Visit your school counselor for:
- Conflict
- Mental health resources
- Mediation, stress, anxiety, worry, depression, grief, mindfulness
- Interpersonal relationships counseling
- Outside partner collab/coordination
- Small group delivery, school screener
- Self-harm, suicide ideation, crisis intervention
- Safety planning
Mental Health and Crisis
As has been said many times, this year is far different than any that we have had before. The challenges of stress, anxiety, and depression that have been caused or worsened due to the impact of the pandemic have put a strain on many members of our community. No one has been immune to the impact whether personally or through someone they know and care about. During this time in particular, it is important that we look out for one another and offer help when we see others struggling. The best thing you can do if you are worried about yourself or someone else is to tell someone, do not keep that information to yourself. There are lots of free and non-judgmental ways for everyone to get help for yourself and/or others. Here are some tips and resources you can access.
IMPORTANT: Call 911 for assistance if the situation is life-threatening or it looks like someone may get hurt. You can also go to an emergency room for an evaluation.
Concerning Signs
If you or someone you know is experiencing or exhibiting any of these signs, it is a good indication that they could use a check-in. If you are not comfortable checking in with someone you are concerned about, do not hesitate to reach out to another trusted adult, a parent/guardian, or one of the resources below for guidance or assistance:
- Excessive feelings of sadness
- Increased anger or irritability
- Excessive worrying or fear
- Significant change in their appetite or weight
- Increased physical symptoms like headaches or stomach issues
- Avoidance of available social activities like talking to friends or participating in classes
- Significant change in sleep patterns and energy levels
- New or increased drug or alcohol use
- Change in appearance or lack of hygiene
If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, what can you do to help?
✔ Say something. If you are concerned, check in with the person, their family, or a trusted adult.
✔ Get their input on what would be helpful or supportive right now
✔ Share your own experiences or feelings about what is happening
✔ Use one of the resources below to get support or help
✔ Find relaxation techniques that work for you
✔ Encourage open communication
Resources
Use the list of resources below for more information and help in our area and nationwide.
- National Crisis Lifeline- Call 1-800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741, or chat online.
- Lifeline ofrece 24/7, gratuito servicios en español, no es necesario hablar ingles si usted necesita ayuda 1-800-628-9454
- The Trevor Lifeline- 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678, chat online – A national crisis and suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ youth.
- Trans Lifeline- Call 1-877-565-8860 The hotline provides support from trans community members with shared lived experience. Call if you need someone trans to talk to, even if you’re not in crisis, or if you’re not sure you’re trans, or you’re calling about a friend or family member. Not available 24/7.
- Teen Link- Call 1-866-833-6546 Confidential help line for and by teens in King County for anything from bullying, drug and alcohol concerns, relationships, stress, depression or any other issues teens are facing.
- King County Children's Crisis Outreach Response System- Call 206-461-3222 or 1-866-4CRISIS. Outreach and crisis stabilization for youth up to 18 years old in King County. The team works with the family to put in place ongoing services and supports to prevent future crises.
- King County Crisis Connections - If there is no immediate physical danger, call Crisis Connections at 206-461-3222 or 1-866-427-4747, or visit the website when someone's behavior is so out of control that the person becomes a danger or the situation is so extreme that the person must be treated promptly to avoid injury to themselves or others.
- 211 – Dial 211 or 877-211-9274 Washington State community resource hotline (shelter, housing, food support, healthcare, mental health services, domestic violence support, & more)
- HealthPoint – Call (425) 424-6310 to make an appointment or visit the website. A district partner in providing medical services to students.
- Seattle Children’s Referral Line- Call 833-303-5437 or complete an online request. Washington’s Mental Health Referral Service for Children and Teens connects families with mental health providers who have openings in their schedule and can meet your child or teen’s needs. They link families to providers in your local area who fit your child’s specialty needs and insurance coverage. Washington state funds the free referral service and Seattle Children’s operates it.
● Where to Turn for Teens – A resource guide for teens in King County
If you want more information about these resources, or want to speak to your counselor, please refer to the contact information above to reach out via email.
