Youth Voices on Mental Health: A Kankakee Perspective
Hello, Kankakee County and beyond! Today, we’re diving deep into a crucial and compelling topic that touches the lives of many in our community: youth mental health education. In this latest episode of the Kankakee Podcast, I had the privilege of talking with some of the bright young minds from Kankakee County. Join us as we explore the advancements, challenges, and future directions of mental health resources in our schools.
A Focus on Mental Health Resources
Our episode begins with an overview of the mental health resources available in Kankakee County schools. Maya Anderson, a senior at San Ann Community High School, shed light on the array of resources provided by schools, including hotlines, websites, and counseling services. “Schools are doing a decent job highlighting mental health, but we still have a long way to go in making these resources accessible and effective for everyone,” she explained.
Matthew Case, a junior at Kankakee High School, highlighted the visibility of these resources. “We have posters and information about mental health services everywhere, and our school counselors are quite accessible,” he noted.
Norms and Inclusivity
Maya Crawford, a senior at Bradley Rbonnais Community High School, emphasized the importance of normalizing mental health conversations and improving representation. “We need to see ourselves in the caregivers and educators, which means more training for staff on intersectional issues and having a diverse representation among counselors,” she said.
Improvement Suggestions
Our guests suggested some pivotal improvements. “Training educators on the intersectionality of mental health and ensuring that staff is representative of the student demographics is crucial,” Maya Anderson suggested. Matthew added, “Creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable approaching these resources is key.”
Effective Resources
One standout resource mentioned was the 988 Crisis Hotline. “The 988 Crisis Hotline is a fantastic tool—it’s free, available 24/7, and promoted well within our schools,” Maya Anderson said. Matthew pointed out the added convenience, noting, “We even have the hotline and emergency numbers printed on our student IDs for quick access.”
Challenges and Social Media’s Impact
The discussion also covered the significant challenges teenagers face due to social media. “Social media can negatively impact mental health, leading to isolation and unrealistic body image expectations,” our guests collectively acknowledged. Maya Crawford stressed the need for in-person communication, saying, “While social media can help spread messages, nothing replaces the real-time navigation of emotions you get with face-to-face interactions.”
A Battle on Multiple Fronts
We also had Gabriella, Cassidy Novak, and Regan Kaner contribute their perspectives, discussing the importance of community collaboration, supportive school environments, and the need for practical life skills education. Cassidy applauded her school’s student government for fostering a welcoming atmosphere but pointed out the need for more inclusive clubs. “We need clubs that are inclusive and oriented towards the future—things like engineering or math,” she remarked.
Wrapping It Up
As we wrapped up this insightful conversation, I felt a renewed sense of hope and determination. The youth in our community are not only aware of the challenges but are actively seeking solutions and improvements. Their voices underscore the importance of continuing these essential conversations and pushing for real change.
A Reminder for Our Community
In closing, I want to extend my gratitude to all our guests for their valuable insights and to our listeners for joining us on this important journey. If you haven’t already, subscribe to the Kankakee Podcast and follow us on social media. And a big thank you to our Patreon supporters, including Teage Drinnon, for keeping our stories alive.
Until next time, this is Jake LaMore, reminding you to keep the dialogue going and to support mental health awareness in our community. Stay tuned for more stories from the heart of Kankakee County!
