With some studies showing record levels of sadness and hopelessness, the YMCA recently launched the Teen Mental Health Resource Hub.
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — Back to school brings children’s mental health to the forefront of conversations.
Several studies show record levels of sadness and despair, with increasing numbers of people considering suicide.
If you or a loved one is experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, help is readily available. You can call Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on 988 or chat with them online. There are also resources in North Carolina available here and South Carolina available here.
Today, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte is looking for solutions to help teens deal with mental health issues.
At Stratford Richardson YMCA on West Boulevard, Dorian Carter, 17, says high school is tough.
“Not everyone wears it on their face, whether they’re going through something or not,” Dorian Carter, a high school senior, said.
Several studies show that there is a link between spending more time on social media and depression. Teenagers sometimes compare themselves to images online, which makes them feel insecure or inadequate.
“I can say it took a toll on me mentally, being caught up and absorbed in other people’s lives,” Carter said. “It made me anxious…I need to figure this out now.”
Carter says he’s in a better place these days. He learned to manage his emotions.
“I had to really look at myself and find what I wanted to do and what I wanted to achieve,” Carter said.
LEARN MORE: Digital town hall: Suicide prevention
The YMCA works to help teens like Carter. She recently launched the Adolescent Mental Health Resource Center with the slogan “mental health has no face”, meaning mental health problems can affect anyone.
“There is no more space to hide it and our young people are talking about it freely, which is so refreshing,” Pamela Hempstead, mental health director for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, said.
The goal is to destigmatize mental health and provide resources to teens and parents on how to talk to their children about it.
“The freedom to say, ‘I’m not okay and I don’t know what’s going on,’ and to know that someone who cares about me is willing to sit and be there with me in that space, that makes a world of difference,” Hempstead said.
Extra support makes a difference for teens like Carter who want others to know they’re not alone.
“A lot of teenagers think maybe it’s the most important thing to keep quiet or say ‘I don’t want people prying into my business,’ but it’s really good to get the help you need,” Carter said.
Hempstead wants parents to know that their children are facing greater challenges than when they were children and that parents should also prioritize their own mental health.
Contact Lexi Wilson at lwilson@wcnc.com and follow her Facebook, X And Instagram.
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