Modern day society can make teenagers feel isolated and alone. Between the heavy expectations and mental illnesses many teens carry, life can be negligent. It is hard for teenagers to find adults that have gone through similar experiences and who they are comfortable with.

The Bartow Family Resource recognizes the struggles young adults are put through and has many beneficial strategies to help teens get through hard times. The BFR offers a wide variety of free peer counseling in their Relationship Center. They provide peer counselors that are familiar with mental illness and that students would be comfortable around. It is important to the BFR that teenagers know that they are not alone. Mental illnesses can be intimidating, but when someone has a mentor to help guide them, it doesn’t seem as bad. Aside from being a free place for teens to vent, the BFR helps with hard issues like depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, cutting, and addiction. The peer counselors keep everything confidential, so students don’t have to worry about their secrets leaving the center. Students may also feel free to talk about relationships and sexual relations. The BFR has made a safe place for teens to be themselves and get any help they need.

As a teenager, I understand the struggles that many go through unnoticed and wanted to take this opportunity to help anyone who may need it and not know how to get it. The Bartow Family Resource provides a hotline number one can call if one needs assistance:  770.382.7224.