Teen-led mental health programs help reach youth in Chicago’s suburbs

CHICAGO – In one Fox 32 Special Reportwe look at children helping children navigate their environment mental health. This peer-to-peer support is becoming increasingly widespread Naperville Unpleasant Crystal lake.

Sometimes we just need someone to talk to – not an adult or a professional, but someone who looks like us, is the same age and is going through the same things.

“Often it is difficult for a 13-year-old to relate to a 45-year-old. You know, nothing against anyone’s therapist, but it is quite difficult. The age difference is very big. People today experience different problems,” said Leya Nair .

Being a child is not easy, now more than ever with social media monitoring, calculating and reporting our every move. So some students have developed a technological tool that helps instead of harming.

“Our app is a mood tracking app designed for teens by teens. And the main purpose of the app is to promote self-awareness and emotional self-awareness in users,” says Naisha Hamirwasia.

These Waubonsie Valley High School freshmen began this journey as seventh graders. Leya Nair, Naisha Hamirwasia and Nitya Jayasankar entered a science competition and were tasked with creating a project designed to address an issue affecting their community.

“We realized that mental health, especially among teens, is not a much-discussed topic. There’s a lot of stigma around it. And we had a lot of friends. One or two of our best friends were struggling with suicidal issues and depression, so we wanted to help address that ,” said Nair.

They started a website, missionshanti.org. Shanti means ‘peace’ in Sanskrit. It’s a tool for children to learn about mental health and develop coping strategies, such as journaling or listening to music. They then expanded to a Shanti Club at their school, Scullen Middle in Naperville. The club is student-run and works to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.

“We want to continue spreading awareness and let other teens who are struggling know that they are not alone. We see them,” Jayasankar said.

And just this summer, their Shanti app went live. There are already almost 200 active users. It allows you to record your mood on a scale of one to ten and enter how you feel.

“When I click ‘happy’ you have a little reminder, something to think about. So did you do something different for this one or is this emotion normal?” said Jayasankar.

You will also receive tips and affirmations aimed at young people.

“It’s okay to fall apart sometimes because tacos fall apart all the time and we still love them.”

They hope to get their club into more high schools and expand their app with a buddy program that allows students to talk anonymously with other students about their mental health.

This is already happening within Hannah Beardsley Middle School. A newer club strengthens their school community, called the Hope Squad.

Students like 13-year-old Ava Petersen are trained to help other students who may be struggling.

“Kids usually feel more comfortable talking to someone their own age than someone older. And I think when a kid talks to a kid, they don’t feel like they’re in trouble. They don’t “I don’t feel like they have to hide anything. It’s just a connection that kids have with their own age,” Petersen said.

District 47 has a Hope Squad at each high school with representatives in each grade level nominated by their peers. School leaders then look at the nominated students and ensure that there is appropriate representation of the student population.

Hope Squad members learn about suicide prevention and how to deal with situations that are often difficult.

“Over spring break, one of my friends contacted me about this because he was worried about someone, and I answered it. I took it seriously. And since we’re on break, there’s no one I can call. So I ended up calling the police to do a welfare check to make sure they were okay because I didn’t want them to do any more harm to themselves,” Petersen said.

Police responded and her colleague was fine. Hope Squad counselors then took over the situation.

“I think we underestimate how much kids know about other kids. And having been in this field a long time, I know that kids often have information that adults don’t have,” said Kristin Schmidt, director of District 47 social-emotional learning.

Schmidt says they are working with Elyssa’s Mission of Northbrook to help fund the Hope Squad.

“They can be anywhere outside of school, at volleyball practice. Like I was going to ask, at the bus stop, it can be anywhere. And it’s not something that has to feel formal or stiff or awkward.” Schmidt said.

She says District 47 has responded to the importance of mental health issues, especially after the pandemic, by creating the Hope Squad and offering free teletherapy to students.

“We’re going to help fill a gap because we’re going to remove barriers to access. And we’re going to expand our ability to quickly address the mental health needs of students,” said Sid Cidambi, co-founder of Daybreak Health.

Daybreak Health is aimed at students aged 5 to 19. The district referred 31 children (most under the age of 12) during the spring and summer months and 93 percent of them completed their twelve-week program.

Cidambi says there has been an increase in anxiety among young people since 2010.

“Especially for young girls, with higher rates than boys, but for both demographics. And it’s happened all over the country. It’s happening at different income levels and in different groups,” Cidambi said.

Cidambi says they are seeing results.

Eighty-one percent of students have seen dramatic improvements based on clinical scores. Nearly 92 percent of parents report improved symptoms at home and 80 percent of school staff observe more positive behavior at school.

Petersen says what she learned on the Hope Squad will stay with her long after she leaves the halls of Hannah Beardsley.

“Everyone will go through a story, a part of their life where they need help, but I think there should always be someone there to help them. And I think with this program it empowers young kids to help others.” , but also when they are older,” Petersen said.

If you or a loved one are struggling with thoughts of suicide, you can call 988 and get help immediately.