Youth Organization Advocates for Mental Health Check-Ins with Teens
Mental Health Awareness Month: A Call to Action for Indiana’s Youth
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – As May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, the Indiana Youth Institute (IYI) is urging adults to engage with the adolescents in their lives, focusing attention on a pressing issue: the declining mental well-being of teenagers in Indiana. Recent statistics from the organization reveal troubling trends among students in grades 7 through 12, where nearly 30% report experiencing feelings of sadness or hopelessness lasting at least two consecutive weeks. This extended emotional distress can indicate a withdrawal from activities that once provided enjoyment and fulfillment.
Even more concerning is the statistic that approximately 14% of these students have seriously contemplated suicide. Tami Silverman, president and CEO of the Indiana Youth Institute, emphasizes the urgency of addressing such feelings. “We want every child to feel hopeful about their futures,” she stated. “When a child is contemplating, considering, or planning to take their own lives, that is a critical matter that requires our immediate attention.”
The IYI’s initiative aims not only to raise awareness but also to provide concrete strategies for adults to support the mental health of teenagers. The organization advocates for open dialogue, encouraging adults to create safe spaces where youths can freely express their emotions. Active listening is highlighted as a fundamental skill, which allows teenagers to feel heard and understood, a crucial aspect of emotional well-being.
In addition to fostering communication, experts suggest that adults can help teens manage stress through various methods, including mindfulness practices, physical activity, and encouraging creative outlets. Community programs and school initiatives that promote mental health awareness are also crucial in establishing a supportive environment for young people.
As Indiana observes Mental Health Awareness Month, it serves as a vital reminder of the collective responsibility to prioritize the mental health of the state’s youth. Mental health advocates stress that monitoring the emotional landscape of adolescents is essential not only for preventing severe outcomes but also for nurturing resilience and hope in future generations.
By engaging with the issue now, communities can work together to ensure that every young person in Indiana has the support needed to thrive both emotionally and mentally. As Tami Silverman aptly puts it, fostering hope is a shared mission that can lead to brighter futures for Indiana’s youth.
