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#itsok2 notbeok

Join us for a safe space to discuss mental illness and wellness, including suicide. Learn how to reduce stigma and support those struggling with mental health. Together, we can make a difference.

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#itsok2 notbeok

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  1. #itsok2notbeok Jennifer Ulie-Wells, Ph.D. www.pleasepassthelove.org info@pleasepassthelove.org 515-339-3837

  2. Guidelines for today • Open mind • Confidential • Safe space • Active listening • Ask questions • Share talk time

  3. Sensitivity Statement • Today we will talk about mental illness/wellness, including suicide. This is a tough topic, so please do not hesitate to step out at any time. • 1 out of 5 persons has a mental illness (CDC, 2016), so the odds are that many people in this room have lived experience or experience with loved ones. • For some people, this may be a challenging presentation or traumatic due to those experiences or losses.

  4. Jen’s Story

  5. Saved My Life… Adults that cared School was my escape

  6. Please Pass the Love • Started in 2014 • Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in young people ages 15-24 in Iowa • Less than 20% of young people with a mental illness receives treatment • Dedicated to sustainable, comprehensive change • Teens for Love & Youth Summit

  7. Story Activity!

  8. Think about that student or young person that you struggle with or get frustrated by. Now, think about how you may have perceived them in the past and how you may be able to shift your perspective. What about their story don’t you know? What may they be dealing with that you aren’t aware of? Using a pseudonym for your student, talk with your neighbor about how you may change you interactions with them.

  9. Raise your hand if you recognize someone up here!

  10. What is stigma?

  11. How can YOU reduce stigma? • Share the truth about mental illness with your family and friends • Make a pledge to help end the stigma • Post links to mental health resources on your social media • Make posters for your school • Be a good friend and support everyone! • Stand up for each other. • Start a Stomp Out Stigma chapter

  12. Mental illness is a medical condition that disrupts a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning.

  13. Mental Illness is… Treatable just like asthma or diabetes

  14. Is it anyone’s fault if they have mental illness?

  15. Facts • 1 out 5 young people in the U.S. have a mental illness • Over 80% don’t receive mental health treatment • 50% of people reported symptoms started before 14 years old • Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people in Iowa ages 15-24… this needs to change!

  16. Anxiety Depression • Prolonged feelings of sadness/numbness • Too much sleep/other sleep issues • Irritability • Over or under eating • Lack of motivation • Feelings of worthlessness • Loss of interest • Self-harm / substance use • Suicidal thoughts • Excessive worry • Avoiding situations • Procrastination • Lack of sleep/other sleep issues • Irritability • Panic attacks

  17. Teen Stress Teens are… so stressed, y’all. • Academics • Extracurriculars • Post-School Plans • Family • Social Media • Peers • Political Climate

  18. How can we help support students? • Relationship building • Educate to advocate! • Teaching coping skills • Self Care (this is SO IMPORTANT!) Don’t do this, though.

  19. Arts-Based Expression • Art • Writing • Music • Movement

  20. Program into your phone! Suicide hotlines- • Chat: iowacrisischat.org • Call: 1-855-800-1239 • Text: 1-855-800-1239 • App: A Friend Asks

  21. Youth Engagement Philosophy Every person has a right to have a voice and to tell their story in a safe space. Our philosophy is that by giving youth an opportunity to have voice we improve school culture and youth mental wellness. Objectives: • To create sustainable school climate transformation so that every student feels wanted, safe, and loved at school. • To develop voice through spoken word, art, writing, music, and movement.

  22. S.O.S (Stomp Out Stigma) • Student-led groups in schools focused on changing school climate • Climate change and data collection • Art-based expression and coping skills • Youth leadership leads to sustainability

  23. Hart’s Ladder • Encouraging youth participation and leadership • Creates sustainable change • Empowers young people to lead and make decisions

  24. Climate Transformation • Increased student recognition • More mental health/coping skills/suicide prevention training for teachers and students • Creating a more welcoming, safe, and expressive school environment • Promote understanding and support for students struggling with mental illness

  25. Voice and Expression • Learning to tell your story • Slam poetry and written word • Music • Art (of all mediums!) • How to use expression as coping skills • Being vulnerable in a safe space

  26. Voice Matters:

  27. Helping students with anxiety • S.O.S students worked with teachers and the school counselor to create posters on anxiety for every classroom. • Students are encouraged to use grounding exercises and take care of themselves when needed.

  28. Positive Vibes Activities “Kindness is the language in which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” - Mark Twain • Kindness matters! We encourage groups to spread kindness and encouragement throughout their schools.

  29. Youth School Climate Leadership Summit • Weekend-long leadership training, with focus on expression, voice, and coping skills • Racial trauma, gender issues, and LGBTQ+ mental health • Relationship building • Groundwork for new Stomp Out Stigma groups

  30. Summit Workshop Opportunities • Slam poetry • Yoga • Musical reflection (often referred to as: “cry fest with Jen” among student leaders) • Talent show • Communication and leadership • Intersectionality awareness • Self-Expression • Ropes Course to build teamwork

  31. We have fun! "This weekend I’ve grown in my awareness of people of all walks of life and I feel I am better prepared to start discussions at my schools, encouraging others to be open and caring. I have more respect for others and am better equipped to open myself up and start the conversation."

  32. Look around and always remember… YOU ARE NOT ALONE! There is HOPE!

  33. Social Media and how to contact us! • Like us on Facebook • Teens for L.O.V.E. (Leadership, Openmindedness, Vulnerability & Everyone) • Please Pass the Love info@pleasepassthelove.orgwww.pleasepassthelove.org • Instagram @pleasepassthelove • Twitter @PPTheLove

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