HOLYOKE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – A new public awareness campaign launched Tuesday in western Massachusetts that targets teen mental health.
“Adolescent mental health does not take a summer vacation,” said Kimberely Lee with MiraVista Behavioral Health Center.
On Tuesday, Miravista, in partnership with the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, launched a public awareness campaign, aimed at bringing attention to teenage mental health. Experts said that, while summer is typically a happy time for many teens, that’s not the case for everyone.
“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 of the most important ways adults can help teenagers is by having open conversations surrounding their 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. For young people to be engaged and connected, we know that social isolation is a risk for poor mental health, so encouraging them to be involved in volunteering and activities in their communities with peers and with adults,” said Kathleen Szegda with the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts.
Western Mass News caught up with Springfield City Councilor Lavar Click-Bruce. He told us the city offers several summer programs and opportunities for local teens to stay active, including at the YMCA on Main Street.
“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 a childcare,” Click-Bruce said. “It’s imperative that our parents really try to find something that fits their child.”
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