Help is available…
In Heavyweight, Ian and his friends deal with a lot of issues: eating disorders, bullying,prejudice and the stress that comes along with school life. Sadly, these are issues that many teens are dealing with these days. They aren’t to be taken lightly as these kinds of issues can lead to hospitalization, depression and even possibly suicide.
Having the internet at one’s fingertips can assist someone in finding the help or support to get through these situations. The Web allows for an anonymity that can help a teen or young adult feel more comfortable opening up and seeking assistant for their problems.
Here are some some websites and phone numbers that offer support:
Eating Disorders
Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention 1-800-931-2237
Eating Disorders Center 1-888-236-1188
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders 1-847-831-3438
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Eating Disorders 630-577-1330, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday http://www.anad.org
Thursday’s Child National Youth Advocacy Hotline 800-USA-KIDS (800-872-5437) Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week http://www.thursdayschild.org
Bullying
http://www.cyberbullyhotline.com/
National Bullying Prevention Center
Kids Helpline: Bullying
Depression
National Suicide Prevention Helpline 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK)
National Hopeline Network 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE) http://www.hopeline.com/
The Trevor Project , 866-488-7386 (24/7) Live Chat with the Trevor Project (Fridays 4pm- 5pm EST)
Crisis Call Center 800-273-8255 or text ANSWER to 839863
Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week http://crisiscallcenter.org/crisisservices.html
Stress and Anxiety
National Institute of Mental Health Information Center 866-615-6464
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml
National Mental Health Association Hotline 800-273-TALK (8255)
Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week http://www.nmha.org
LGBT Support
http://www.itgetsbetter.org/
http://www.liveoutloud.info/
GLBT National Help Center
These are just a few of the many options out there. Individual states also seem to have their own sites dedicated to school violence and bullying.
If you’re a parent, consider printing the list and hanging it somewhere your teen will see. It could help them knowing the information is readily available and to know that you understand they may be going through difficult times.
If you’re a teen who is in over their heads, needs help but feel they have no where to turn, who is worried for a friend or wants to do something to help those suffering from any of these issues, do your research, join a forum, make a call or send an email. You are not alone and there are others who understand what you’re going through and there is help out there. Love yourself and know that you’re important and worthwhile.
