Addressing Youth Mental Health with Art
World Teen Mental Wellness Day is March 2
2/29/2024
Youth mental health
is a critical issue that often goes unaddressed or stigmatized, despite its
prevalence and impact on individuals and communities.
World Teen Mental
Wellness Day, observed annually on March 2, provides an opportunity to amplify
the conversation on youth mental health and advocate for greater resources and
support systems.
“We can see that
anxiety and depression have spiked since the advent of cell phones and social
media,” says Richard Satterwaite, LPC, Aspirus Clinical Therapist. “Now you
throw in a couple years of COVID and it’s produced a group of people that don’t
do well in social situations.”
Recognizing the
urgency of this issue, Raise Your Voice and RISEUP Central Wisconsin are
collaborating to empower youth and provide them with avenues for expression and
support. Aspirus has a relationship with both organizations and aims to
capitalize on a collaborative approach to help address a growing issue.
“We’re leveraging
the power of art to facilitate healing and dialogue around mental health by
creating a mural about mental health,” says Tara Draeger, Aspirus System
Community Health & Health Equity Director.
As part of this
initiative, workshops are being organized to give students from local high
schools a platform to share their experiences and emotions through art. These
workshops serve as safe spaces where participants can explore their feelings,
struggles, and hopes, while professional artists help them translate those
experiences into visual representations.
The resulting murals
will not only serve as tangible symbols of resilience and solidarity but also
spark conversations and raise awareness about youth mental health within the
community. By amplifying the voices of young people and promoting understanding,
the initiative aims to break down barriers, reduce stigma, and foster a culture
of support and acceptance.
“I believe the
answer to the problems in our world lies within our youth,” says Allie Libby,
Merrill High School Associate Principal. “Hopefully, the experiences from this
program will have a positive effect in the communities of these students.”
The collaboration
between Raise Your Voice, RISEUP Central Wisconsin, and Aspirus represents a
step towards addressing youth mental health. By harnessing the power of art and
providing safe spaces for expression, these initiatives are sparking essential conversations
and fostering resilience within our communities.
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