Using Facebook to Reach Teens Coping with Tough Stuff - One Card at a Time

One of my passions over the years has been to find a way to reach, support and encourage as many struggling teens as I possibly can. My goal is to help these teens know that they are not alone, that they can get through whatever it is they are faced with, that things will get better, and that there are helpful resources and safe and trusting adults to turn to. I am currently writing a book for teens and for adults who care about teens. However in the mean time, being the biggest Facebook addict that I know, it came to me to start a page on FB dedicated to teens (and those who care about them) who are coping with all different types of challenges, loss and other tough stuff. That way before the book even comes out, teens can immediately find the help and encouragement they may need right on Facebook. This allows them to find information for themselves or for a friend online in their own time and anonymously.  On October 21st, I created a page: Grief Speaks 4 Teens. Since my website is Griefspeaks.com and my GS Facebook page is Grief Speaks, I thought I would add 4 Teens as opposed to using a new name.  I would love you all to check it out and please "like" it if you do like it.

The page contains anonymous index cards that students write to me in their classroom during my presentation, sharing difficult things that they've gone through, what they are going through currently or something they may be concerned about or have a question about. I ask them to include things that have helped them through it, as well as to share other stress relievers. I have received thousands of index cards over the years from teens about four states so far. My goal is to have teens from all around the world be able to send me cards. I just secured a P.O. Box for that purpose. The address is Grief Speaks 4 Teens, P.O. Box 155, Springfield, N.J. 07081. After I collect them and decide if they would be helpful for other teens, I will post and respond.

I have told students that I am writing a book based on all of the cards and that I may even include some of their cards, but only if they are not too specific. I look to use cards that seem to be a common issue among teens and on topics that I receive often such as parents' fighting, coping with a divorce, illness in the family, helping a friend who is struggling, coping with a sudden or not sudden death, grief, loss of friendships, bullying, sexual orientation issues, living with a parent with an addiction or mental illness, mental health issues, adoption issues, dating violence, depression, self injury, eating disorders, anxiety, grandparents with Alzheimer's or dementia, and more. Teens I speak with are very excited for me to finish the book. They love hearing what other teens are going through, as I read many index cards to them at the beginning of my presentation to them in health class or in assemblies.  It helps them to know that are "normal" and that they are not the only ones going through something and that it gets better. It also helps them to learn what helps other teens cope.

On the page, www.facebook.com/GriefSpeaks4Teens  I add a few new cards each day. Some are what teens share that help them cope while others are questions or comments about their individual life struggles. I then provide a response to those that need one and also provide websites, book titles, YouTube clips, song clips and other resources.

This is a great page for parents, teachers, school counselors, coaches, grandparents, aunts and uncles, mentors, youth leaders, clergy and anyone who wants to know what is on the minds and in the hearts of our teens today. You will also learn about many new resources that you may not have even known existed, such as my all time favorite: 2nd Floor Youth Helpline for NJ youth 10-24 years old:  (www.2ndfloor.org) 1-888-222-2228.  Helpline is operated 24/7 and run by trained counselors and is confidential.

Thanks for caring about teenagers and being an important person in thier lives who they can talk to and open up to without fear of judement. Remember that by providing a support network of safe and trusting adults to young people is a way we nurture resilience in them.

"Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone.”
― Fred Rogers

Thank you,

Lisa Athan