Civic Action Project for Teen Mental Health

Always think before you speak- everyone has a story, and you never know what someone could be going through. And it's never too late- just because someone has been insensitive in the past doesn't mean they can't change that. Respect is necessary in every aspect of life.

If you know someone who is depressed, please take the time to get them some help. You never know... you might just save their life.

When we think of mental health, we often think of depression. But we shouldn't forget the other mental illnesses like anxiety and eating disorders, personality disorders, and PTSD. These are all mental disorders that could use more awareness. Spread the word!

Organizations fighting for mental health awareness:

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) https://www.nami.org/Home

AFSP (American Foundation for Su***de Prevention)
https://afsp.org/

Mental Health America
https://www.mhanational.org/

This Is My Brave
https://thisismybrave.org/

The Trevor Project
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Project Semicolon
https://projectsemicolon.com/

Don't be afraid to get help if you are experiencing a mental health disorder. Also, support people going through mental illness and spread awareness to break the stigma.

Teen su***de is a real issue that affects many nationwide and in our local communities. Su***de and mental health sadly go hand in hand, so read this article and inform yourself on su***de prevention.

A Comprehensive Approach to Su***de Prevention | Su***de Prevention Resource Center Effective su***de prevention is comprehensive: it requires a combination of efforts that work together to address different aspects of the problem.

Depression is when you stop loving the things you used to love. The medical term for this is anhedonia, and it is a common symptom of depression.

If you are reading this:
you are enough.
I'm glad you exist.

IT
IS
OK
TO
NOT
BE
OK

"There are wounds that never show up on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds"

Depression is a sickness that is too often overlooked.

It is so hard to pretend to be normal when you feel everything and nothing-anonymous

Please reach out if you think someone is struggling.

"Life is not a tunnel, it's a maze. You get turned around all the time, and stuck in dark corners, and just when the end is in sight, you have to turn around and start from the beginning. Too many people get lost in this maze; when the compass of morality falters and night falls; when you've been searching for the exit for so long that you sit down, and don't get back up. Don't get lost, accept the help from the millions of others who are trapped, and use your light to guide them. You are not alone." (Unknown)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, adolescents are more prone to depression and anxiety. The rates of self-harm, depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses have skyrocketed over the past year. People, teens in particular, are not able to engage in as much social or typical activity as usual. It's a good idea for teens to stay in contact with friends and family, and to be aware of the mental and emotional situations of those close to you.

Keep staying safe!

Book Suggestion:

We had "What Kind of Girl" recommended to us by a friend. This book explores the realities of dating violence, substance abuse, self-harm, sexuality, and other subjects related to young adult mental health. A big theme in this novel is claiming yourself and your truth. This novel is certainly thought-provoking and a good conversation starter with the people you care about.

https://www.amazon.com/What-Kind-Girl-Alyssa-Sheinmel/dp/1492667277/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

What Kind of Girl What Kind of Girl

We are a group of 8th grade students who chose mental health for our civic action project. We will be using this page for the "community awareness" portion of this project.