When it comes to conversations about mental health and treatment, it’s easy to see that we still have a long way to go. However, that doesn’t mean we haven’t already made huge strides. In 2024, due to the tireless work of activists, organizations, and brave individuals sharing their stories, we are lucky to live in a world where mental healthcare is a part of the cultural conversation.
As the summer closes and back-to-school season begins, we’ve been thinking a lot about mental healthcare for school-aged people. This is perfectly timed, as August is Teen Mental Health Month, a campaign that “aims to provide information and resources that can help teenagers manage their mental health and seek help when needed.” Started in 2023 by This Is My Brave, an organization dedicated to humanizing mental health challenges and addiction by empowering people to tell their personal stories and own their experiences, this initiative dedicates August to focusing on the mental health of teens and young people.
And it couldn’t be coming at a better time. According to a recent Surgeon General’s report, the mental health of teens has been particularly impacted in recent years, noting that “From 2009 to 2019, the proportion of high school students reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness increased by 40%; the share seriously considering attempting suicide increased by 36%; and the share creating a suicide plan increased by 44%.” These numbers are startling and demand action.
While many factors can impact a person’s mental health, from demographic characteristics to environmental and genetic ones, breaking down stigma and increasing access to care are outcomes we can all take responsibility for.
Get involved with Teen Mental Health Month:
- Take action: Sometimes, when we care about something, we can feel driven to act but unclear what actions will move the cause forward. Luckily the Surgeon General’s report includes a comprehensive list of action items and resources for young people, caregivers, and organizations (Starting on page 14). Review the lists and commit to taking at least one action this month. Even better, find an accountability buddy or coordinate an Action Hour with your colleagues to strategize and coordinate your efforts.
- Share Resources: This August, commit to sharing resources with the young people in your life. This can look like passing along a resource guide, the sign-up link for an event, or a social media page on the subject. Don’t forget – you’re also a resource! Sharing your own story or the ways you support your mental health can help young people normalize receiving mental health care.
- Become a Partner: If your organization is able, consider partnering on initiatives like Teen Mental Health Month. You can learn more and apply here.
- Take the Pledge: This Is My Brave is all about humanizing stories of mental health challenges and addiction. With that in mind, you can take the pledge on their website and commit to sharing resources, stories, and more related to Teen Mental Health Month through August and beyond!
Our teenage years can be some of the most turbulent and exciting of our lives as we formulate our identity, start to make decisions on our own, and move towards greater independence. With this in mind, it’s a critical time when we can be dispelling stigma, normalizing mental healthcare, and supporting the young people in our lives. Initiatives like Teen Mental Health Month provide accessible ways to keep making forward strides for future generations.
