Student groups bring awareness about mental health
Beaver County TimesSep 21, 2017
The Youth Ambassadors Program, which has grown to more than 200 students countywide over the past year, has been there to help.
Times Today: Youth Ambassador Program holds mental health awareness event at
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The group held a mental health awareness event for student participants at the Dome at
The group had its first event last September with five school districts.
"Beautiful." "Intelligent." "You're worth it."
"I know a lot of people with mental illnesses," said Angel, 14, sticking colorful jewels to her mirror.
The group provides great coping mechanisms for low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts for themselves and others, said Marissa, 14, who deals with mental health issues herself.
"It's a way for people to get together, learn what it represents," she said.
The Youth Ambassadors Program works with Students Against Destructive Decisions groups at many local schools, trying to provide an open and nonjudgmental environment among peers.
Opening the lines of communication is imperative. Students at
"Knowing what you should know about yourself kind of gives us guidelines what other people should know about themselves and helps us know when things aren't right with another person," said
"We're trying to build a mental health tool kit for them," she said.
Dealing with mental health doesn't necessary mean dealing with someone who has a clinical diagnosis. Test taking, peer pressure, home and family life can all be areas of anxiety and stress.
Smith said the program is funded through a grant the county obtained from the
Ty'Rese Baker, a junior at
"We can relate to them," said Gage, 17, also a Beaver Falls junior.
Being a Youth Ambassador has taught her perspective and empathy.
"It taught me how to listen to their problems ...," Brooklin said. "Having a set of ears for other students to listen."
In addition to seasonal events for students across the county, the Youth Ambassadors also hope to soon launch "YAP After Dark," a series of meetings to get parents and community members involved.
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(c)2017 the Beaver County Times (Beaver, Pa.)
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