HOLLYOAK, Mass. (WWLP) – Youth mental health is the focus of a new public education campaign.
The “Youth Mental Health Never Takes a Vacation” initiative is a partnership between Mira Vista Behavioral Health Center and the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts (PHIWM), and its goal is to raise awareness of the need for continued vigilance when it comes to youth mental health over the summer.
As part of the campaign, they will post messages on social media each week such as, “There’s no shame in having feelings or asking for help to deal with them,” and “Ask your teen how they’re doing and take the time to listen without judgement.”
The two groups recently held a press conference to announce the campaign and collaboration, citing information from the youth health study as the impetus for their action.
“Adolescent health surveys conducted across Western Massachusetts have shown an increase in students reporting symptoms of depression each year, with more than two in five students expected to report symptoms of depression by 2023. We hope this campaign will help educate parents, guardians and the community about ways to promote good mental health and resources available to young people,” said Jessica Collins, PHIWM Executive Director.
“National and state data show that poor mental health among youth continues to increase,” said Kimberly Lee, Mira Vista’s chief of creative and strategic development. “Being away from school friends and school supports over the long summer holidays can leave some teens feeling isolated. Our campaign aims to remind parents, trusted adult guardians, local service providers and young people that help is available when someone is struggling emotionally and that they are not alone.”
Dr. Kathleen Seguda, senior director of community research and evaluation at PHIWM, recently led an effort to create a youth mental health roadmap for Western Massachusetts. “This campaign aligns with many of the recommendations outlined in the roadmap, with a particular focus on prevention,” said Dr. Seguda. “Promoting positive mental health practices and eliminating the stigma around mental health symptoms are key to improving youth mental health.”
