Experts And Teens Unite In Minnesota To Tackle Mental Health Questions

Experts And Teens Unite In Minnesota To Tackle Mental Health Questions

The World Health Organization reports that one in seven teens experiences some form of mental disorder.

MINNEAPOLIS — On World Teen Mental Wellness Day, mental health experts and teenagers in Minnesota gathered to address a critical question: What needs to be done to tackle teen mental health issues?

An event at Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities highlighted the pressing concerns faced by young people and the importance of open dialogue in addressing these challenges.

The World Health Organization reports that one in seven teens experiences some form of mental disorder. At the Minneapolis event, participants shared personal stories and insights into many teens' struggles.

University of Minnesota senior Shenali DeSilva spoke about her journey through depression and anxiety, crediting art as her saving grace. "I was in the trenches of depression and anxiety, and I didn't really know, I didn't even know that I was to be honest with you," DeSilva said. Her experience highlights the often-hidden nature of mental health struggles among young people.

"55% of the teens that we surveyed really are looking to academic pressure and stigma as some of the top issues that they're facing," said Cadre COO Shannon Stauff. Cadre is a social media app designed to address mental health for teens and young adults.

Mental health expert Jason Lennox emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces for open discussions about mental health, especially at school. "I think one of the biggest problems both on the teen side and across the board is stigma, and people don't want to talk about mental health, and we just don't have those open spaces for people to feel safe and comfortable talking about it," Lennox said.

George Wellens, a 10th grader at Hill-Murray, feels the pressure of this stage in his life.

"Especially in high school, like it's four years that kind of build the rest of your life and that that's a big weight on your shoulders to carry," Wellens said.

"Realizing what you're going through is super important as well, and you shouldn't have to go through anything alone," Desilva said.

SOURCE: KARE 11