Breaking the Silence: Finding Support as a Teenager

Zachary Gammon

Sep 9, 2026

Blogs

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

If you or a loved one is thinking about suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline immediately. Suicide prevention, mental health, and substance use counselors are available 24/7 for support.

911 Emergency Assistance

If you or a loved one is in danger from a medical emergency or there is an imminent risk to someone’s life call 911 immediately.

Back to Blogs

Struggling in Silence

“I need help.”

Is this a thought you’ve had? Recently? This seemingly simple, three-word sentence, “I need help,” can sometimes be difficult to accept, especially if you are a teen.

Many teenagers, however, struggle in silence, unsure of who they can trust or who will listen. You are not alone and there are people who genuinely want to help you.

This article was designed for you! Let’s talk about:

Why mental health support for teens is normal,

How silence can be broken by reaching out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

What to expect when you reach out to 988,

How to use 988 to support a friend or family member.

Why Mental Health Support for Teens Is Normal

Mental health support for teens is normal, just as mental health care is normal at any age.

Teens, however, may need a little extra support due to the higher risk for suicide in this age group. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. for those aged 10-19.

The risk of suicidality in teens demonstrates a need for additional support.

Beyond this, by late teens and early 20s, nearly 50% of teens have received some form of mental health support for things like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and more.

It is normal to seek mental health support. So, how can that be done on your terms?

Maybe 988 is a good choice.

How Silence Can Be Broken By Using 988

ANYONE can reach out about pretty much anything! Lonely? 988. Being bullied? 988. Bullying someone and wanting to curb your anger? 988. Relationship problems? 988. Thinking of hurting yourself or someone else? 988. There is help and there is hope.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national crisis service that offers:

One-on-one support for mental health, substance use, and suicide 24 hours, 7 days a week.

There are several ways to reach 988:

Users can call, text, or chat 988 to get in touch with a mental health professional immediately.

What to Expect When You Reach 988

No matter how you reach 988 (see options above), a trained crisis counselor will connect with you. They will:

Introduce themselves,

Ask about your safety,

Ask what the call is regarding,

Connect you to resources, and

Discuss any next steps.

How to Use 988 to Support a Friend or Family Member

Having someone in your life who is experiencing a mental health problem can be very difficult for them and you. You can contact 988 directly about these situations too.

If you are concerned about a friend or family member, try to listen with compassion and without judgement. But you are not a counselor. If the challenge seems overwhelming or unsafe OR if you simply want your friend or family member to receive extra support, tell them about 988 and encourage them to reach out. If they are more comfortable with you contacting 988, that is ok too.

Considering Seeking Mental Health Support?

Being a teen is not easy. Seeking support as needed is a sign of strength.

Plus, maintaining mental wellness benefits you and the other people around you.

Are you thinking about mental health support? Maybe even for the first time? Consider these things:

Reflect on your situation: Take time to think about your current situation and how it is affecting your mood and behavior.

Recognize when you need help: When you notice mood and behavior changes, consider seeking support. You do not need to fully understand the changes you are experiencing to reach out for support.

Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Seek help through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You won’t know if it is helpful until you try it. Be open and willing to share your concerns with the crisis counselor. This allows the counselor to better understand your needs and provide appropriate support, resources, and guidance.

For teens, mental health struggles can be overwhelming at a time when you are still developing into the person you want to become. However, you are not alone and there is support available to you. There is help. There is hope.

Interested in learning more? Click here: 988 Modules !

Hink, A. B., Killings, X., Bhatt, A., Ridings, L. E., & Andrews, A. L. (2022). Adolescent suicide—Understanding unique risks and opportunities for trauma centers to recognize, intervene, and prevent a leading cause of death. Current Trauma Reports, 8(2), 41–53. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40719-022-00223-7

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). 988 Frequently Asked Questions. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/988/faqs

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP23-07-01-006, NSDUH Series H-58). Rockville, MD: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2022-nsduh-annual-national-report .

Back to News