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You Know Yourself and Info For Neuroscience presents... The Detrimental Decline in Teens Mental Health: and what you should be doing about it Introduction: Did you know that 1 in 5 adolescents have a mental or behavioral health condition? This stat is only for those who are diagnosed; now imagine what the real number would be if more teens were to speak up. Depression rates alone have risen 60% since the 2000s, according to a study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology. 70% of teens identify anxiety or depression among their peers, according to the American Psychological Association in 2024. This global phenomenon that took over the lives of many teens, potentially ruining their future and collectively ruining the next generation, makes you wonder: What was the cause of all this? What can we do to prevent this from going any further? Is there an efficient way to catch these signs before it's too late? Mental Health problems within teens: Depression: Many people throw the term “Depression” out there, but most of the time, they don’t know what it truly means to be depressed. Depression, also called major depressive disorder, affects your cognitive abilities, such as behavior or mood. It leads to a variety of emotional and physical problems including suicidal thoughts. Symptoms to look out for include: Loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, feeling hopeless, sleep problems, slower thinking, thoughts of death, sudden weight loss or gain, lack of energy, and angry outbursts. Individuals with depression should not give up hope. Depression can be treated with medication and psychotherapy. You are never alone; talk to any trusted person about any worries you may have. Anxiety: Similar to the way depression is commonly misused and self-diagnosed, anxiety is often used as a term to describe overthinking. It is important to note that there is a difference between anxiety “disorder” and the feeling of anxiety. The state of being anxious is described as feelings of worry, fear, or uneasiness, whose range depends on the circumstances. This feeling is very common; in fact, it is part of the body's natural fight or flight. Anxiety disorder is defined as a diagnosed mental condition where the individual experiences several and persistent anxiety attacks that are out of proportion to the environment or event that triggers them. There are many types of anxiety disorders, some include: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, and Social Anxiety Disorder. Due to the many types of anxiety disorders, the symptoms vary between individuals who are affected. You should seek support and attention for yourself or other peers who show signs of experiencing anxiety often. You are not alone. Be sure to seek the help you need, and don’t be afraid to speak up for others, either! Stress: Stress is insanely common among teens. On a ten-point scale, teens report approximately 2 more points of feeling stressed than adults in the United States According to the American Psychological Association in 2024. In that same study, only 16% of teens reported stress levels going down since the previous year, but about 1 in 3 teens say their stress levels have risen and believe it will not get better in the following year. Stress often stems from academic or social pressure; In particular, the rise of social media since the 2000s has given teens access to the internet from just their pocket. Cyberbullying, negative influences, and toxic relationships within social media are detrimental to a teen's mental health, which could lead to stress or worse mental health problems. The correlation between the rise of social media and skyrocketing teen depression could help explain this phenomenon, but it isn’t enough to prove that social media is bad for teens. You, as a person reading this article, should spread awareness about mental health. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others whether you are feeling upset or just want someone to talk to. Use social media in a way that could help decline these rates of declining mental health. The consequences: The severity of these conditions vary on each individual. Life isn't perfect for everyone; you will eventually face adversity in one way or another. Like previously mentioned, stress is a very common experience for teens. This alongside potential anxiousness and feelings of dread pile up onto the individual which could take a toll on their everyday life. Teens who experience these factors usually feel hopeless and lost which leads them to avoiding support. Sometimes they go for external methods of coping that help temporarily but are extremely detrimental to their overall health. These methods include the usage of drugs, undereating or overeating, or in extreme circumstances, self harm and suicide. These coping mechanisms can ruin many lives including the people surrounding the individual who indulge in these methods. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death within teens in the country. Without the proper help, the country faces so many deaths that could have been prevented. Even excluding suicide, mental health is a huge part of a students motivation to simply get up in the morning. Mental health impacts the ethics of individuals and their mentality. It is important that these mentalities are shaped into positive ones that allow these teens to thrive. The consequences are not only temporary, in fact, they impact our world. These teens are our future; They determine the shape that our country will take. It is important that we support and help these teens when they are facing these adversities so not only their lives improve, but society as a whole improves. Now you might be asking, how could I get support for myself and for others? Support Methods Role in Mental Health Issues Why Support Matters: Mental health is extremely delicate, which is why people require consistent care to maintain a positive one. Typically, individuals reside in a state of emotional, psychological, and social well-being, which enables them to cope with life stresses, work productively, maintain healthy relationships, and contribute to society. However, these states can be negatively affected when someone is exposed to an extreme psychosocial stressor. Psychosocial stressors can stem from urbanization, digital dependency, social isolation, and economic pressures. While psychosocial stressors are not the main cause of deterioration of mental health, they play a major role in the prevalence of various mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, stress, etc. Different support methods can provide the emotional, practical, and social resources that enhance recovery, reduce stress, and help navigate psychosocial stressors. Studies have shown that social and musical support, along with mental health literacy, can serve as pivotal resources for coping with emotions and bolstering overall well-being. If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental health issue, read below to see possible support methods that can help address it. Psychotherapy: Many methods work to alleviate many symptoms that come from mental health issues. Ironically, one of the most effective methods is just talking about your thoughts and feelings. Oftentimes, those who struggle with their mental health have trouble managing intense emotions and/or thoughts. Unchecked emotions can give rise to the escalation of anxiety, depression, feelings of worthlessness, and the potential development of intermittent explosive disorder. With the aid of psychotherapy, individuals can speak about their feelings and work to modify any unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This is possible because “talk therapy” works on a biological level by changing brain structure and gene expression, improving emotional regulation, and strengthening communication between brain regions involved in fear and reasoning. It is normal to be hesitant about doing psychotherapy, but if you are overwhelmed by your emotions to a point where they're harming you or others, you should consider it. To start, look for possible psychologists who are qualified to do psychotherapy. You can ask family members or a primary care provider for one if needed. Sessions typically last 45-60 minutes, and the cost can be covered by insurance, but there are free clinics/programs offered by health centers that can cover the cost. Don’t hesitate to reach out to anyone if you ever need any kind of support. Musical Therapy: Whether it's listening to songs on Spotify or playing the xylophone in band class, music profoundly affects our socioemotional development and overall well-being. Physicians use music as a therapy that improves mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and stress while fostering emotional regulation, self-confidence, and social connection. Music therapy helps people rebuild their self-esteem and build healthy coping/problem-solving skills. It opens an outlet for individuals to navigate their feelings nonverbally. This is helpful for people with altered cognitive abilities or who find it difficult to express their emotions with words. For those suffering from an anxiety disorder or depression, music therapy provides a brain-relaxing activity that can reduce symptoms and promote a sense of well-being. Music can also aid in physical rehabilitation and improve physical coordination, motor functions, and overall quality of life. Individuals can take advantage of music’s benefits from the comfort of their home through listening to calming music or making music with instruments. Additionally, you can have professional music therapy provided to you by a board-certified music therapist. Music therapy sessions are either individual or group-based, with individual session prices ranging from $85 to $160 per hour and group-based sessions ranging from $90 to $110 for 30-45 minute sessions. If you or someone you know could potentially benefit from this, don’t hesitate to look for a music therapist near you or ask your primary health care physician. Mental Health Literacy: The best tool to combat mental health issues is simply education. Having the knowledge of and ability to learn about signs, symptoms, and treatment resources for mental illnesses. You can recognize, manage, and seek support early for mental health issues if you take the time to achieve a general understanding of the foundations of good mental health. As you previously read, mental health issues, including depression, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia, are highly prevalent in the world. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 teens in the U.S. have mental health issues, but only 43.8 percent of those individuals receive treatment. One way to improve this is through mental health literacy because with increased understanding of mental health diseases, individuals will be better equipped to seek help when they need it and provide support for others. This can significantly improve an individual's quality of life and lower the stigma around mental health. Conclusion: Due to the prevalent stigma around mental health, many teens' mental health has declined, creating a growing public health crisis that is affecting our generation at an alarming rate. Depression, anxiety, and stress are often overlooked due to la ack of knowledge or stigma. While factors such as academic pressure, generational trauma, and social media may contribute to this ruse, we can still prevent further harm. Our first step should be becoming aware of what mental health is. Individuals should know what a healthy mind looks like and the signs and symptoms of an unhealthy mind. Individuals should also seek support from those they feel comfortable with, like family and peers. Speaking about your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment can create a safe environment for teens. With adequate knowledge and good support systems, we can recognize warning signs early and get professional help to potentially save lives. Teen mental health matters, and supporting it is a responsibility we all share. You Know Yourself: Gmail: youknowyourselforg@gmail.com Instagram - @youknowyourselforg Website - https://www.youknowyourself.org/ Info for Neuroscience: Gmail - infoforneuroscience@gmail.com Instagram - @infoforneuroscience Website - https://www.infoforneuroscience.org/ Sources: FOX 24 News Now. “Depression in Teens up 60% since the 2000s; Examining the Factors with MUSC.” YouTube, 14 July 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5KfpSWwRsk Accessed 20 Feb. 2026. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Data and Statistics on Children’s Mental Health.” Children’s Mental Health, CDC, 5 June 2025, www.cdc.gov/children-mental-health/data-research/index.html ‌Sappenfield, Olivia, et al. “Adolescent Mental and Behavioral Health, 2023.” Nih.gov, Health Resources and Services Administration, Oct. 2024, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK608531/ Sawchuk, Craig. “Depression (Major Depressive Disorder).” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 14 Oct. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007 Mental Health Foundation. “What Is Anxiety?” Www.mentalhealth.org.uk, 2024, www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week/anxiety-report/what-anxiety Beresin, Gene. “Stress in Teenagers | Mass General Brigham.” Www.massgeneralbrigham.org, 12 Aug. 2024, www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/stress-in-teenagers Bethune, Sophie. “American Psychological Association Survey Shows Teen Stress Rivals that of Adults.” American Psychological Association, 2014, www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2014/02/teen-stress The American Institute of Stress. “Stress in Teens and Young Adults.” The American Institute of Stress, 14 Jan. 2025, www.stress.org/who-gets-stressed/teens-young-adults/ ‌ American Psychological Association. “Understanding Psychotherapy and How It Works.” American Psychological Association, 12 Dec. 2023, www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/understanding. Bhatia, Richa. “What Is Psychotherapy?” Psychiatry.org, American Psychiatric Association, Apr. 2023, www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/psychotherapy . Magomedova, Aminat, and Ghizal Fatima. “Mental Health and Well-Being in the Modern Era: A Comprehensive Review of Challenges and Interventions.” Cureus, vol. 17, no. 1, Jan. 2025, https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.77683. “Psychotherapy.” NAMI, 21 Aug. 2025, www.nami.org/treatments-and-approaches/psychotherapy/. Reynolds, Fátima. “The Transformative Power of Music in Mental Well-Being.” Www.psychiatry.org, American Psychiatric Association, 1 Aug. 2023, www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/power-of-music-in-mental-well-being. Snyder-Lovera, Emma. “What Makes Music Therapy Effective?” OHIO News, 2 July 2024, www.ohio.edu/news/2024/07/what-makes-music-therapy-effective. Tulane University. “Mental Health Literacy: Definition, Importance, and Impact - School of Public Health.” Publichealth.tulane.edu, 14 Apr. 2024, publichealth.tulane.edu/blog/mental-health-literacy/. Zhang, Jie, et al. “Impact of Music-Based Interventions on Subjective Well-Being: A Meta-Analysis of Listening, Training, and Therapy in Clinical and Nonclinical Populations.” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 16, Frontiers Media, July 2025, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1608508. The Jed Foundation. “Mental Health and Suicide Statistics.” The Jed Foundation, The Jed Foundation, 18 Feb. 2022, jedfoundation.org/mental-health-and-suicide-statistics/. Armstrong, Linda. “Mental Health: Definition, Disorders, Causes & Treatment Options.” MentalHealth.com, 29 Oct. 2025, www.mentalhealth.com/library/mental-health.

You Know Yourself is a student-led platform created to help spread health awareness and education. We hope to spotlight and lift other organizations with similar goals to build a stronger community rooted in opportunities to learn more about your health, your needs, and most importantly, yourself. We are proud to have the opportunity to spotlight The TeenSpace in this article! Written by: Nisha Liana Evangelista Founder of The TeenSpace @the_teenspace Nisha Liana Evangelista As teenagers, we are encouraged to achieve, perform, and succeed, but we are rarely taught how to sit with our emotions. Many of our struggles show up as burnout, perfectionism, or silent exhaustion, rather than visible crisis. These are the conversations adults may miss, not because they do not care, but because they are not always listening in the spaces where teens are most honest. The TeenSpace listens there. The TeenSpace is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that centers around amplifying teen voices and providing a safe space to learn, share, and connect. Since September of 2025 up to now, The TeenSpace has reached over 729+ individuals through care packages and creative supply donations to cope with mental health, raised $450+ and donated through supplies, and established 5+ chapters with over 100 volunteers in the U.S.A. We established both a podcast and a newsletter with the goal of amplifying teen voices and reached audiences of over 50k+ on TikTok, Instagram, Spotify, and our other social platforms. Our impact with our press and social media makes me incredibly grateful for everyone previously or currently involved in our initiatives and efforts and proud of how far we have come. The TeenSpace volunteers making handwritten cards The TeenSpace Team and Volunteers The vision behind The TeenSpace is not to replace therapy or medicine, but to support them. It is a space where mental health feels approachable, creative, and real. By combining education, storytelling, and community, The TeenSpace honors both science and self expression. It exists for teens who feel torn between different parts of themselves and are searching for a place where all of it can belong. Through the mental health conversations adults may miss, The TeenSpace works toward a future where teen voices are trusted, valued, and taken seriously. If you were to ask me what I wanted to be when I was four years old, my answer was surprisingly not a doctor. It shifted between an artist, a singer, a painter, and many other artistic interdisciplinary fields. My interest in medicine sparked when I was diagnosed with Atrial Septal Defect. from For a long time, I had to choose between these two parts of myself which felt like a battle inside. Creating felt natural to me. It was how I processed emotions before I even knew how to name and express them coherently. I struggled to understand how these could possibly exist in the same space, but as I grew older, I realized that mental health sits at the intersection of those worlds. @the_teenspace

Written by Cayden Boahene New York Chapter of You Know Yourself Instagram: @ykynewyork December 2025 Supporting Teens Through Stress | Interview with Hallie Williams Hallie Williams Hallie Williams is an Advanced Clinical Trainee at Mindful Mental Health Counseling and Wellness, completing her Masters of Education at Hunter College CUNY in Mental Health Counseling. Her path into mental health work didn’t start in a clinic - it started in a shelter. During her undergraduate years, she volunteered at a shelter working to end family homelessness in its community and as a tutor, where she began to notice that the students had more pressing needs than their homework. That moment helped her realize the important impact she could make in an adolescent’s well-being which motivated her to pursue a career in counseling.  Understanding Teen Stress The most common stressors and mental health issues Hallie sees in teenagers today revolves around self-esteem, self-image, emotional regulation and anger management. Teens experience anxiety, depression, and grief just like everyone else and oftentimes do not know how to process it. Stress affects teenagers’ mental health because it can make it more difficult to think clearly and behave the way we want. When they are overloaded with stress it’s hard for them to focus and engage with their lives and the things and people they care about. Once stress takes root in one area of their lives such as self-image, it can cause harmful effects that make it harder to be successful with friends, romance, sports and arts, academics, and advocating for oneself with adults and teachers. Does age or gender change how teens cope? Yes and no. Every teen is different, even siblings. Though research suggests that girls are more likely to seek help from a school counselor, Hallie’s experience shows that teens of all identities and genders can struggle with asking for support. Healthy Coping Strategies Hallie teaches teens that coping comes in two forms: internal and external strategies. Internal strategies - the things no one can take away Meditating Taking deep breaths  Counting down from 100  Coming up with a mantra to tell yourself during times of stress (“I’m going to be okay” or “I’m doing the best I can possibly do right now”) Speaking to yourself and treating your body kindly Progressive muscle relaxation techniques Counting things you can see, touch, hear, and smell around you. External strategies - the things that you can do depending on your time, place, or location Going for a walk Listening to music Talking with a trusted friend or adult Cooking/eating your favorite meal Playing sports, exercising, or yoga Drawing, singing, dancing Going to a park Taking a nap or laying down Journaling Going to see a movie, play, or sports match Taking a warm bath or shower Petting or playing with an animal Playing with little siblings or cousins Playing an instrument Completing practical tasks like chores, making a pros and cons list, or even making a to-do list.  These strategies aren’t about running away from problems - they create space to think and process with a calmer mind. Hallie also recommends a wide range of apps, hotlines, community programs, and low-cost mental health services that teens can access for support. (including CBT Thought Journal, Virtusan, PTSD Coach). Recognizing When Stress Becomes Serious Some signs may require immediate attention from a mental health professional: Withdrawal from the things they usually enjoy.  More than two weeks of notably increased irritability/emotional outbursts.  Talks of suicide or self harm.  Support from families, schools, and communities begin with curiosity, communication, and an open mind. Teens need safe adults who check in without judgement. Advice for Teens Who Feel Overwhelmed Hallie’s message is simple: No problem is too small and your feelings are valid.  If speaking to someone is hard, journaling is a great technique as well as learning breathing techniques.  Understanding how the body responds to stress can empower teens to regain control of their emotions. Learning how our breathing controls our nervous systems can have a very powerful impact on how we conceptualize and experience stress.  Building resilience takes time, but Hallie believes in starting with the basics: Stay connected to your community, make time for the things you love, and don't forget to be kind to yourself. Life gets easier when you stop holding the small things tightly. This article was written and edited by Cayden Boahene, the chapter founder and president of You Know Yourself's New York Chapter. We are honored to present his interview with Hallie Williams and can't wait to continue spotlighting chapter achievements! Way to go New York! Cayden: Founder of New York Chapter (@ykynewyork)

Stanley, an 11th grader and dedicated football player, faced one of the toughest challenges of his athletic journey when a sudden injury threatened his time on the field. His resilience and determination carried him through recovery and back to the game he loves. 1. Can you describe what happened during the route drill that led to your injury? During the play, I went to reach for the ball, but my foot got caught in the turf. In that moment my leg twisted sharply backward. I knew right away something was wrong, and the pain was immediate and overwhelming. 2. How did you feel when you realized your leg was hurt? The moment I realized my leg was broken was the scariest moment of my life. I instantly thought my football career was over. All of the work I had put in felt like it was slipping away, and I was left with fear and uncertainty. 3. What kind of support did your teammates and coaches offer after the injury? My teammates surrounded me and refused to leave my side until the trainer arrived. They reassured me and kept me calm while the trainer checked me and called my mom to take me to the hospital. Knowing that my teammates and coaches had my back in that moment made me feel supported and less alone. 4. How is the recovery going and what type of recovery did you need to do? Recovery was tough, but I stayed consistent. I rode a bike to restore movement, spent hours in the pool to rebuild strength without added pressure, and used resistance bands to slowly regain flexibility. Each step forward reminded me that I was closer to getting back on the field. 5. How did this event motivate you moving forward? Do you have any last words? This injury motivated me to push harder than ever before. Knowing that I could come back stronger than before gave me the drive to keep going. I realized that setbacks do not have to define you because they can shape you. There will always be ups and downs, but I believe faith will guide me on the right path. Stanley’s story shows that setbacks do not have to define you. With faith, hard work, and the support of his team, he has come back stronger and continues to chase his goals on and off the field.

Written by Valeria Castañeda Valeria Castañeda Founder of Neurosphere @neurosphere.intl For as long as I can remember, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in medicine. I’ve always felt a strong calling to help others, whether that meant running to get a bandage or assisting a friend who got hurt. But everything changed after my dad underwent major brain surgery and was later diagnosed with dementia. That experience opened my eyes to the impact of neurodegenerative diseases and how deeply they affect not only the patient but their entire family as a whole. Watching my father’s journey made me realize how much more awareness and education are needed around brain-related illnesses. It also revealed the serious disparities in access to care, especially in underserved communities where quality resources and support are often out of reach. I wanted to do something meaningful and address this issue, so in December 2024 I started NeuroSphere, a youth-led organization focused on raising awareness about neurodegenerative diseases and mentoring the next generation of neuroscience leaders. With the support of one of my dearest friends and mentors, Andra Campos, I found the confidence to begin a journey I had never imagined I was capable of doing. Neurosphere's logo Today, NeuroSphere has reached over 1,000 students across the globe, with a team of dedicated board members from California, Canada, and South Korea. We have launched chapters in Minnesota, Texas, and California and continue to expand. I hope NeuroSphere serves as a reminder that if you are passionate about something and see a problem that needs solving, you should never hesitate to take that first step. Be the light that creates change, because you never know how far you may reach or how many others you may inspire to rise and take action as well. @youknowyourselforg

Written by Ishita Garg, a senior in high school and founder of the Origami For Good Delhi chapter of Origami For Good. Ever since my parents separated, life has been in a constant state of motion. My mother became the sole supporter for me and my sister, and with each passing year, we moved to new cities, new schools, new teachers, new friends. Each year felt like starting from scratch. It was overwhelming, and I often found myself lost in the transition. In every new school, I had no recognition. I was just the "new kid." Though I had a deep love for arts and crafts, something I shared with my mother and even won prizes for but it never went beyond the classroom. The students who had been at the school longer were always chosen to represent or perform. Maybe it was about reliability or familiarity. But to me, it was heartbreaking. I was just a kid too. I wanted to participate. I wanted to belong. Eventually, I stopped trying. Not because I didn't care, but because it started to hurt. The emotional weight of constantly proving myself made me retreat. I became the quiet student sitting in the back seat, an introvert, feeling invisible and not good enough. But life shifted after I completed 10th grade. I got the opportunity to pursue a diploma in Computer Science at a training college, a place I would finally stay for three years. This stability gave me the space to rebuild. I joined clubs, met people, and began reconnecting with the person I had hidden away. That’s when I found Origami For Good. The moment I read about the initiative, something stirred in me. I remembered the days of folding paper with my mom, creating something beautiful out of something so simple. It felt like a return to myself. I started the Origami For Good Delhi chapter to introduce origami not just as an art form, but as a hobby therapy, a pause from the endless noise of digital content and overstimulation. Origami demands focus, and in that focus, we find calm. We find ourselves. Through this initiative, I hope to bring origami to children, to underprivileged communities, and to those who are neurodivergent or specially abled. I want it to be a moment of joy, a smile in the middle of a hard day, and a way to keep our inner child alive. Because even when we feel like we are not enough, there’s a quiet power in creating, connecting, and healing. And sometimes, it all starts with a simple fold of paper. @kismiish

High school is tough enough without the weight of rumors. For Sofia Saquic, a full-time culinary student at MCTS who ends her day at Hamilton High West, gossip hasn’t just been background noise, but rather it’s been one of her most challenging obstacles while navigating adolescence in high school on top of new, profound responsibilities. We had the amazing opportunity to gain insight into her journey, her ups and downs, and hopefully share that rumors don't last forever. Sofia Saquic “Rumors have truly been one of the hardest challenges,” Sofía shares. “They’ve ruined my self-esteem for the majority of my life.” Like many teens, Sofía found out how quickly false stories can spread in school hallways. At times, it felt like there was no escape from the things people were saying. @just_mehSofi “A rumor can be spread so easily within these walls,” she explains. “You realize how much gossip can drag you down.” The emotional toll was extremely real, a little too real. For a long time, Sofía struggled with the mental effects of being talked about. She felt isolated, hurt, and unsure of herself. But eventually, something changed for her in a beneficial way. “I experienced it for some time until I had that spark in me to shut it down,” she says. That spark led her to an important realization, one that helped her take back control of her life and identity. “I realized that rumors don’t define who I am,” Sofía says firmly. “I define myself.” Now, Sofía wants to share her story to help others who may be going through the same thing, especially those who are just entering high school, fully unaware of the new possibilities. “As someone whose mental health was truly brought down by them, I can say I’ve learned the lesson to keep going, to ignore what I can’t hear. Words don’t contribute to the person you are.” Her message to other teens is simple but powerful: don't let gossip shape your self-worth. “Just keep going and show the world who you are,” she encourages. “Rumors are beyond your control, but they don’t make you.” @youknowyourselforg

In her thoughtful and relatable article, high school senior Laylen Hines offers a personal look into the often-overlooked mental health struggles faced by high-achieving students. As a 12th grader balancing academics, extracurriculars, and work, Laylen shares how she once found herself overwhelmed and burnt out, until a simple piece of advice from her mother changed everything. Through her experience with using a planner, Laylen not only found a way to organize her life but also discovered a powerful tool for supporting her mental well-being. Her story is a reminder that small changes in our daily habits can have a big impact. Author: Laylen Hines Grade: 12th As a high-achieving student, I constantly find my plate overflowing with responsibilities. Before I learned how to schedule my months out in advance, I also repeatedly faced breakdowns and burnout. I would get so exhausted from trying to keep up with school, extracurriculars, and work that I would forget to take a moment to take care of my mental health. One day, I randomly decided to finally listen to the advice my mom had given me about getting a planner, and that’s when my entire mindset changed. After purchasing my first planner, I was a little lost on how to plan “correctly”. It wasn’t until I actually stuck with jotting down my activities that I realized there was no correct way to use a planner. I was free to format and design my planner however I wished, and honestly, it became comforting. The more I wrote things down ahead of time, the better I could actually prepare for them. I found myself more organized and less stressed than before. I had fewer breakdowns about school and significantly fewer feelings of burnout. I feel that many students overlook the idea of taking care of their own mental health. I often see my peers trying to overload their schedules with extracurriculars and activities that will impress colleges in hopes that they’ll stand out. However, I never see them take a moment for themselves to gather their thoughts and relax, and as small as this task may seem, it has such a huge impact on how we deal with stress. For me, that small task was planning ahead. For others, it could be journaling, meditation, or even taking wellness walks. Whatever it may be, I encourage students to find the thing that really calms their minds. Laylen’s article serves as an important reminder that mental health should never be pushed aside in the pursuit of success. Her honest reflection encourages students to pause, prioritize themselves, and find strategies that help them cope with stress in healthy ways. Whether it’s planning ahead, journaling, or simply taking time to rest, her message is clear: your peace of mind matters. @youknowyourselforg

Isabella Gonzalez has never had just one place to call home. Moving often while growing up, she found it hard to answer where she was from, but now she sees that being from “everywhere” is what makes her story special. Through all the changes, she learned to be strong, flexible, and open to new people and places. Books, reading, and self-care helped her stay grounded, and today she’s proud of the unique journey that shaped who she is. Author: Isabella Gonzalez Instagram: @irises_4_Isabella Isabella and her father Growing up I never had a "home base". This is a unique experience I've come to appreciate. When I was younger the question: "where are you from?" always felt impossible to answer. Over time I've realized the answer is "I'm from everywhere". And that is what makes my story so special. Though moving every few years has taken a toll on my mental health, I've learned the importance of finding balance through self-care and mindfulness. Specifically through reading. I love to read and analyze texts. Amidst constant change reading and libraries remained a positive consistency. Everywhere I traveled there was always a library for me to check out books, read and make friends. Mental health deserves the same attention as physical health because it shapes how we navigate life's ups and downs. Living all over the U.S. and exploring the world has gifted me endless adventures. I've had the privilege of traveling to two continents, seven countries, and twenty U.S. states- all before reaching adulthood. Each move taught me something new. Like how to adapt to different cultures, embrace diversity and finding beauty in the unfamiliar. It was challenging being "new kid" time after time. But every introduction to a classroom full of familiar faces helped me develop resilience, adaptability and confidence. I've since learned how to build connections, even if only for a short time. And while goodbyes are tough, I've come to treasure the memories and friendship that each place has gifted me. Today I live in a small town where everyone has seem to grow up together. At first I envied the stability and long-term friendships others had. But now I see the richness of my own journey. I've been given the extraordinary opportunity to see the world, experience different traditions and shape my identity through constant change. These experiences have made me uniquely adaptable, open-minded and eager to connect with others. I carry these qualities with pride. Isabella’s journey has taught her to embrace change and find strength in new experiences. She now carries her story with pride, knowing it has shaped her into a confident and open-minded person. @ykyourself

Gastroenteritis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and sometimes fever. It spreads easily through contaminated food, water, or contact with an infected person or surface. While most cases are short-lived and resolve with rest and hydration, some can become more serious, especially if dehydration occurs. Treatment usually involves managing symptoms and staying hydrated, though more severe or prolonged cases may require medical attention. In a personal blog post, Yasline, a current 11th grader in high school, shares her experience of living with recurring gastroenteritis. Her story highlights how the condition goes beyond just physical discomfort, it significantly disrupts daily life. Yasline describes missing school, struggling to keep up with assignments, and being unable to spend time with friends due to the intense stomach pain and frequent hospital visits. Even though her symptoms have eased somewhat, the unpredictability of her condition still affects her stability and routine. Her story is a reminder that chronic or repeated illnesses, even those that may seem common, can deeply impact a person’s emotional well-being, education, and social life. Written by Yasline Francisco 11th grade student This is my story of suffering from severe stomach pain caused by gastroenteritis. It started during my freshman year, around October. At first, I thought it was normal, but as the months went by, I started throwing up more than usual. I kept experiencing intense stomach pain and other symptoms. Then sophomore year began, and that was when everything got worse. The pain became so severe that I started missing school and couldn’t spend time with my friends. Each time the pain got worse, I went to the doctor. Unfortunately, the hospital only gave me fluids and prescribed pills for the next time I had stomach pain, which didn’t really help. This year, the symptoms still happen, but much less often. Still, the days I miss school and other important things have taken a toll on my health and my ability to stay on top of my schoolwork. To this day, I still don’t know why I get this pain. As someone who is usually happy and giggly, the pain and suffering can feel especially overwhelming. Luckily, I have amazing friends who care about me and help me forget the pain, even if just for a little while. I want people to know that if you’re going through something similar, it’s okay. You’re not alone. @ 1ts.yas76