Adults know the stress that comes with the holidays. Across the country, teens are also experiencing a mental health crisis as they head off for Christmas break. Students in Denver have a new resource to help them cope, and it’s already in their hands.
“Since 2017, we’ve seen an increase in mental health needs among young people. We really wanted to create an outlet for young people in a way that works for them. They can address their stress, their feelings of isolation, and really create a sense of belonging,” said Lorez Meinhold, executive director of the Caring for Denver Foundation.
Caring for Denver is partnering with Crisis Text Line to expand free, 24/7 mental health text support for students.
Caring for Denver Foundation says it awarded the grant to Crisis Text Line outside of its normal three-year funding cycle because of the overwhelming need for youth crisis support.
Crisis Text Line provides confidential text support to help teens in a format that is familiar, anonymous and non-binding.
The hope is that by texting, they’ll be more likely to seek the support they need.
“These are kids who are comfortable with texting. They’ve all had phones for years, even in middle school. It’s about giving them a resource in a way that suits them,” says Meinhold. “It’s safe and it’s anonymous. They can use it at a time and in a way that works for them.”
Teens looking for support can text Denver to 741-741 to reach a live crisis counsellor for free.
Over the next few months, every middle and high school in the Denver Public School system will receive a toolkit to share with students and families.
Jaci, a busy junior at Manual High School, has already used the free text line.
Between schoolwork and sports, she says mental health takes a back seat.
When she texted the line, she said she got a response in less than 30 seconds.
“It helps a lot that it’s not face to face and I don’t know the other person. Sometimes it’s hard to talk to people,” Jaci explained. “I told them I’ve been really tired lately and I got advice on how to rest and how to say no to people. It’s an incredible thing.
70% of people using the text line are under 24 and 50% are under 18.
Many are finding help through the same device that often causes so much pain.
“We’re on the phone all the time, checking in with each other. But there’s only so much you can do as a friend,” says Jaci.
School nurses like Lucy Roberts say students come to see them every day.
She says 80% of her work is mental health related.
“I also see it as preventative care because it gives students and kids an opportunity to reach out before they’re in a bigger crisis or just at a time when they’re not in school,” said Roberts. “I am so excited to be able to offer this to the students who ask me for support on a daily basis.
This crisis line helps students at all levels. On the other end of those texts are 40 MSU graduate students. The partnership helps them complete clinical hours and build their skills, while connecting youth to support that’s local.
