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 national 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
Written by : Kristy F. Steele
