{"id":7903,"date":"2024-08-23T15:55:19","date_gmt":"2024-08-23T22:55:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/?p=7903"},"modified":"2024-10-09T16:49:29","modified_gmt":"2024-10-09T23:49:29","slug":"the-secrets-exhibit-wt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/2024\/the-secrets-exhibit-wt\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Brave Space – an Exhibit of “Secrets”"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Why Should Libraries Discuss Youth Mental Health?
\n<\/strong>Teens come to the library for many reasons – to socialize, do homework, volunteer, or seek refuge.\u00a0 For public libraries, it\u2019s estimated that twenty percent of teens who walk through the doors may be experiencing a mental disorder that, without treatment, could have devastating effects. Youth in the United States (U.S.) are experiencing alarming rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Per the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), national prevalence data from 2020 revealed that \u201c1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year\u201d, with 50% of lifetime mental illness beginning by age 14, and 75% by age 24.\u00a0 In addition, \u201csuicide is listed as the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-14\u201d [i]<\/p>\n

Data collected via the Center for Disease Control\u2019s (CDC) Youth Risk Behavior Survey between 2011-2021 mirrors these statistics, with high school students experiencing a 22 percent increase in depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts.\u00a0 Within this population, female students and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Queer or Questioning (LGBTQ+) students were more likely to report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. In California alone, suicide rates by race\/ethnicity among teens (ages 15-24) increased by 24.6 percent among American Indian and Alaska Natives, 12.4 percent among Black youth and 10.5 percent among White youth.\u00a0 These findings illustrate the need for targeted mental health information and services in our communities, particularly in communities of color and among LGBTQ+ youth.\u00a0 Decades of discrimination, barriers to care, social stigmatization and neglect have produced inequities with devastating results.\u00a0 Per the CDC, \u201cour nation\u2019s youth are facing a mental health crisis [ii].\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

As centers for community engagement, public libraries can act as judgement-free zone for teens, providing information about mental health and mental health care and offering a safe place for respite.\u00a0 Library workers are not medical professionals who can diagnose and treat mental disorders, but they can provide tools and resources to help teens get the care they need.\u00a0 By offering teens, parents, and mentors well-vetted mental health information\/resources and creating a \u201csafe\u201d and \u201cbrave\u201d space to hold conversations about mental health, libraries can help break down the confusion and stigma attached to mental illness.<\/div>\n
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Origins of the Teen Mental Health Initiative at Pasadena Public Library
\n<\/strong>In 2016, the Pasadena Public Library Teen Advisory Board (TAB), the leadership team of Pasadena Public Library Teen Services, made it their mission to (a) talk about teen mental health and (b) find ways to increase awareness, provide information and expand resources for teens experiencing mental illness.\u00a0 These early conversations were the catalyst for the group\u2019s decision to launch a Teen Mental Health Initiative at Pasadena Public Library.<\/p>\n

Some Background
\n<\/b>TAB is comprised of 15-20 library volunteers (ages 13-19) who dedicate their time to promoting library services, conducting library programs, and advocating for teens at important city and community events. The group\u2019s overall mission is to support youth in the community through fun and educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and resources.\u00a0 Their focus is on closing the achievement gap and preparing teens for a successful, fulfilling life.<\/p>\n

In the year leading up to the launch of the Teen Mental Health Initiative, TAB was already facilitating several ongoing library programs and taking a more active role in advocating for Pasadena\u2019s Youth Master Plan, a blueprint for youth services in the city of Pasadena. The plan was conceived and written with the voices of hundreds of youth advocates (including TAB), youth organizations, and adult allies, and was presented before Pasadena City Council and the School Board for acceptance.\u00a0 Within the context of the Youth Master Plan, teens first spoke about the need for mental health services and increased awareness [iii].\u00a0 This initial conversation prompted further discussions, eventually leading to the realization that it would be more impactful to create a stronger, more coordinated campaign around the topic of youth mental health.<\/p>\n

The participating teens conceived their own vision for the initiative, first determining that for anyone to be successful in any capacity, mental health was essential. They realized that their peers couldn\u2019t begin to think about their own passions and development without first feeling safe and stable.\u00a0 Their mantra became: mental health comes first<\/i>. \u00a0After many meetings, trainings and collaborations, the Teen Advisory Board produced the following goals for the mental health initiative:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n