Local student helps develop mental health program at her high school
CINCINNATI (WKRC) - A student who thought her high school was missing an important mental health program decided she would help launch it.
It started with her own journey to overcome one of the toughest times in her life.
Now a teen is challenging others to do the same.
“I’ve struggled through, and continue to struggle through, anxiety and depression and OCD,” said high school student Riley.
Any one of those mental health concerns could be paralyzing to a teen, but not for Riley.
“I’m getting better and I want to help other people to get there,” Riley said.
Instead, at Ohio's Saint Ursula Academy, she decided she would start the one program she thought was missing: mental health and wellness.
Right way, she found out others needed it, too.
“I had like family members and friends that were facing mental health and it led to like big situation like committing suicide and stuff, which was a big topic,” said fellow student Geraldina.
The program meets once a week to do relaxing activities and talk about what teens usually don't talk about: that it’s okay some days to not be okay.
“It’s scary to reach out for help, but I feel like with these programs, like it’s okay to like reach out for help,” said high school student Claire.
“I want teens to know that it’s okay to like have days that’s not good. As long as you like get back up and move on,” Layla said.
The program is run by students, for students. But it did get some funding for supplies through partnerships with those who supply health grants and support county mental health initiatives.
“We want to give voice to the students, the students know what they need and the supports they need,” said Jill Miller, president and CEO of Bethesda Inc. and bi3.
Riley’s goal now is to challenge other students when you don't have what you need to heal, to be the change.
“I know that I’m not alone, and that’s become very apparent to me, and I just want people to know that they aren't alone either,” said Riley.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness says one in five teenagers now has a mental health concern.
