afford food, heat and other necessities. Even families living well above the poverty line can have financial struggles, leaving teens feeling stressed and vulnerable.
Socioeconomic challenges can also make teens worry about fitting in with friends whose families can afford expensive smartphones, clothes, computers and other items. In some cases, these financial worries prevent teens from focusing on their studies. - Family Dysfunction
Some teens need support because they belong to dysfunctional families. A dysfunctional family typically has a high level of conflict due to abuse, addiction or some other problem.
Poor boundaries, a high level of unpredictability and ineffective communication are just a few of the reasons teens may need extra support.
Helplines for Teens
If you want to talk to someone about your problems, try a teen helpline. You can get free, confidential support when you need it most.
- Mental Health Hotline
Call the Mental Health Hotline to connect with a trained counselor who can refer you to a local mental health professional. Counselors can help you find someone who has experience working with teens.
(866) 903-3787 - Teen Line
Teen Line offers phone, text and email support, making it a versatile teen helpline that can assist you every night between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. PST. What makes Teen Line unique is you get to connect with another teen instead of an adult.
(800) 852-8336 - TheHopeLine
TheHopeLine offers 24-7 online chat support, giving you the opportunity to connect with a compassionate “Hope Coach.” Founded by Dawson McAllister, a popular radio host, TheHopeLine also has email mentors who can offer ongoing advice. Mentors are trained to provide feedback without being judgmental, making teens feel more comfortable opening up about their problems.
Website: https://www.thehopeline.com/ - National Runaway Safeline
If you’re between the ages of 12 and 21, call the National Runaway Safeline if you’re experiencing a crisis. NRS offers high-quality support for teens who are living in abusive environments, having trouble accessing food, experiencing homelessness and more. You can also get referrals to food pantries, shelters and other resources in your area.
(800) RUNAWAY ((800) 786-2929) - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Counselors at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline have extensive experience helping teens in crisis. If you’re thinking about harming yourself, call 988 to connect with someone who can help with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health issues.
988 - NAMI Teen & Young Adult Helpline
If you’d rather talk to a peer than a professional counselor, contact the NAMI Teen & Young Adult Helpline. Available on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, the helpline has trained specialists available to provide emotional support. NAMI can also refer you to local resources or provide information about improving your mental health.
(800) 950-6264 - Boys Town National Hotline
Counselors at Boys Town National Hotline provide support for teens dealing with bullying, substance use, family problems and thoughts of self-harm. This teenage helpline is open every day of the year, ensuring you can always get the help you need. Boys Town National Helpline is also accredited as a crisis center by the American Association of Suicidology.
(800) 448-3000 - Trevor Project Lifeline
Trevor Project Lifeline gives LGBTQ+ teens a place to turn when they need emotional support or have unaddressed mental health issues. Counselors listen without judgment, making it easier for callers to open up about their concerns. If you lack privacy, you can connect with a counselor via text.
Call: (866) 488-7386
Text: 678-678
Get Help With Your Mental Health
If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to contact the Mental Health Hotline. We can help you connect with local churches or find mental health resources in your area. Call today to access long-term support and guidance.