Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds, according to a July 2013 report by the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Many teenagers turn to suicide as a means of escaping bullying. Depression, stress, pressure to succeed and self-doubt are just some of the reasons why teenagers (and adults) may find themselves contemplating suicide. There is a very good chance that at some point we may know somebody who will face depression and possibly the thought of suicide.  

Knowing the signs of depression and available resources and hotlines can save a life!

Signs of depression:

• Withdrawal from friends, family and regular activities
• Drug or alcohol use
• Unusual neglect of personal appearance
• Frequent complains about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as stomaches, headaches, fatigue, etc.
• Loss of interest in pleasurable activities

Below is a list of hotlines that are available 24/7 for children and teens who are facing depression and thoughts of suicide. Please keep in mind that some of these websites offer chat and/or text services, as well.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. By dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255), the call is routed to the nearest crisis center in a national network of more than 150 crisis centers. The Lifeline’s national network of local crisis centers provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals day and night.

• Deaf and Hard of Hearing TTY: 800-799-4889
• Online chat options available here. 

The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386

Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award-winning short film Trevor, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people, ages 13-24.

It Gets Better Project: 1-888-THE-GLNH (843-4564) or 1-800-246-PRIDE (7743)

The It Gets Better Project's mission is to communicate to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth around the world that it gets better, and to create and inspire the changes needed to make it better for them.

Spanish Hopeline: 1-800-SUICIDA (784-2432)

Since the suicide of his wife Kristin in April 1998, KBHC Founder Reese Butler has been on a personal crusade. His mission for the past 11 years has been to offer hope and the option to live to those in the deepest emotional pain. Visit his website at Hopeline.com.  

Additional resources

• Click HERE to get a list of Colorado-based services on suicide prevention and mental health. 
• Click HERE for additional reading from SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education).
• Click HERE for the American Association of Suicidology's 2013 information kit on suicide prevention.
• Click HERE for information regarding mental illness in youth.
• Click HERE for a list of additional hotlines related to abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault.

When it comes to suicide prevention, know the facts. Know the resources. Know you are never alone.