Resources on Youth Depression and Suicide and Author’s Note
If you are in crisis, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting 741741.
While the events and people in The Domain of Wishes are entirely fictional, youth depression and suicide have changed my life and the lives of many people I love. Whether you, a friend, or a family member is experiencing a mental health challenge, there are resources that can help.
The following list includes just some of the organizations and individuals who offer counseling, education and services to those affected by depression and suicide.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/
From the website: “We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.”
You Matter:
https://youmatter.988lifeline.org/
From the website: “You Matter is a safe space for youth to discuss and share stories about mental health and wellness, created and administered by the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You Matter blog posts are written by a rotating blogger council of individuals between the ages of 13-25 that are passionate about suicide prevention and mental health.
You Matter is a movement to spread the word that your problems, your worries, your fears, and above all you—unique and real you—matter. And because just about everyone—at some point—hits the wall, we’re here to help.”
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:
https://supporting.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=cms.home
She Persisted – Teen Mental Health Podcast:
https://shepersistedpodcast.com/
From the website: “She Persisted is THE teen mental health podcast—made for teens, by a teen. In each episode, Sadie brings you authentic, accessible, relatable conversations about every aspect of mental wellness. She Persisted offers you a safe space to feel validated and understood in your struggle while encouraging you to take ownership of your journey and build your life worth living.”
Episode 170: What to Expect When Texting Crisis Text Line & What Teens Today Are Struggling With feat. Crisis Counselor Ana Tueme
https://shepersistedpodcast.com/podcast-episodes/ep170
SAMHSA Treatment Referral Hotline (Substance Abuse)
1-800-662-HELP (4357) https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help
From the website: SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
online.rainn.org
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
From the website: “RAINN'S MISSION
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE, online.rainn.org y rainn.org/es) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.”
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline
1-866-331-9474
https://www.loveisrespect.org/
The Trevor Project
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
1-866-488-7386
From the website: “The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people. We provide information & support to LGBTQ+ young people 24/7, all year round.
National Eating Disorders Association
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
From the website: ” The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) works to advance research, build community, and raise awareness to support the nearly 30 million Americans who will experience an eating disorder in their lifetimes. Whether you have been personally affected by an eating disorder or care about someone who has, NEDA is here to help!
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)
https://beam.community/
From the website: “BEAM is a national training, movement building, and grant making institution that is dedicated to the healing, wellness, and liberation of Black and marginalized communities.”
National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/
From the website: “The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders. NIMH is one of the 27 Institutes and Centers that make up the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the largest biomedical research agency in the world. NIH is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). NIMH envisions a world in which mental illnesses are prevented and cured.”
Peer Health Exchange
https://www.peerhealthexchange.org/
From the website: “Peer Health Exchange’s mission is to build healthier communities with young people. Together, we create education opportunities for peers to share the tools and resources young people need to make healthy decisions.” need to make healthy decisions.
Jack.org
Jack.org
From the website: “Jack.org is Canada's only charity training and empowering young leaders to revolutionize mental health.”
Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network
https://www.glsen.org/
From the website: “GLSEN works to ensure that LGBTQ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. Together we can transform our nation's schools into the safe and affirming environment all youth deserve.”
StopBullying.gov
https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/get-help-now
From the website: “If you or someone you know is being bullied, there are things you can do to keep yourself and others safe from bullying.”
Ditch the Label
https://www.ditchthelabel.org/
From the website: “We’re the global youth charity, here to help you navigate the tough stuff. If you’re aged 12-25 and struggling with things like mental health, relationships, bullying or identity, we’re here and we’ve got all the advice and support you need.”