Author | Lightnews

Teen Lifeline @teenlifeline.bsky.social · 14h

Fear signals what matters to you—but sometimes "ghosts" in our minds make it paralyze us. Name your worries to take back control!

This #Halloween, unmask 3 ghosts haunting decisions:
❔ Uncertainty
⛓️ Attachment
🕰️ Regret
Feeling stuck? We're here for you. Call/text 602-248-8336

What's haunting your decisions? Unmask fear, reclaim choice. We all feel fear when a choice gets heavy, making the unknown feel unsafe. But fear isn't the enemy- it's a messenger. Let's unmask the ghosts that make fear louder!

Ghost of UNCERTAINTY. This ghost whispers, 'what if?' It's fueled by fear of the unknown & overthinking & absolutes (feeling judged as right/wrong, good/bad, success/failure). Unmask & reclaim. Decide with flexibility & curiosity- ask: 'how can I be ready for a range of possibilities?' or 'if things don't go this way, there will be other options coming my way.'

Ghost of ATTACHMENT. This one keeps you stuck in something that's not working- 'I've invested too much to stop now.' Unmask & reclaim. Learn from & let go of what doesn't grow you; choose what's still worth your energy, not just familiar- ask 'is this still serving my values and goals?'

Ghost of REGRET. This ghost lurks after you choose, judging 'you should've...' It sees setbacks as failures & will steal your confidence when the next decision comes. Unmask & reclaim. Build resilience with outcomes, setbacks are learning opportunities- say 'I made the best choice with the info I had at that time' & 'how can I improve the decision next time?' Teen Lifeline is here to help unmask fear, call or text 602-248-8336

3

Teen Lifeline @teenlifeline.bsky.social · 6d

Our #Hope25 Gala was one of our most successful, raising over $650K for teen suicide prevention!

320 supporters showed up to Be the Light—honoring Danny Sharaby's generosity, inspired by Bonnie Love's leadership, and celebrating teen volunteers.

Recap at www.linkedin.com/pulse/teen-l...

Teen Lifeline's Community is a Light for Arizona's Youth, raising over $650K

On October 3rd, more than three hundred guests gathered at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia for a singular purpose: to be a light for Arizona's struggling teens. Teen Lifeline's 2025 Con...

www.linkedin.com

Teen Lifeline @teenlifeline.bsky.social · 28d

September and Teen #SuicidePreventionMonth may be over, but suicide prevention work and the hope it brings? That's every single day💜

This month showed us the power of community. Now we keep going—checking in, sharing resources, talking openly about mental health and suicide.

You're not alone!

Hope happens every day. Teen Lifeline is here to help 24/7/365.

Help is just a call or text away. Call or text Teen Lifeline to talk with a teen peer counselor at 602-248-8336. Note: For Southern Arizona, call our Tucson-based hotline at 520-327-8336. When it all feels like too much, it’s time to ask for help.

Teen Lifeline @teenlifeline.bsky.social · 29d

As Teen #SuicidePreventionMonth closes, we’re grateful for our community partners!

Last week, Phoenix Rising Football Club midfielder Xian Emmers visited our office to meet and exchange stories with our teen peer counselors. It was a great time!

Thank you for visiting us & standing with TL💜⚽

Group photo of Teen Lifeline staff and volunteers with Phoenix Rising Football Club’s Communications Coordinator Kyle Pinnell and player Xian Emmers.

1

Teen Lifeline @teenlifeline.bsky.social · Sep 26

💜TUCSON TEENS! Peer counselor training is Oct 25-26.

#SuicidePreventionMonth may be closing, but suicide prevention is always. Every day, peer counselors use words & skills to help teens in crisis, saving lives.

Reminded of any teen? Share this!
Apply: teenlifeline.org/volunteer

Prevent suicide! Become a teen peer counselor. Apply at teenlifeline.org/volunteer.

The next volunteer training for Southern Arizona is coming up! Tucson Area: next training on October 25 - 26. Apply at teenlifeline.org/volunteer.

1

Teen Lifeline @teenlifeline.bsky.social · Sep 25

Adults assume kids are "too young" for suicidal thoughts, but 7,000 Arizona children 12 & under called Teen Lifeline last year.

Trust your instincts—if something feels off, ask directly, listen, & connect them to help.

Daily Independent article by Bree, LMSW: www.yourvalley.net/stories/spot...

Suicidal thoughts can happen at any age. 15% of hotline calls/texts are from children 12 years old and younger.

Teen Lifeline @teenlifeline.bsky.social · Sep 10

It's better to ask when concerned than wish you had. Worst case if you ask? They say no and know you care.

Help is always available. For teens and those worried for a teen, call or text Teen Lifeline at 602-248-8336. You're not alone!

#WSPD2025 #Education #SuicideAwareness

Infographic flowchart of a conversation asking about suicide. Text:
Header: If you think someone may be thinking about suicide, ask them!
Initial Question: Are you thinking about suicide?
If they answer "Yes":
1. Thank them for sharing. "Thank you for trusting me with that. I'm glad you told me."
2. Ask about their feelings. "How long have you been feeling this way?"
3. Ask about plans & risk. "Do you have a plan for how you would hurt yourself?" "Are you thinking of acting on these thoughts today?"
If Yes to plans: Help create a safety plan. "I'm worried for you. Can we make a plan to keep you safe?" Stay with them until they feel stable. Remove anything they could use to harm themself or act on their plans. Get professional help: therapist, Teen Lifeline, 988. Plan a follow-up talk.
If they answer "No" to thoughts of suicide OR plans:
1. Explain your concern. "I asked because I've noticed (warning signs)."
2. Ask what helps. "What usually helps you feel better when things are hard?" "What can we do to help you feel less bad right now?"
3. Encourage reaching out. "Who do you feel comfortable talking to when struggling?" "I'm here for you long-term. When can we check in next?"
4. Connect them to help. "I care about you. Here's help when I'm not available:" Sometimes, friends and family aren't available. These hotlines are 24/7—Teen Lifeline is answered by teens 3-9 pm: Teen Lifeline (teens): 602-248-8336, National Lifeline (anyone): 988.

2

Teen Lifeline @teenlifeline.bsky.social · Sep 10

"Are you thinking about suicide?"

It's hard to ask, but harder to face suicidal thoughts alone. By asking directly, you show you can handle their honest answer.

Today is #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, and asking saves lives. But to help you have that convo, here's a roadmap...🧵

Illustration showing hands cupped together holding a purple and teal awareness ribbon. Text reads "asking saves lives" at the top and "9/10 is World Suicide Prevention Day" at the bottom, with Teen Lifeline contact information (602-248-8336).

1

Teen Lifeline @teenlifeline.bsky.social · Sep 10

And if you see these signs in yourself, please reach out to a friend, trusted adult, or hotline! We know it's hard—that's why we're here. Even if you're not sure what to say, we'll figure it out together.

Whether it's for you or a teen you know, Teen Lifeline is here by call or text:

Help is just a call or text away. Call or text Teen Lifeline to talk with a teen peer counselor at 602-248-8336.*
* For Southern Arizona, call our Tucson-based hotline at 520-327-8336.
When it all feels like too much, it's time to ask for help.

Teen Lifeline @teenlifeline.bsky.social · Sep 10

...and sometimes it's a sudden, unexpected cheer or calm (because they've resolved to attempt suicide).

Anyone can have suicidal thoughts. If you see warning signs, don't wait—check in. Don't be afraid to ask, "Are you thinking about suicide?"

Trust your gut: if something feels wrong, reach out.

1

Teen Lifeline @teenlifeline.bsky.social · Sep 10

You could save a life by learning the warning signs of teen suicide💜

Most teens give warning signs before acting on thoughts of suicide, but those signs aren't always obvious. Sometimes it's weeks of visible sadness...🧵
#SuicidePreventionWeek #WSPD #TSPA

Infographic from Teen Lifeline showing warning signs of suicide with an illustration of a person in distress sitting with their head in their hands. The header reads "Warning signs of suicide.” The content is organized into four categories describing what someone thinking of suicide may experience, prefaced by the sentence, “When someone is thinking of suicide, they may…”
FEEL: Sad, empty, or hopeless for weeks. Mood swings, angry outbursts. Sudden unexpected cheer or calm. Unexplained aches.
THINK: Trapped, out of control, falling apart. Can't focus, brain fog, forgetful. Creates art or writing about death. Thoughts of suicide or giving up.
ACT: Big sleep, eating, or hygiene changes. Withdraws from friends or activities. Declining school performance. Gives away favorite things.
SAY: Talks about death, dying, escape. "Everyone's better off without me." "I don't want to be here." Says goodbye unexpectedly.
The bottom of the image states "If you're worried about a teen, call or text Teen Lifeline for help at 602-248-8336."

1

Teen Lifeline @teenlifeline.bsky.social · Sep 9

September is Teen #SuicidePreventionMonth! After 25 years of #TSPA, we know: talking about suicide saves lives💜

1 in 4 teens have considered suicide—silence isn't an option. Every convo, resource shared, teen who reaches out = lives saved.

Learn more: teenlifeline.org/share-tspa

September is Teen Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. When 1 in 4 teens have thoughts of suicide, talking about suicide literally saves lives. That’s why we’ve been spreading awareness every September for 25 years and counting!

Talking about suicide prevention saves lives.
1. Encourages help-seeking: Talking openly about suicide shows teens they can trust you with their struggles. By keeping that dialogue open, you create opportunities for them to reach out before it becomes a crisis.
2. Teaches warning signs: Warning signs aren't always clear or dramatic. Awareness teaches you what to look for and how to respond when a teen needs support.
3. Reframes help as healing: Suicide awareness shows asking for help is what brave people do in difficult times. When seeking support is seen as a strength and not a failure, teens are more likely to ask for help.
4. Creates a safety net: Some teens confide in friends, others may need an adult to recognize the signs. When everyone understands suicide, struggling teens are surrounded by people ready to help.

Teen Lifeline @teenlifeline.bsky.social · Sep 6

During Teen #SuicidePreventionMonth, we don't just talk—we solve.
📞Answer 100+ hotline calls/texts daily
🎓Teach teens coping & helping skills
🏫Show adults how to help teens
In AZ, 1 in 4 teens consider suicide. Donations help us continue saving lives! teenlifeline.org/donate

From awareness to impact: save lives with Teen Lifeline.

Teen Lifeline @teenlifeline.bsky.social · Aug 26

Event season is here! Kicked off strong at Thursday's Connections of Hope Kickoff.

Ambassador Don Tapia hosted at Paradise Valley Country Club, where Event Co-Chair Bonnie Love & Honoree Danny Sharaby spoke to the why behind our work💛

Gala on 10/3—buy now for jewelry drawing! teenlifeline.org/hope

Collage of photos of speakers.
Top left: Chief Advancement Officer John Patris-Browne.
Middle left: Executive Director Michelle Moorhead and Alfredo J. Molina.
Bottom left: Teen peer counselor.
Right: Event Co-Chair Bonnie Love.

Top: Honoree Danny Sharaby speaking at podium, close-up. Bottom: Danny Sharaby speaking to audience, wide shot.

Photo of the necklace and earring set featured in Teen Lifeline’s Connections of Hope: Be the Light jewelry drawing. Text reads:
Treasures for our treasured guests. JEWELRY DRAWING.
This necklace and earrings set, donated by Molina Fine Jewelers, could be yours.
PENDANT NECKLACE: 18K white gold, 0.43 carats of Round Brilliant Diamonds (F-Color, VS Clarity).
STUD EARRINGS: 18K white gold, 0.88 carats of Round Brilliant Diamonds (F-Color, VS Clarity).
Valued together at $10,120, this set doesn't chase trends—it skips them entirely. It's the kind of jewelry you reach for instinctively, because it always works. Effortless. Cool. Yours.
HOW TO ENTER: For every $500 spent towards Teen Lifeline's Connections of Hope event, you get one (1) entry into a drawing to win this jewelry set.
EXAMPLE: 2 event tickets = 1 drawing entry; $5,000 Sponsorship = 10 entries, etc.
All sales will be eligible for the drawing until 5:00 PM September 10th, World Suicide Prevention Day! Purchase today at teenlifeline.org/hope

1

Teen Lifeline @teenlifeline.bsky.social · Aug 26

🍂 FALL TRAINING ALERT! Next Phoenix area training is Sept 6-7.

Do you know a compassionate, responsible teen who wants to make a real difference? This #volunteer experience builds life skills, looks great on college apps, and truly saves lives.

Apply @ teenlifeline.org/volunteer

Save lives! Become a teen peer counselor at Teen Lifeline. Apply at teenlifeline.org/volunteer.

Next volunteer training for central Arizona is coming up! Phoenix area: next training on September 6 to 7. Apply at teenlifeline.org/volunteer.

Teen Lifeline @teenlifeline.bsky.social · Aug 21

Lights, camera, hope!🎬

Saturday, we filmed #MessagesOfHope PSAs at North Canyon High with student-athletes from across AZ. Record participation this year!

The vids will be shared throughout September for Teen Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (less than 2 weeks away!)

A look behind the scenes📸

Teen Lifeline @teenlifeline.bsky.social · Aug 14

Sometimes, team bonding means getting a little messy👨‍🎨 The TL team had our share of fun too last month with our summer staff retreat at #SpinArt Phoenix!

Here's to teamwork, connection, and a splash of fun—because whether you're volunteering or on staff, we're all in this colorful journey together❤️

Group photo of Teen Lifeline staff at Spin Art Nation Studio in Phoenix for the summer staff retreat.

Collage of photos from the summer staff retreat of staff throwing paint at canvases.

Teen Lifeline @teenlifeline.bsky.social · Aug 13

Dragons, laser tag, and an amazing day with our teens—our annual peer retreat last month was pure magic! On #InternationalYouthDay, we're still buzzing from celebrating these real-life superheroes☀️🐉

Photo of Teen Lifeline peer counselor Wynter hugging Chief Clinical Officer Nikki Kontz.

Collage of teen volunteers watching How to Train Your Dragon and holding Dutch Bros. Coffee gift cards.

Collage of awards given to key teen volunteers: Peer of the Year Wynter, College Peer of the Year Kaitlyn, and Board Liaisons Anderson and Zeke.

Volunteers playing laser tag at Main Event.

2

Teen Lifeline @teenlifeline.bsky.social · Aug 12

📚 School's back! Do you know where to go for support in a mental health crisis?

Teen Lifeline is here 24/7 for Arizona students. Save our contact in your classrooms and phones:
📞 Call 24/7: 602-248-8336 (Central AZ) / 520-327-8336 (Southern AZ)
💬 Text 3-9 pm: 602-248-8336

You've got this💜

Back to school checklist: textbooks, notebooks & binder, Teen Lifeline’s hotline number. Add Teen Lifeline to your contacts for year-round support: 602-248-8336.

Teen Lifeline @teenlifeline.bsky.social · Jul 31

Wrapping up our birthday month with hearts full of joy!💚

Our 39th celebration was lovely—volunteers, alumni, board members & community coming together. Thanks CHASSE Building Team for hosting!

39 years supporting AZ teens & going strong. Thanks for being part of our journey so far🫂

Teen Lifeline @teenlifeline.bsky.social · Jul 25

Summer break winding down can bring up a lot of mixed emotions.

If you need someone to talk to, we’ve got you🫶

Teen Lifeline @teenlifeline.bsky.social · Jun 5

Summer break stress is real.

Teens: if you need someone to talk to, call or text 602-248-8336 for free peer counseling 24/7.
You're not alone🧡

Stressed during summer break? Call or text Teen Lifeline to talk with a teen peer counselor: 602-248-8336. Call 24/7/365. Text 3 to 9 p.m. daily. Peer counseling 3 to 9 p.m. You’re not alone!

1

Teen Lifeline @teenlifeline.bsky.social · Jul 19

🎬 SEEKING AZ HIGH SCHOOL LEADERS! (Nominations due 8/1)

Know a changemaker who helps others & makes a difference on campus? Nominate them for our Messages of Hope PSAs at teenlifeline.org/nominate!

These videos save lives. Every teen deserves hope💙

#MessagesOfHope #SuicidePrevention #Arizona

1

Teen Lifeline @teenlifeline.bsky.social · Jun 28

How do we truly protect the teens we love?☂️

Real protection isn't controlling choices—it's creating space for them to be exactly who they are while building what they need to thrive: connection, confidence, coping skills, and care.

Every teen deserves adults who see, celebrate, & stand by them🌈

An illustration showing two teenagers embracing under a blue umbrella in the rain, surrounded by a rainbow. The image conveys protection and support during difficult times. Text reads, “What protecting teens actually looks like.”

Creating a Sense of Connection: Meaningful connections give teens a sense of belonging, stable ground, and someone to turn to when life gets hard. Be present, reliable, and interested in who they are as a person. Find common interests and ways to do them together, group activities, natural check-ins (driving to/from school, family dinners), school/community clubs.

Encouraging Positive Self-Esteem: Teens need room to explore the question: "Who am I?" It doesn't matter if something is a phase or not—it's real to them today. Create nonjudgmental, inclusive spaces where teens can feel safe to explore themselves without criticism. Validate their identity, emotions, and experiences; offer shared experiences if relevant.

Coping & Problem-Solving Skills: Life comes with challenges. It's not about avoiding the hard or bad stuff—it's about having ways to handle them when they come. Work out ways to identify and express emotions, encourage healthy outlets for feelings & self-expression, model healthy stress responses, problem-solve together, talk about how and when to ask for help.

Coping Skills: Emotional Regulation: Ways to handle difficult emotions (besides talking):
Anger: throw ice cubes on the ground, scream into/punch a pillow.
Sadness: cry, cuddle a pet/pillow/stuffed animal, get a hug.
Burdensome: do a small achievable task like washing a dish/brushing teeth/helping someone with a task.
Overwhelm: tighten every muscle at once and then relax, shake it out, start with something small.

Accessible Resources & Care: Sometimes teens need support family or friends can't provide—and that's okay. Give them the power to help themself. Possible sources of support: school clubs & services, library/community programs, therapy/support groups, hotlines*, other trusted confidants.
*Any AZ teen can call/text Teen Lifeline to talk with a teen peer counselor for help at 602-248-8336.

Teen Lifeline @teenlifeline.bsky.social · Jun 19

Every Arizona teen deserves a safe place when life gets overwhelming. At Teen Lifeline, we welcome all teens exactly as they are—safe to be themselves with genuine support from peer counselors who understand❤️

Call/text 602-248-8336. You're not alone!

Graphic of a group of people standing under a rainbow. Text reads, “Teen Lifeline is here for all teens. Call/text a teen peer counselor: 602-248-8336.”

Teen Lifeline @teenlifeline.bsky.social · Jun 18

Uncertainty feels scary because it's out of our control. But it’s not your job to know or fix everything. No one can carry the world alone.

Breathe. Make plans—text a friend, start that show—to anchor yourself in.

Teens: need support? Call/text Teen Lifeline at 602-248-8336🫂

#MentalHealth

The Latest Kate @thelatestkate.bsky.social · May 28

A drawing of a sparkly raven sitting on a branch. The caption reads, "Hey, facing unknowns absolutely causes anxiety. It's not weird to be struggling right now."