It’s almost 10 pm and you’ve been procrastinating your paper for class all night that’s due at 11:59 am – TONIGHT. School has been less than exciting with only being able to see everyone as a black screen and their name. You’ve been stuck at home with your family for who knows how long now?

The things that once gave you a break from reality like going to the gym or hanging out with your friends is a thing of the past. Your counselling sessions have all been online and all you want to do is scream at the top of your lungs because you’ve been feeling so suffocated, but at the same time you just want to cry until you can’t cry anymore.

After reading that, was there anything that resonated with you? Feeling like there is no end? Feeling fed up? Feeling frustrated? Maybe angry? Feeling upset? Feeling isolated? Feeling overwhelmed?

We may not be going through that exact situation, but for most of us, we can definitely relate to all those feelings. The last two years have been so extremely tough on all of us, whether it be troubles with school, work, keeping up friendships, maintaining/managing your relationships with your family, taking care of your mental health – all while the world has been on fire. It’s A LOT. We get that – ah, and who is ‘we’ you may ask?

ConnecTeen is a confidential peer support service for youth in Calgary and area. We know that being a teen is tough, and being a teen during a pandemic is even tougher! We can connect you with a peer who understands your unique situation and can help talk you through your issues. In other words, if you need to talk about how you’re feeling or what you’re going through and you don’t know who to talk to, you can talk to us at ConnecTeen!

Our service is confidential, so no one needs to know you contacted us. At ConnecTeen we also have youth volunteers who answer the lines between 3 pm-10 pm weekdays, and 12 pm-10 pm on weekends. You can choose how you want to express yourself. If you prefer hearing someone, you can call us! If you prefer sending sentences one at a time with emojis, you can chat or text! If you prefer getting everything out all at once, you can email!

During tough times, it’s always nice to know that there is someone who is available to talk. Regardless of how you’re feeling and what you’re going through, ConnecTeen is here for you! You can check out our website here for more information: https://calgaryconnecteen.com/need-help/

Article Contributed by Calgary ConnecTeen