Over the last few years, youth suicide has increased at an alarming rate. Often, friends, family members, and peers miss the signs because we may not know what the signs are. Below, we’ve listed some resources to help educate yourself and your loved ones about youth mental illness.

Included in the resources are some specific to Cleveland, Ohio, and a list of nationally available hotlines and text lines. 

Know The Signs

• Feels very sad, hopeless, or irritable
• Feels overly anxious or worried
• Is scared and fearful; has frequent nightmares
• Is excessively angry
• Uses alcohol or drugs
• Avoids people; wants to be alone all of the time
• Hears voices or sees things that aren’t there
• Can’t concentrate, sit still, or focus attention
• Talks about suicide or death
• Hurts other people or animals, or damages property
• Has major changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Loses interest in friends or things usually enjoyed
• Falls behind in school or earns lower grades

Source: Mental Health National

Free Youth Mental Health Screening Tool

The Youth Test is for young people (age 11-17) concerned that their emotions, attention, or behaviors might be signs of a problem. Online screening tools are not diagnostic instruments.

https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/youth

Note: Please use this information to consult with a professional physician or healthcare provider.

Cleveland, Ohio-Based Resources 

Cleveland Rape Crisis Center Support Hotline:
Call or Text (216) 619-6192 or (440) 423-2020
clevelandrapecrisis.org

Domestic Violence and Child Advocacy Center
(216) 391-4357
24-Hour Domestic Violence Helpline
24-Hour Family Hotline (216) 229-8800
www.dvcac.org

Mobile Crisis Team 24/7 Hotline
216.623.6888 or Text ‘4Hope’ to 741741
www.frontlineservice.org

 

National Resources

Boys Town
1-800-448-3000
Text VOICE to 20121
www.boystown.org

National Runaway Safeline
1-800-RunAway
www.1800runaway.org

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+)
www.thetrevorproject.org