Youth Mental Health Crisis
Even one supporting adult can change a young person’s life. Showing up for young people helps create a world where they are seen, valued, and supported.
For more information about supporting newcomer youth, click here.
For more information about supporting LGBTQ+ youth, click here.
Some things, such as medical, family and social problems, can make some young people more likely to serious mental health issues. According to CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 39.7% of students experienced persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, 28.5% experienced poor mental health, 20.4% seriously considered attempting suicide, and 9.5% had attempted suicide.
Especially impacted are: female students; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) students; and students from racial and ethnic groups that have been marginalized.
SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2013–2023.Â
Familiarize yourself with these crisis lines and lifelines below. You can also find much more information, including courses and resources, for the following groups who are at higher risk for suicide.
Mental Health Crisis Line
Call or text 988, the 24-hour Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to be connected to the closest possible crisis center in your area.
In the absence of a trusted adult, Safe2Help Illinois offers students a safe, confidential way in which to share information that might help prevent suicides, bullying, school violence or other threats to school safety. This program is not intended to suspend, expel, or punish students. Rather, the goal is to get students to “Seek Help Before.” Safe2Help Illinois has developed a Mental Health Toolkit aimed at changing the culture in Illinois schools while also providing the resources to help parents and educators reinforce the components of this program.
- 24/7
- Call 844-4-SAFEIL (723345)
- Text SAFE2 (72332)
- Safe2helpil.com
- Suicide Prevention
- 988 Lifeline: For individuals who want to speak to a counselor immediately, text HOME or AYUDA to 741741
Or call 988 and ask to speak with a Spanish-speaking counselor. Go to their website here, which is provided in English and Spanish. - 24/7 Suicide Hotline for LGBTQ Youth – We’re here for you Now
- Prevención del suicidio – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- What to do when someone is at risk | AFSP
- What to Do if You’re Worried Your Child May be Suicidal | Child Mind Institute
- Order stickers, signs, etc. for suicide prevention
Risk Factors
Risk factors are characteristics of a person or his or her environment that increase the likelihood that he or she will die by suicide (i.e., suicide risk).
Major risk factors for suicide include:
- Prior suicide attempt(s)
- Misuse and abuse of alcohol or other drugs
- Mental disorders, particularly depression and other mood disorders
- Access to lethal means
- Knowing someone who died by suicide, particularly a family member
- Social isolation
- Chronic disease and disability
- Lack of access to behavioral health care
Risk Factors Can Vary Across Groups
Risk factors are characteristics of a person or his or her environment that increase the likelihood that he or she will die by suicide (i.e., suicide risk).
Risk factors can vary by age group, culture, sex, and other characteristics. For example:
- Stress resulting from prejudice and discrimination (family rejection, bullying, violence) is a known risk factor for suicide attempts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth.
- The historical trauma suffered by American Indians and Alaska Natives (resettlement, destruction of cultures and economies) contributes to the high suicide rate in this population.