Being a teen is tough. With all the stress and problems out there, it is great to know there are places like A.O.U.N.U where someone will take the time to listen to you and understand what you are going through.

You can contact A.O.U.N.U at any time, day or night, by calling

708-529-5431.

Have you run away from home? Got a friend who needs help? Contact us and we can be there to provide a safe place.
 

Text the word "SAFE" and your current location (street, city, state) to 69866 and you will be directed to the nearest Safe Place location. For more information, visit www.nationalsafeplace.org or call (888) 290-7233 to reach the National Safe Place Office.

www.1800runaway.org/

Youth go through many stages in their adolescence, and, as a parent, it's often hard to know what to take seriously. Addressing issues early is the best way to avoid future problems, but how do you identify your youth's issues? How does a parent help prevent suicide, depression, alcohol/drug use, sexual promiscuity, running away - and many other situations youth face today - how do you know what to look for? Here are some of the signs to pay attention to:

• Unhappiness, depression

• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, helplessness and apathy

• Isolated behavior, secretiveness

• Withdrawing from family

• Drop in school performance, excessive absences, truancy, discipline problems

• Loss of interest in activities that formerly were sources of enjoyment

• Loss of concentration

• Personality changes, sudden mood changes or outbursts of temper

• Starting arguments

• Fatigue or lack of energy or motivation

• Change in sleep or eating habits

• Self-neglect

• Preoccupation with sad thoughts or death

• Increase in physical/health complaints

• Red and glazed eyes

• Lasting cough

• Sudden outbursts of temper

• Reckless, dangerous or irresponsible behavior, poor judgment

• Irritability, restlessness

• Low self-esteem

• Negative attitude

• Accumulation of money and possessions

• Giving away "valued" possessions

• New friends who make poor decisions and are not interested in school or family activities

• Reluctance to introduce new friends to parents

• Problems with the law

• Changes to less conventional styles in dress and music

The warning signs listed above can signal many different problems, some very serious. Parents may often recognize signs of trouble, but should not be expected to make a diagnosis or even know what to do. Most parents have "gut" feelings that tell them something's not right. Trust your instincts and call for help.