The goal of Here4Youth is to increase high-quality services and supports available to all Sarasota children and youth to improve mental health. We are also working on to build more effective connections with community groups, reduce stigma, and increase public awareness and understanding about mental health.
Upcoming Events
MY LIFE virtual youth fest - WEEKLy, Thursdays
MY LIFE is helping to improve the lives of youth between the ages of 13 and 23 who are dealing with issues related to mental health, substance use, foster care and juvenile justice. It gives youth the chance to become leaders in their communities. Join them every Thursday to hear inspirational speakers, uplifting entertainment, fun activities and information on a variety of topics important to youth. An inspiring online event designed for youth and young adults who have experience with mental health, substance use, foster care and/or other challenges.
Past Events
Angst Documentary Screening - August 27, 2020
Here4Youth hosted a community-wide virtual screening of a film-based education program designed to raise awareness around anxiety, with an emphasis on youth and families. The film includes interviews with kids, teens, experts, and parents. A panel discussion was facilitated after the film to help people identify and understand the symptoms of anxiety and encourage them to reach out for help.
Follow-up Q and A to Angst
Answers Compiled from Panel Member Responses
1. If I am feeling anxious or depressed, how do I tell my family or loved one?
Remember that regardless of how they respond, your family loves you. Take a deep breath, and notice the feelings you are having and where they are in your body. Consider whether these feelings are affecting your life – your ability to enjoy activities, to be with others. Describe to your family your feelings and how they are affecting you. Sometimes it’s easier for people to listen if you are using concrete terms to describe how you feel rather than using a label like “depressed” or “anxious.”
2. What if I feel like I’ll disappoint someone for telling them I have anxiety?
It’s understandable that you are concerned about your family’s reaction. But it’s very likely that they have already noticed that something is “off” or that you don’t seem quite like yourself. It will probably be a relief to them that you are coming to them for help. Be proud of yourself for taking this step - It takes courage to acknowledge that you are having a problem.
3. What do I do if they do not believe me or they react negatively?
Now is the time for you to take control of your feelings, treatment and outcome. Advocate for yourself while allowing them to deal with their own reactions. Your family may be reacting to something that happened in their own lives in addition to what is going on with you. If you feel like you need help, stay strong in your resolve. If your family won’t help, talk with a teacher or guidance counselor at school.
4. Are there different levels of anxiety or panic disorders? How do I know if it is just stress or something greater?
Stress and anxiety are just words, it’s up to you to decide if you want help. Some level of stress and anxiety is “normal” – especially in abnormal situations like a Covid-19 pandemic. But if it is interfering with your state of mind or your ability to do all that you want to do, there is no reason to just “put up with it.” It’s smart to look for ways to manage stress and anxiety more effectively, regardless of their level of intensity. You can learn more about stress and take a “stress screener” at https://www.mhanational.org/conditions/stress. You can learn more about ways in which anxiety and panic present at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml.
5. What are some tips for young people about how to reach out to others when feeling anxious or depressed?
You can start by simply acknowledging that everything isn’t great when someone asks “How are you today?” Once you take that simple step, it may be easier to say more. If the opportunity doesn’t arise naturally, you can open a conversation by saying something general like “I just don’t feel like doing much recently” or “Life is just so stressful right now, it’s hard to concentrate.” Chances are that whoever you are talking with will be able to relate, and then you can go deeper. Having friends to talk with can be really helpful. But if you continue to feel bad or start feeling worse, talk to your parents, a school counselor, or your health care provider about getting professional help.
6. How do you know when it is the right time to reach out to someone else who might be having problems?
Any time you notice a change in a friend’s behavior, or it occurs to you that they might be having problems – that’s a good time to reach out. If something between you feels awkward that used to feel fine - that’s a good time to reach out. Friends need supportive friends at all times, regardless of what problems they are facing. But if your friend has had feelings of deep depression or severe anxiety for more than two weeks, or if they are isolating or show significant changes in their daily activities, encourage them to seek professional help. Offer to go with them to tell their family or a school counselor if they want support.
7. What are ways that parents can make it worse or better?
Parents try their best. Sometimes a parent may have their own issues or history and may deny symptoms or distress in their children. Or, they may be hypersensitive to certain behaviors or situations and overreact. Optimally, parent will listen, not try to fix the problem, and will be able to separate their own issues from those facing their children. Parents can also assist by connecting their child with mental health treatment, if needed. Most importantly, parents can assure their children that they are strong and resilient and that help is available.
8. How do you know if you are helping or enabling a young person experiencing anxiety?
Anxiety has many triggers, including medical causes that should be ruled out through a physical exam, and traumatic experiences that might need to be identified and addressed. A thorough assessment is always a good place to start. Regardless of the underlying cause, you are never enabling someone by being emotionally supportive and connecting them with resources. But you should be careful about boundaries – it is not helpful for you to start doing things for another person that they should be doing for themselves. Ask yourself if what you are doing is empowering – is it helping the young person to take more or less control over their own life?
9. How can schools and colleges do better to recognize anxiety and depression?
Schools should teach all students about stress, trauma, and resilience. Having basic information about the brain “normalizes” mental health and makes it easier to identify and talk about mental health problems. Faculty and staff can be role models by openly talking about their own mental health issues. Schools should also make sure that screening for anxiety, depression and trauma are available, and provide resources for treatment and follow-up.
10. How can I/we mitigate the stigma around revealing anxiety?
By talking about anxiety and sharing our personal stories of successful treatment and recovery, we can help mitigate stigma. By focusing on the coping strategies and strengths of individuals with chronic anxiety, we demonstrate that people with mental health challenges are not “less than” others in any way. Managing anxiety is part of positive mental health, something we all strive for.