“There’s no problem that exists that gets better when we don’t talk about it.” – Kier Gaines (Therapist & Educator)
For months now, we’ve been hearing a similar theme when speaking with many of New Leaf’s school and community partners. The core message goes like this: “We’ve never seen anything like it.”
What these teachers, youth workers, and youth themselves are speaking to is the high level of stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges they are witnessing young people experiencing right now.
The last few years have taken a toll on so many, and young people may be experiencing some of the worst impacts on their mental and emotional health. Studies have shown that youth who were already experiencing marginalization before the pandemic have been the most negatively affected.
With the weight of the world on them, the impacts of chronic stress on young people must be a focus in conversations around mental health. What we don’t acknowledge cannot be addressed.
New Leaf continues to center the well-being of youth through our programs and trainings, which support not only young people but the adults they’re surrounded by. What participants and staff consistently tell us is that our programs provide something critical for youth: a sense of belonging and empowerment, new ways to work with stress and difficult emotions, improved sleep, and a better understanding of their thoughts and emotions… all important aspects of mental wellbeing.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. For the next few weeks, we’ll be amplifying the ways our work supports youth mental health and how you can help.
If there was ever a time to help ensure more young people have access to supports, it’s now. Donate today or join our Better Together campaign to contribute monthly.