Being a kid can be difficult — and experts warn there is a mental health crisis among teens in our country right now.

But one organization in Western New York is setting out to help kids who just need someone to talk to — someone like them who they can trust and might be able to support them through whatever they’re going through. And that’s why they’ve launched a new Teen Chat Line.

“Every day you see it with kids; unfortunately you see people who end up taking their own life,” said Josue Cora, a high school senior at Buffalo Academy of Science Charter school.

Cora has seen how kids his age face constant challenges with mental health issues.

“Not having outlets to find people to kind of collaborate with and work out their emotions in their head,” he said.

Whether it’s problems at home, troubles fitting in with friends, pressure in school or sports, many kids deal with depression and anxiety.

“Our youth are experiencing a mental health crisis right now at really unprecedented levels,” said Melina DuBois, executive director of Mental Health Advocates of Western New York. “In fact, about a third of teen boys and 57% of teen girls express feeling persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness and despair.”

And that’s why the organization just launched a new Teen Chat Line where kids can go to their website and open a confidential text chat with youth peer advocates — professionally trained young adults — who can help them through their struggles.

Josh Cuillo, 25, is one of the people on the other end of the chat.

“I’ve dealt with both anxiety and depression my whole life. Struggled with substances as a teenager as a way to cope,” Cuillo said.

Mental health professionals say studies show kids can be more likely to open up to people closer to their own age than older adults. Having someone like Josh, who’s grown up with social media and understands today’s norms for youth, can be extremely helpful.

“We know what it’s like to go through school and not have supports available or not have something that’s there ready for you,” Cuillo said.

Teens can use their phone, tablet or computer to go to MHAWNY.ORG and right on the homepage click a button to start chatting with a peer youth advocate. They can just be someone to listen, or connect kids with resources they need. Right now, it’s open Monday through Friday from 2-8 p.m.

“We’re just there to provide support,” Cuillo said. “To provide them with some of our own experiences or maybe some of the habits we’ve picked up along the way.”

This is not an emergency line, but if someone is contemplating harming themselves, the advocates have a system in place for immediate action.

And for kids like Josue Coram, the Teen Chat Line could be an invaluable way to take on the stresses in their lives.

“It’s going to I feel like bring a lot more people out of their shells and more comfortability with talking about the more sensitive topics in their life,” he said.

If you or someone you know is contemplating taking their own life or causing harm, there is help available: you can call or text the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 to talk with a crisis counselor. It’s free and confidential.