Stigma & Strength

By Jade Armstrong 

Hi, 

My name is Jade Armstrong and I was born and raised in New York. I’m currently a senior in High School.  I love running, playing the flute and reading, but I spend most of my time listening to music. Not only is music just fun to listen to, it also articulates feelings that we may not have had the means to put into words yet. And you can probably guess that, I also love to write. I write for the same reasons I listen to music; it gives me an outlet to talk about things that are important to me. 

“Admitting it is the first step” meaning that it’s impossible to solve a problem that we refuse to believe exists.  So, let’s talk about it:

Admitting that we need help is undeniably scary, in all situations. It means dropping the pretense that we have to be a superhero. That we have to be able to not only do it all, but to do it all perfectly without any help. So by admitting that we need help we’re also admitting that we’re human. And in our world that’s not celebrated enough. So it’s important to take this moment to remember that there’s nothing wrong with needing help (especially when it comes to mental health). The truth is that it shows an incredible amount of strength. Getting help for something as important as mental health shows the ability to identify a need. And more so an ability to provide for that need, without letting fear become a hindrance. 

On top of that, getting help means leaning on a support system. Having a support system not only makes it easier to navigate a crisis, but makes it easier to navigate life in general. A support system gives people a place to turn to whenever they need advice or even just someone to listen to them. Many studies show that there are numerous benefits to having a support system such as better coping skills, reduced stress, better quality of life and overall better mental and physical health. Yet even with the benefits of having a support system, it’s not always easy to turn to family or friends. 

So, here’s an important reminder: there are good people out there that want to help.

Things to Know

There are many places to turn for help: friends, family, hotlines, trusted professionals, et cetera. Specifically, it’s important to take a second to focus on hotlines. These are great resources for people that feel they don’t have anyone to turn to. Hotlines have trained people who are ready and willing to support you through a crisis.

Hotlines

Something important to know about hotlines is that they’re there to help you, and they’re more effective if you also know how to help yourself. These hotlines are a wealth of information. So a good idea is to use the conversation with them to figure out what you really need at that moment, so that the wealth of information can be narrowed down to the wealth of information that you need. 

Another thing to know is that hotlines can also come with long wait times. If it’s something that you need immediately and there’s a long wait time you might want to take a look at other options. But, if waiting is an option there are things to do in the meantime. 

• A great option is Safe Space. Let me walk you through what to expect. The first thing it has you do is click a button saying “I need help” and like they say admitting it is not only the first step, but a lot of times the hardest step. Then it brings you to a page that lets you choose between distraction, connection and coping tools. So while you wait you can begin to identify your needs and meet them. Plus, once you introduce yourself to the tool you will always have it at your disposal. 

Places to Go

Teen Lifeline : Teen Lifeline is a great organization that helps provide safe and confidential intervention services for teens. Plus, their hotlines are for teens and by teens. 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline : The Lifeline offers 24/7 free and confidential support, for anyone going through a crisis. 

Youthline : Youthline is a great place to go for support through their teen to teen helpline.

Trevor Project : The Trevor Project is a well-known organization that focuses on suicide prevention and mental health resources for LGBTQ+ youth. 

Teen Link : Teen Link is a good place to go for support from trained teen volunteers.

RAINN : RAINN is a great place to turn to for confidential support (offered 24/7), specifically for those affected by sexual assault.

Final Reminder

Admitting when you need help takes an incredible amount of strength and courage. And whenever you do need help remember that there are always people around that are ready and willing to help.