Needham Acts - Teens: Who will they tell?

Who will they tell?

Confidentially

Many teens are worried that if they talk to a counselor, teacher, coach, health care provider, or other trusted adult, that adult will tell their parents and they will then be in “trouble.” It is important to know that professionals such as teachers, coaches, or counselors are required to “break” confidentiality if they believe that you are at risk to hurt yourself or others. While you may be mad at first if an adult “tells” your parents or guardians, getting help and preventing a tragedy like a suicide is so important that you will probably understand that it was a good decision after a while. If you tell a friend that you are thinking of suicide and they tell an adult, you may also be angry with them and feel “betrayed” by their actions. It is important to know that they want you to live and get help and that your anger at them is not as important as saving your life. If a friend tells you that he or she is thinking of suicide, it is important to tell an adult so the friend can get help and avoid a tragedy. You would rather risk the friendship by getting them help than risk his/her life by keeping a secret.