S.O.S. Teen was set up by the family of a teenager who was assaulted at the age of 15. Her world imploded. A decade later she has recovered from agoraphobia, depression and anxiety. Life changed irrevocably after the assault. Friendships evaporated; family distanced themselves. Her energetic, ambitious and humorous approach to life was replaced with utter despair and darkness. For a long time it was a struggle to go even one day at a time.
This scenario is not unusual. Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to assault, violence, accidents, loss and other shocking events that turn their lives upside down.
The recent Covid-19 outbreaks and lockdowns have also hit some teenagers very hard.
When any kind of unexpected, adverse change happens, teenagers can experience depression, anxiety, self-harm, anger, eating issues, agoraphobia, social withdrawal and PTSD.
This situation is often exacerbated by rejection and bullying on the part of school friends, other young people, and even adults.
Where do you turn when you are suddenly alone and in crisis?
There are hundreds of organisations which can help. S.O.S. Teen is a website dedicated to helping you find them.