A new public awareness campaign targeting teen mental health was launched Tuesday in western Massachusetts by MiraVista Behavioral Health Center, in collaboration with the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts.
“Adolescent mental health does not take a summer vacation,” stated Kimberely Lee of MiraVista Behavioral Health Center. The campaign aims to highlight the importance of mental health for teenagers, especially during the summer months. While summer is often a time of relaxation and joy for many teens, it can also exacerbate feelings of loneliness and disconnection for others.
“Summer offers young people an opportunity to relax, but for some young people, that lack of connectivity, that lack of socialness can contribute to existing mental health conditions and can add to those feelings of loneliness,” Lee explained.
One key aspect of the campaign is encouraging open conversations between adults and teenagers about mental well-being. “We know that there’s still stigma that remains around talking about mental health and it’s really important to talk about it, so we’re encouraging parents and young people to check in and talk about it,” said Kathleen Szegda of the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts. She emphasized the importance of engagement and social connection, noting that social isolation can be a significant risk factor for poor mental health. “Encouraging them to be involved in volunteering and activities in their communities with peers and with adults is crucial.”
Springfield City Councilor Lavar Click-Bruce highlighted the city’s efforts to provide summer programs and opportunities for local teens to stay active. He mentioned the YMCA on Main Street as a valuable resource. “As a community center kid, The Y provides a plethora of opportunities not only for our teens, but for the family. The family can come hang out, they can come read a book, we have childcare,” Click-Bruce said. “It’s imperative that our parents really try to find something that fits their child.”
The campaign underscores the importance of community support and proactive engagement in addressing teen mental health, aiming to create a more connected and supportive environment for young people during the summer and beyond.
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