A Generation at Risk: Why Local Action in Mental Health Matters Now
Ajani Doss
10th Grade, Poe Youth Empowerment Team Member
Poe Center for Health Education
Imagine being a teenager in a world that never stops asking for more. Imagine the pressure of a classroom, the noise of social media, and the weight of the future hitting you all at once.
Youth mental health is one of the most critical issues of our time. To be passionate about youth mental wellness means understanding that we are working our way through a mix of academic pressure, social media dynamics, and real-world uncertainties for which we had no way to prepare.. Our emotional well-being directly shapes our ability to learn, connect, and thrive. Healing youth mental health is not optional: it is the difference between a broken future and a surviving generation.
Right now, our generation is at a breaking point. The increase in youth suicide rates are deeply alarming. Suicide is one of the top three leading causes of death among young people, representing a devastating impact on families and communities. What makes this crisis especially concerning is that many struggles remain hidden under the surface. Shame, stigma, and fear of judgment often prevent young people from asking for help when they need it most.
Fortunately, youth have the incredible power to support one another. Friends are often the first to notice subtle changes in behavior, mood, or engagement. We can support our peers by practicing active listening, validating feelings without offering immediate judgment, and checking in regularly. Most importantly, supporting a friend means knowing when to involve a trusted adult, school counselor, or crisis line, reminding peers that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Getting involved in suicide prevention efforts turns empathy into meaningful action. Young people can advocate by starting or joining mental health awareness clubs at school, organizing stress-relief activities, and sharing crisis support resources such as the 988 Lifeline. We can make a local impact by participating in community events such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Walks or NAMI Mental Health Awareness Walks. We can also take active roles by completing mental health training programs like Teen Mental Health First Aid to better recognize and support peers in distress.
By speaking openly about mental health, encouraging open dialogues, and challenging social stigma, youth can help create safe environments where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported. We must stop the silence and start the support because when a young person has a clear mind, they have the power to choose a better future.
References
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (n.d.). Out of the Darkness Walks. Out of the Darkness Walks.
Johnson, J. V. (2023, November). Teen suicide. Your Health Magazine. Teen suicide.
Mental Health First Aid USA. (2024, October 14). 10 ways to help someone who is struggling with their mental health. 10 ways to help someone who is struggling with their mental health.
National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Featured Program for Adults:
Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help adolescents (ages 12-18) who are experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or are in crisis.
YMHFA is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Learn more about this evidenced and research based program from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
The Poe Center regularly offers mental wellness workshops for adults and youth. Find a list of upcoming events on our “Events” page.
Schedule this program for: Parents, Caregivers, and Other Youth Serving Adults
Program Length: 7 Hours
Featured Program for Youth:
tMHFA teaches high school students (ages 15-18) how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders among their friends and peers. The training gives youth the skills to have supportive conversations with their friends and get a responsible and trusted adult to take over as necessary. It is designed to be delivered in schools or community sites. Learn more about this evidenced and research based program from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
Schedule this program for: 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
Program length: six 45-minute sessions or three 90-minute sessions
The Poe Center regularly offers mental wellness workshops for adults and youth.
Find a list of upcoming events on our “Events” page.