Crisis Clinic is strongly committed to providing a confidential and accessible place teens can call to talk about what's concerning them, helping youth explore their options and make healthy, self-respecting decisions. In the following pages you will find information and resources teens can use to assist them in dealing with the complex challenges they face everyday.
                      Please visit our newly updated website at   www.866Teenlink.org, 
                        or, you can just click on the picture below to go to directly there!
                     
You can view an online copy of our current  (2008 - 2009)  Where to Turn for Teens directory right now, or, you can request a copy for yourself by calling  Teen Link at:
    Teen Link
    206.461.4922
    1.866.TEENLINK   Toll Free
   If calling from outside Washington state – toll free 1-877-968-8454
    206.461.3219      TDD / TTY (for the deaf or hard of hearing)
    or, you can email us at 

You can also view an online copy of our Teen Link Brochure here.

Take our Youth Suicide Quiz

On a sheet of paper, please answer True or False for each of the following. Then compare your answers to the correct answers, which follow.

T/F 1. If you ask someone if they are thinking of killing themselves, it's like planting the idea in their head.

T/F 2. People who want to kill themselves are mentally ill.

T/F 3. People who have tried to kill themselves are likely to try again.

T/F 4. People who always talk about killing themselves never do.

T/F 5. People who abuse alcohol or drugs are more likely than others to commit suicide.
 
T/F 6. Most people who attempt suicide just want attention. The best thing to do is to ignore them.

T/F 7. Most people who kill themselves really want to die.

T/F 8. When people talk about suicide, it is better to stay on the subject rather than try to take their minds off it.

T/F 9. The person who is suicidal can't be stopped; the suicide can only be delayed.

T/F 10. Suicidal people haven't gotten enough love.

T/F 11. Most suicides in adolescents occur at home.

T/F 12. There is a genetic predisposition for suicide.

T/F 13. Suicide happens without warning.

T/F 14. On average, 1 out of 5 teens consider suicide and 1 out of 10 attempt suicide.

T/F 15. Suicide strikes much more often among the very rich and the very poor.

Answers:

1. False. Think about it. If someone asked you if you were thinking about killing yourself and you weren't, would you than say to yourself, "Oh that's a good idea. I think I'll kill myself." Of course not. But if you were thinking of killing yourself, you might feel relieved that someone cares enough to notice and to ask.

2. False. Only 5% of all teen suicides involve mental illness, You don't need to be crazy. Most people who kill themselves feel desperate and they act on that feeling.

3. True. A suicide attempt is a call for help. If that call goes unheeded, then the call will likely be louder next time.

4. False. People who talk about suicide are letting others know they need help. As in number three, the plea for help will get louder and possibly more destructive if it goes unnoticed.

5. True. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, and sooner or later, make people feel much worse. These people often have low self-esteem to begin with. Alcohol and/or drugs are a factor in 70% of all teen suicides.

6. False. Most people who attempt suicide won't just want attention. They desperately NEED HELP and should get it right away. They should never be ignored.

7. False. Most people who kill themselves do so because they just don't know how to make their horrible feelings go away. Many of the people who commit suicide didn't want to die at all.

8. True. Staying on the subject communicates several things to the suicidal person. It says you care. It says you're not afraid of their feelings. It says you take them seriously.

9. False. Most of us have considered suicide at one time or another in our lives. People are suicidal only for a limited period of time. In the vast majority of cases, things get better with time. Usually something changed. Whether it's the person's view of the situation or the problem itself is resolved, something has to give.

10. False. All kinds of people commit suicide, including people who are depressed due to biochemical factors that have nothing to do with love.

11. True. More adolescent suicides occur in the morning before school or around dinner time. These are times when more people are around and it's more likely that someone will prevent them from killing themselves. Unfortunately, it doesn't always happen that way.

12. False. There is no suicide "trait." However, family members have a great influence over one another and if one - especially a parent - does it, there's a likelihood that others may follow the example.

13. False. Almost never. As long as people are alive, there's a will to remain that way. There are usually ample warning signs as overwhelmed people ask directly or indirectly for help.

14. True. Considering these odds, chances are that you know someone who has seriously considered suicide and/or has attempted.

15. False. Suicide is highly democratic. Every type of person can kill him or herself.
Adapted from Covenant House and Crisis Clinic.

If you have a friend who tells you he or she is thinking about killing him/herself, take that person seriously and, most importantly, be a good listener. Finally, don’t keep a secret that may end a life. Tell a trusted adult if you believe a friend is considering suicide.

If you’re a teen and want to talk with another teen anonymously and confidentially about whatever is on your mind, call Teen Link at:
Teen Link
206.461.4922
866.TEENLINK   Toll Free
206.461.3219      TDD 
or, you can email us at 

If you are in crisis and outside of King County, please call 9-1-1 and ask to be connected to your local crisis help line or call 1.800.SUICIDE.

Volunteer Opportunities at Teen Link

Volunteering with Teen Link is fun! Teens develop leadership skills, learn about community resources and get connected with other teens.

Teen Link volunteers must be between 14 and 19 years of age and may choose to be on the help line, join our Community Outreach Committee, serve as school liaisons, or join our Youth Suicide Speakers Bureau to help educate their peers about youth suicide prevention and Teen Link.

Volunteers on the Teen Link help line complete over 30 hours of training that is similar to the training received by volunteers on the 24-Hour Crisis Line, but is specially focused on working with youth. All training and phone shifts are located at our Seattle office.

To request more information about being a Teen Link volunteer call 206.461.3210 
  extension 604 or e-mail Teen Link.

Positions are now available for Teen Link Supervisor positions! - Click Here for more Info.

(This Page was last updated on 10/06/2008 )