Being a teenager can be stressful with study, family tensions, hormones, a brain that is still developing, the worry of fitting in, boy troubles, self-image issues... did I mention the hormones? Sometimes you feel really fragile and it doesn't take much to send you over the edge. It can be something simple such as tripping over at school in front of everyone. When you're in that fragile place (say you're in the middle of exams, your period is due, your boyfriend had been avoiding you and you are not getting along with your Mum at the moment), your response may be way out of proportion to the event. Sometimes teenagers respond by yelling, swearing, drinking, taking drugs, cutting themselves or even trying to take their lives. When you reach this place, remind yourself that this too will pass. Find a trusted adult to talk to (perhaps a friend's mum) or contact one of the organisations listed below:
​Lifeline: 131 11 44
Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800
Suicide Callback Service: 1300 65 94 67
www.kidshelp.com.au
www.reachout.com.au
www.headspace.org.au
www.youthbeyondblue.com