Invest in Me, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing mental health among young people, held its 7th Annual Mental Wellness Summit recently. This event aimed to address the escalating mental health crisis affecting youth in the United States. Recent statistics reveal that approximately 40% of students experience persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, while 20% have seriously contemplated suicide. With September recognized as Suicide Prevention Month, the summit sought to engage teens in conversations about mental health.
The founder of Invest in Me, Erica Ayala, emphasized the organization’s mission, stating, “It is our goal to provide education, break the stigma around mental health, and provide programming, resources, and tools centered on prevention. Suicide prevention begins with all of us.” The summit featured two interactive workshops and a panel discussion, along with various resource booths aimed at equipping students with essential mental health tools.
Workshops Encourage Engagement and Connection
One of the standout workshops, “Group Drumming with Drum Love,” offered students a hands-on experience in a drum circle. Participants explored the therapeutic benefits of group drumming, fostering creativity and community while enhancing overall well-being.
The second workshop, titled “Thrive Together – From Hurt to Hope: Thriving Through Courage,” focused on reducing the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. This initiative provided outreach, presentations, and discussions that encouraged youth to share their experiences and utilize social media platforms for mental health advocacy.
During the panel discussion, attendees heard directly from peers about their mental health journeys. Panelists shared valuable lessons on resilience and hope, providing insights that resonated with the audience. Ayala remarked, “It is always extra special for youth to hear from their peers about mental health strategies.”
Support for Parents and Community Involvement
In addition to youth-focused activities, the summit also catered to parents with a class called “The Parent Reset: Mental Health Tools for You & Your Family.” Offered in both English and Spanish, this session blended practical strategies with creativity, equipping parents with tools to support their own mental health and that of their children. The material presented was based on the five core competencies of social and emotional learning (SEL), which include self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
As part of the ongoing efforts for Suicide Prevention Month, Invest in Me is promoting an upcoming awareness walk in Modesto. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will host an “Out of the Darkness” Community Walk at Modesto Junior College on October 4, 2024, at 09:00. Interested participants can register at afsp.org/Modesto. Invest in Me has been actively involved in this walk for several years and will be recognized as a local nonprofit that has significantly contributed to raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.
For more information about Invest in Me, visit https://investinmeca.com. For inquiries, reach Timothy Benefield at the Irrigator at (209) 892-6187 or via email at [email protected].
