Support Groups
Preface by L. J.
This is Jessica Sherman's article and it’s not a normal sort of commentary for this site. But (brace for cliché) if it convinces one person to get support for anything from depression to addiction, I will feel that it’s all worthwhile. I get to know a lot of teens, one way or another, and I can’t help but remember some of the dreary, bleak times I myself had as a teenager. Mature physically at twelve, but with the emotions of a younger girl, I watched other kids my age get in every sort of trouble there was. Sometimes I needed my own kind of support, and at times I didn’t get it because I didn’t reach out.
I want everybody to have the tools with which to reach out. The sites here will go to the link page even after this article is archived. If you need anything, please read on. –– Lisa
Support Group Resources
There are times in life when you just need help. It’s not always easy to ask for and most of us don’t like to admit when we need it. Maybe you can’t or won’t tell your friends or family but I want every person that reads this to know someone out there knows exactly how you feel. They have dealt with what you’re dealing with. No matter what it is, you’re not alone in this world.
L.J. Smith’s books create an escape from a lot of our every day issues; but when that’s not enough I encourage everyone to visit L.J. Smith’s website and return to this page. She loves her fans and since many of her fans are young adults who often face difficult problems on their own she wanted to provide them with a one-stop go-to list of resources.
The age of the Internet has brought information and more importantly people from all walks of life all over the globe right to our fingertips. Online you can speak freely and be yourself without anyone ever knowing your name. That ability makes anonymous help just a click away. If you need help, if you want help, just reach out and take it.
Sexual Abuse & Assault
National Sexual Assault 24/7 Confidential Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
Cutting and Self Injury
- Recover Your Life
- Self-Injury.net
- S.A.F.E Alternatives Community Blog
- (UK)National Self Harm Network
- (UK)Self-injury Support
Self Injury Help Line 24/7 Confidential: 1-800-DONT CUT (366-8288)
Drugs, Alcohol & Addiction
- Family Teens Support Group
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- Narcotics Anonymous
- Smart Recovery
- Women for Sobriety
- Marijuana Anonymous
- Dual Recovery Anonymous
- Crystal Meth Anonymous
- Cocaine Anonymous
- Nicotine Anonymous
- Gamblers Anonymous
- (UK)Quit Smoking Community
- (Canada) Leave the Pack Behind
Family and Friends of Alcoholics and Addicts
Eating Disorders
- National Eating Disorders Association
- National Association of ANAD
- Teen Health Binge Eating Disorder
- Overeaters Anonymous
- American Dietetic Association
Emotional Health & Wellbeing
- Dealing with Teen Depression
- American Psychological Association
- Teen Moods International Community
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Family & Friends of Depressed Teens
Suicide Prevention
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- Hopeline
- Active Minds
- The Jed Foundation
- International Suicide Hotlines
Crisis Hotline 24/7 Confidential: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 Confidential: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Teen Pregnancy
- MdJunction Teen Pregnancy Support Group
- Baby Gaga Teen Pregnancy Forum
- DIY Fathers Advice for Teen Dads
- (UK) BabyCentre
Sexual Health & Birth Control
- Planned Parenthood: Birth Control
- Planned Parenthood: STD’s
- Planned Parenthood for Teens
- American Social Health Association Forums
- (International) Avert Aids & HIV
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender,
Victims of Bullying, Harassment & Hate Crimes
- Pacer Center’s Teens Against Bullying
- Stop Bullying
- CDC: Youth Violence Prevention
- STRYVE
- (Canada) Stop A Bully
TEENLINE
TEENLINE Online is a website dedicated to bringing teens together to help and support each other. TEENLINE Online covers a number of the above topics in one place.
Do you have a problem that’s not mentioned? Or know of a great support group or website for teens and young adults? Drop a message to L.J. Smith here and tell her about it.
