How the National Runaway Safeline is Changing Lives for At-Risk Teens

© Pexels/Omar Ramadan

How the National Runaway Safeline is Changing Lives for At-Risk Teens

Elijah is a bright, creative 14-year-old with dreams of becoming an artist someday, but he hides a deep struggle. Like many teens, Elijah struggles with his mental health and grapples with thoughts of suicide, believing it might be the only way to escape his pain.

Fortunately, Elijah has found solace in two lifelines: his best friend and the Illinois Teen Suicide Prevention Lifeline, operated by the National Runaway Safeline (NRS). His friend offers unconditional love and a safe space to express himself without fear of judgment. “I don’t know what I’d do without him,” Elijah said. “He reminds me I’m not alone, even when I’m feeling isolated and trapped. He also encourages me to get more help and told me about NRS.”

Following his friend’s advice, Elijah contacted the Illinois Teen Suicide Prevention Lifeline operated by NRS, a nonprofit that provides confidential, non-judgmental, and non-directive support and resources to young people in crisis. Recognizing teens experiencing a mental health crisis are looking for immediate support when reaching out for help, this resource is available 24/7 at 888-504-6622 for youth ages 12 to 18 and is staffed by trained crisis counselors.

Elijah recalled one night when he felt especially hopeless. “I needed to talk with someone who wouldn’t judge me and could help me figure out what to do next,” he shared. “When I called the lifeline, my feelings were validated, and they helped me come up with a safety plan that included local resources for therapy and support.”

Today’s teens face mental health health challenges at record rates, with factors like family conflict, abuse, bullying, and societal pressures contributing to their struggles. Research suggests that several risk factors, including mental health challenges and notably severe depression, increase the likelihood of a young person attempting suicide.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10 to 19, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In recent years, NRS’ crisis services data has shown an increase in young people who reached out for support with their mental health.

As our country works to address the youth mental health crisis, it is crucial to ensure that resources like NRS and the Illinois Teen Suicide Prevention Lifeline remain accessible to those who need them most. Every young person deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued for who they are.

If you’re a young person experiencing a mental health crisis in Illinois, contact the Illinois Teen Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 888-504-6622

If you’re between the ages of 12 and 21 in crisis in the U.S. or would like to learn more about NRS, please visit nationalrunawaysafeline.org for more information.