Initiative promotes proactive phone calls or texts to support at-risk teenagers
A simple gesture on Thursday, April 25th could have a profound impact on someone’s life. Is there a more compelling reason to pick up your phone than to reach out in such a meaningful way? Staff and volunteers at Teen Lifeline are advocating for every resident of Tempe and West Chandler to utilize their smartphones, a vital tool, to take proactive steps on National Telephone Day, Thursday, April 25th. They encourage reaching out via call or text to a teenager in their circle, especially those dealing with challenging personal circumstances, to check in, offer support, and express care.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, establishing strong, positive connections with others can serve as a protective factor against suicidal ideation and behaviors. These supportive relationships are particularly crucial during this period, as studies show a rise in suicide rates during the spring season. The crisis hotline at Teen Lifeline, operated by adolescent peer counselors, witnesses a 10% surge in crisis calls from teenagers between spring break and the culmination of the academic year.
Nikki Kontz, the clinical director at Teen Lifeline, emphasizes the significance of using phones for compassionate outreach during this time. She highlights the stress that teenagers face towards the end of the school year, whether due to exams, graduation, or changes in friendships. Kontz underlines the importance of demonstrating care and concern to teenagers, while also encouraging young individuals to support their peers on National Telephone Day.
In 2023, Teen Lifeline managed nearly 48,000 interactions through calls and texts from distressed teenagers, marking a 10.6% increase from the previous year. Among these, almost 16,000 were from teenagers grappling with suicidal thoughts. Apart from being a primary mode of communication among teenagers, phones play a vital role in fostering relationships between parents, caregivers, and family members, as explained by Kontz. She notes that some teenagers find it easier to express their emotions through text messages, especially when facing challenges. Sending memes, gifs, or articles aligned with a teen’s interests can also serve as a means of providing support and maintaining connections.
Kontz suggests simple yet thoughtful messages to send on National Telephone Day, such as:
- Just checking in. How are you doing?
- Thinking of you today – how are things?
- How’s school going?
- Need any support with finals?
- It’s been a while, just wanted to say hi!
- Wishing you a great week!
- Miss you, let’s catch up soon!
- Sending love! How are you feeling today?
As spring approaches, adults are advised to watch for signs that may indicate a teenager is contemplating suicide. These warning signals include expressing thoughts of death or self-harm, changes in sleep or eating patterns, prolonged feelings of sadness or hopelessness, drastic mood swings, social withdrawal, and significant behavioral changes.
If there is concern that a teenager is at risk, it is crucial to address the issue directly. Initiating a conversation about suicide does not instigate the idea but can provide an opportunity for open dialogue. Kontz recommends expressing gratitude for their honesty and delving into their emotions and reasons behind such thoughts. If the teenager is not in immediate danger, it is essential to establish a plan for seeking help through resources like Teen Lifeline or mental health services. Additionally, precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of self-harm by securing potentially harmful items.
For additional details, please visit TeenLifeline.org. Immediate actions to take in case of an emergency:
- Contact 911 for urgent assistance.
- Proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department.
- Dial or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The Lifeline offers confidential support 24⁄7 to individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, with live chat support also available. For Spanish assistance, call 988.