If only people treated mental health equally as important as their physical health. Many people forget the need to take care of their minds, or are influenced by societal norms that paying attention to mental health makes them “flawed” or “weak”. Teens are especially at risk for mental health struggles since 50 percent of all mental illnesses begin by age 14; yet, even though mental health is quintessential to everyday living, a stigma still surrounds youth mental health and mental health as a whole.

Because of past personal mental health obstacles, I spent my 14th birthday in the hospital. On that day, I dreamt of a world where there lies no shame in seeking help, so people wouldn’t have to experience what I endured.. In our everyday lives, very few discuss mental health, causing me to later realize scarcely any mental health resources were targeted towards adolescents. What’s more, youth mental health research is tremendously underfunded, and the momentum towards diving deeper into brain science is minimal.

Although I am only 14 years old, I believe together we have the ability to advocate for the importance of mental health. All proceeds from this fund will go to the Jed foundation, a non profit, that protects and supports youth mental health by providing resources and programs to teens all over. Remember, your donation, no matter how small, could save a life.