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Part of respecting yourself means figuring out what you need. That might mean getting help in a situation that's dangerous, or digging deeper for more information on a subject. This section is full of resources to help you do some major exploring or to get help.

HELPLINES
Al-Anon/Alateen
888-4AL-ANON (888-425-2666)
www.al-anon-alateen.org
Support for families and friends of alcoholics. Use the Web site to find a local chapter near you or look it up in the phone book.

America's Pregnancy Helpline
800-672-2296
www.thehelpline.org
Free and confidential help for pregnancy, prenatal health and reproductive options, including parenting, adoption, and abortion. Check out the Web site for more info and helpful tips on making a decision about pregnancy.

Girls and Boys Town Hotline
800-448-3000
www.girlsandboystown.org
Call anytime with any problem, including feelings of depression or thoughts of suicide. This hotline offers crisis resources and referrals and is staffed by trained counselors.

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
847-831-3438
www.anad.org
Helpline open Monday through Friday 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. (CST). Web site is loaded with information about eating disorders and treatment referrals for your area.

National Center for Victims of Crime
800-FYI-CALL (800-394-2255)
www.ncvc.org/tvp
Offers a toll-free helpline, a comprehensive collection of online resources, and service provider referrals. Check out the center's Teen Victim Project to learn more about assault, bullying, sexual abuse, dating violence, stalking, and how to get help and take action to stop violence against girls.

National Child Abuse Hotline
800-422-4453
www.childhelpusa.org/programs_hotline.htm
A hotline for parents, children, professionals, and anyone concerned that child abuse is occurring.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-SAFE (800-799-1233)
www.ndvh.org
Crisis intervention, information about domestic violence, and referrals to local service providers for victims and those calling on their behalf.

National Substance Abuse Helpline
800-DRUG-HELP (800-378-4435)
A confidential helpline for help with questions or concerns related to substance abuse.

Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) National Sexual Assault Hotline
800-656-4673
www.rainn.org
This free, confidential counseling hotline is available 24/7. The Web site has tons of information about sexual abuse and what to do if you've been sexually assaulted.

SAFE (Self-Abuse Finally Ends)
800-DONT-CUT (800-366-8288)
Get referrals to local programs that can help girls who self-injure or cut.

Teen Relationships Hotline
800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233)
www.teenrelationships.org
Call the nationwide 24-hour hotline for support, assistance, information, counseling, shelter, and other services. The Web-based chat room is open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings.

ORGANIZATIONS
American Psychological Association
www.apa.org
Wondering if shyness is normal, if you're getting enough sleep, if your perfectionism is harmful, or how to tell if you have depression? Learn about post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental and emotional traumas, and how to find a therapist in your state.

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Assists parents and families in understanding developmental, behavioral, emotional, and mental disorders that can affect teens. Also offers links to support groups.

KidsPeace
Educates teens, parents, and professionals about how to anticipate and avoid crisis whenever possible. Also provides mental and behavioral health treatment programs and crisis intervention services.

Bursting the Bubble
www.burstingthebubble.com
Good information on abuse in families. Includes quizzes, checklists and a guide for understanding and dealing with abusive situations.

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
www.naswdc.org
You can do an online search of the NASW Register of Clinical Social Workers to find a social worker in your area who can provide mental health services.

Project NoSpank
www.nospank.net
You'll find everything you need to know about the widespread use of physical punishment and its consequences, including how to stop its use in America by creating awareness campaigns.

Teen Central Helpline
A Web site for teenagers created by teenagers and monitored by professionals. Helps teens in crisis by giving them a private, anonymous place to receive sound, tested advice from professionals and to relate with their peers in a safe, professionally counseled environment.

U.S. Department of Justice: Office on Violence Against Women
202-307-6026
www.ojp.usdoj.gov/vawo
Handles the Department's legal and policy issues regarding violence against women, including responding to requests for information regarding violence against women. Works closely with state, tribal, and local jurisdictions to implement the mandates of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation.

V-Day
www.vday.org
Nonprofit corporation that distributes funds to grassroots, national, and international organizations and programs that work to stop violence against women and girls.

BOOKS
The Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse by Ellen Bass and Laura Davis
This book offers advice, resources, and practical guidance for sexual abuse victims on getting help and building self-esteem. Plus, it recommends supportive strategies for families and friends.

In Love and in Danger: A Teen's Guide to Breaking Free of Abusive Relationships by Barrie Levy
A guide designed to help with numerous relationship issues.

Surviving a Stalker: Everything You Need to Know to Keep Yourself Safe by Linden Gross
From the founder of Stalking Victims Sanctuary, this book covers everything from cyber stalking to creating safety plans. Or see: www.stalkingvictims.com.

When Nothing Matters Anymore: A Survival Guide for Depressed Teens by Bev Cobain
A book for teens on how to recognize depression, get help and stay well.

When Something Feels Wrong: A Survival Guide About Abuse for Young People by Deanna S. Pledge
Support and healing for teens when it comes to physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Checklists, journaling exercises, and encouragement help the healing process.

llustration by Catherine LePage © Free Spirit Publishing Inc. 2005

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