Recent data from the California Healthy Kids Survey (2017) shows alarming rates of youth reporting symptoms of depression in the past twelve months (17%of 7th graders, 24% of 9th graders, and 29% of 11th graders) as well as 13% of 9th graders and 14% of 11th grades having thoughts of suicide within the past 12 months. With 1 in 4 youth on average in our middle and high schools struggling with symptoms of mental health distress it is clearly time we develop new models for supporting the wellness of our youth.
That’s why the leaders of the James Henry Ransom Foundation, Strength Over Silence, and the Wellness & Prevention Center began meeting in November of 2018 to discuss teen concerns about mental health and wellbeing. These three organizations convened a group of teens to explore programming to support their social emotional health.
They identified the main stressors in their lives are school and peer related issues, closely followed by general anxiety and social media pressures. They note even with the constant social media traffic they experience feelings of isolation. Additionally they note that they often, “just don’t feel good enough.” Finally, they noted a lack of any local community areas where teens could congregate, socialize, study and relax, further driving this feeling of isolation.
The youth also reported barriers to seeking mental health support. It was found that while teens use mental health buzzwords among themselves and compare their levels of stress anxiety, they feel it is hard to speak to parents or other adults about seeking support. Adults agree about this stigma and state that they are not comfortable talking to friends about mental health concerns. There is an opportunity in the South Orange County area to use a community based approach that normalizes providing mental health support in a safe supervised environment. By placing the responsibility for improving the wellbeing of our youth at the community level, there is a better chance for positive outcomes.
Therefore, under the direction of a teen leadership group, the organization leaders determined to pursue the establishment of a Teen Wellness Center in the community of Ladera Ranch. The center will include:
- Social space – to include study area, food service, tech lab, performance area,
- Wellness space – to include yoga/dance/music studio, group learning room
- Mental health space – 3 confidential offices for individual mental health therapy
As we move forward with this project, we’ll be sharing progress updates and opportunities to get involved and show your support through our website and newsletter. Keep an eye out and feel free to let us know if you have any questions, thoughts, or concerns!