Encouraging Young People to Open Up and Speak Out About Mental Health
As a mother and reconstructive pediatric surgeon, caring for young people is part of my every day, and I feel quite capable of fixing a full range of children’s physical concerns. Youth mental health, however, is an area where we can’t simply “fix” things, despite our best efforts.
Parents today, myself included, tend to be so active in supporting our children we can forget about the importance of listening—and, more particularly, listening without judgment. Our pre-teens and teens are often struggling with mental and social issues beyond our knowledge and part of our job needs to be providing space and encouragement for them to open up.
This idea is at the heart of a local nonprofit, the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation, started in memory of a youth whose untimely death inspired others to realize her dream of encouraging teens with mental health issues to speak out. I recently participated in @CKGFoundation’s SpeakUp5k and also want to “speak up” here in support of our youth and this Richmond-based organization.
The CKG Foundation urges teens to not suffer in isolation
Cameron Gallagher, like many teens, struggled with depression and anxiety in isolated silence because of the stigma associated with these conditions. After she unexpectedly passed away from a heart condition at the age of 16, her family moved forward with Cameron’s plans to start a 5k race to raise mental health awareness and encourage those struggling to speak up.
It’s up to you and it’s up to me that we meet in the middle on
our way back down to earth. —Cameron K. Gallagher
The 5k is in its 6th year and thousands continue to join in the race. Cameron’s wonderful messages of positivity, belonging and love inspire participants throughout the course. If you believe in encouraging kids to speak up about their mental health struggles, I invite you to join me in supporting the @CKGFoundation. Find information about their volunteer opportunities here.
During a pandemic, teen mental health needs extra attention
The importance of organizations like @CKGFoundation is only increasing. Before the pandemic, statistics on teen mental health were already greatly concerning with approximately 12% of 13-17 year-olds reporting depression and about 1/3 experiencing some form of anxiety. As any of us can imagine, pandemic-related challenges including physical isolation, virtual schooling, and feeling a lack of control have exacerbated these issues.
Clearly, finding ways to support youth mental health is critical, life-saving work.
If you or anyone you know has thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline:
800-273-8255
Mental health resources in Richmond
As you consider how you might help—or if you know youth in need of assistance—I hope the following resources will prove helpful.
Beacon Tree Foundation helps families get access to mental care for their children ages 21 or under. They provide many services, as well as this list of resources.
Virginia Home for Boys and Girls (VHBG) offers an eight-hour educational workshop on identifying the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents. The program is free for adults who interact with youths (including teachers, coaches, youth group leaders, parents, social workers, hospital staff, law enforcement, employers, etc.).
Richmond Creative Counseling has a thorough list of online mental health resources
BeWellVA’s website offers a range of suicide prevention resources including a list of rapid access and crisis response options in Richmond
Be well and please, take time to listen to your children and other youth in your community. As Cameron Gallagher knew, reaching out and vocally supporting those struggling with their mental health is vitally important.