Help is available right now
You are not alone
If you are in crisis or just need someone, the lines below are free, confidential, and open every hour of the day. Reaching out is a strong, brave thing to do.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Anyone in distress or crisis. Available 24/7, free and confidential.
Emergency
Immediate danger to yourself or someone else
Or go to your nearest emergency room.
The Trevor Project
LGBTQ+ young people. Specialized counselors, available 24/7.
KMWP is not a crisis or emergency service. The Keystone Mental Wellness Project provides mental health education and peer support. We are not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care, and we do not provide emergency response, counseling, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone you know is in crisis or in immediate danger, call or text 988, text HOME to 741741, or call 911.
By what you are feeling
Gentle starting points
However you are feeling right now, it is okay, and it is worth talking about. If anything feels like too much, the Crisis now lines above are always there.
- Anxiety
- When worry will not switch off and your body feels keyed up, try slowing your breathing and naming what you feel. If it gets to be too much, reach out to a trusted adult, or any line in Crisis now above.
- Depression
- Feeling heavy, numb, or like nothing matters is real, and it can get better with support. You do not have to push through it alone. Telling someone you trust is a strong first step.
- Thoughts of suicide
- If you are thinking about ending your life, please reach out right now. You deserve support and you matter. Call or text 988 anytime, day or night, to talk with someone who is ready to listen.
- Panic
- A panic wave can feel scary, but it peaks and passes. Try long, slow exhales and feel your feet on the floor. If panic keeps coming back, a trusted adult or 988 can help you find next steps.
- Trouble sleeping
- Rough nights wear down everything else. Easing screens before bed and keeping a steady wake up time can help. If sleep stays hard or your mood is sinking, talk with an adult you trust or your doctor.
- Feeling overwhelmed
- When everything piles up at once, it helps to pick one small next thing and let the rest wait. You do not have to carry it all yourself. Reach out to someone you trust, or a line in Crisis now.
Wherever you are coming from
Help written for you
For students
Whatever you are going through, you deserve support, and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Start with one person you trust: a parent, a counselor, a coach, a teacher, or a friend's parent. You do not need the perfect words. Try something simple like, “I have been having a hard time and I could use some help.” If it ever feels urgent, the Crisis now lines above are free and open any hour of the day.
For parents and caregivers
You know your teen best. If you notice big changes in mood, sleep, friendships, school, or interest in things they used to love, it is worth a calm, caring conversation. Lead with listening more than fixing, and let them know you are on their side no matter what. You can ask directly and gently whether they have been having thoughts of hurting themselves. Asking does not plant the idea, and it can open the door to help. If you are worried about their safety, call or text 988 together, or call 911 in an emergency.
For educators
You are often the first to notice when a student is not okay. A short, private check in can mean a lot. A simple opener like, “I have noticed you seem down lately; how are you really doing?” goes a long way. Know your school's support process and loop in your counselor or crisis team when a student shares something concerning. Keep the Crisis now numbers handy, and follow your school's safety plan if a student may be in danger. Want practical tools for your building? KMWP runs mental health education and workshops for students, parents, and staff.