LIFE

Content Warning: This article contains mention of mental health struggles and suicidal thoughts.

With National Mental Health month on the horizon this May, it's an important time to check in with your family, friends and, most importantly, yourself. Especially after the events of the past two years, it's completely valid to be struggling with your mental health—just know that you deserve to open up to others about what you're feeling and get help.

One surprising new resource to raise awareness and reach out: "My Life is Worth Living"—made in partnership with the Cook Center for Human Connection and the first animated series to tackle suicide prevention for teens. The creators of the series hoped to spark conversations, represent real life issues and help those who are struggling to seek out support. 

"It's about the [five teen characters'] stories, but it's also about what happens around them—how they find their support," explains Anne Brown of the Cook Center, explaining that with the series, they hope to raise awareness and reduce stigma of mental health struggles. 

By reaching out, the characters are able to find "who really understands them and gives them hope and validation," Brown says. "We are trying to start that conversation." You can watch "My Life is Worth Living" right here.

GET HELP—FAST:

If you need to talk to someone—about anything...
Text "HOME" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. They have trained counselors at the ready to discuss everything from the coronavirus to anxiety to suicidal thoughts.

If you need to remember you're not alone...
If it seems like everyone else is living their best life and you're struggling, check out OK2Talk.org, where you can read the mental health-related stories of other teens (and share your own).

If you need help finding resources in your area...
Check out To Write Love on Her Arms, enter your zip code and what you need (whether it's counseling or food assistance). 

If you're having suicidal thoughts...
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 right this second. No matter what's going on, you can get through this—and they can help. 

by Katherine Hammer | 4/13/2022