We all have a story.
If someone asks how you are doing, do you always say with a smile, “I’m fine. How are you?” Or do you tell them how you really are doing? If we always say we’re fine, we are likely not sharing the ups and downs of life. The “I’m fine” response could be fine if you are coping well, but what happens when the challenges of life are overwhelming but kept bottled up?
A particularly challenging time in life is adolescence, when teens and pre-teens experience rapid physical, mental and emotional change. How we tell our story or whether we tell it at all can depend on who is listening. Who is listening to the adolescents and young adults in our community? Teens may be hesitant to share their stories because they don’t think anyone will listen or take them seriously, or they feel misunderstood. They need a place to share their ideas and form a sense of belonging.
Teens with mental health concerns can do both at the San Benito County Behavioral Health Esperanza Center in downtown Hollister (544 San Benito St., Suite 102). The Esperanza Center is a place for 16- to 25-year-olds to engage with others in similar situations. It fosters a community of non-judgment and acceptance, and also encourages healthy eating through weekly group meetings.
Teens can also build critical relationships with peers and adults through school and community activities. They can benefit from expressing themselves through art, music, dancing, cooking, writing or other creative endeavors. They can engage in physical activity through organized sports and pick-up games, or through hiking the Pinnacles and biking through the countryside. They can volunteer to feed the hungry or house the homeless, simultaneously helping their community and recognizing their positive impact on others. They can join clubs or teams at school, and join youth religious groups. We encourage adolescents and their friends and family to participate in activities like the local Red Ribbon Run, an annual event that shows our commitment to a drug-free community. This year’s 26th Annual Red Ribbon Run is Oct. 10 and you can Like the Hollister Red Ribbon Run Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/HollisterRR5K.
Part of the reason our teens and others are reluctant to engage in conversation about mental health concerns is that they continue to carry a degree of stigma that other health problems do not. This can lead youth to feel ashamed of their problems. Programs such as the Each Mind Matters campaign and the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Prop 63 are addressing this stigma. One such effort, Walk In Our Shoes, http://www.walkinourshoes.org/, provides real stories of struggling youth, myths and facts about mental health, and resources for parents and teachers. Each Mind Matters also published a resource for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning (LGBTQ) teens called “Be True and Be You: A Basis Mental Health Guide for LGBTQ Teens.” They refer LGBTQ youth, who have a higher rate of depression and suicide attempts, to call The Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 in a mental health crisis. Another project is the Directing Change Student Film Contest where high school students can create 60-second films about suicide prevention or ending the silence about mental illness. To view the videos visit http://www.directingchange.org/.
Adolescents may benefit from seeking mental health services when they are experiencing overwhelming difficulties in school, relationships or in daily life in general. The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) services can assist youth before symptoms get severe. The Youth Alliance is contracted with San Benito County Behavioral Health to provide PEI services in local schools, and adolescents can be referred for mental health services.
When youth, parents and caregivers, or professionals have serious concerns, a good resource is http://www.samhsa.gov/suicide-prevention from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA). These additional resources are also available:
Suicide Prevention of the Central Coast at 1-877-ONE-LIFE (1-877-663-5433)
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
San Benito County Behavioral Health 24/7 mental health crisis services at 1-888-636-4020 or (831) 636-4020.
I encourage you to take a few moments today and every day to ask the youth in your life how they are doing. And really listen to the answer. Your interest may make a difference for that person’s day, week or even life.
