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Meet the 2022 Student Journalism Challenge Winners!

The 2022 Student Journalism Challenge tells stories of student life, challenges and solutions and asks: what’s important to students today?

My Relationship with Self Doubt

Feelings of anxiety can be tough to sort out alone. Jesse Martin shares a light-hearted look at his experiences with these challenges.

Finding Inner Peace

Finding inner peace is an important part of mental health, especially with all the noise going on in the world today. Writer and actor Jesse Martin takes a comedic look at finding this peace.

The Cycle of Change

Changing our behavior is hard. But it gets easier when we can see the cycle, because once we see it we can use it, rather than it using us.

The Best of NAMICon 2022

Watch highlights from NAMICon 2022, featuring a discussion between Ken Burns and members of NAMI’s Next Gen young adult advisory group.

Find Your Anchor PSA – “Up On the Roof” Featuring Carole King

Young people from across the U.S. sing the uplifting classic “Up On the Roof” in a PSA to help combat the nation’s rising youth suicide rate.

Panel on Youth Suicide and Prevention

A panel of mental health care experts discuss youth suicide prevention and the effects of the pandemic on youth mental health.

Ken Burns “Hiding in Plain Sight” Q&A Panel

Members of NAMI’s Next Gen young adult advisory group sit down for a discussion with Ken Burns, executive producer of “Hiding In Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness.”

Good Grief: 9 Great TV Shows About Loss

A look at how some new-ish TV shows are brilliantly handling the painful and emotional issues surrounding loss of life.

Vulnerability = Connectivity

Filmmaker Richard Cannon, part of the Rooted & Rising collective, drops a truth bomb on us with his formula for self-care: vulnerability = connectivity.

Ben Abiola’s Excellent Yoga Adventure

Filmmaker Ben Abiola shares his experience and the positive results he gained from starting and sticking with a yoga routine.

Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness | Episode 1: The Storm

The Storm, the first episode of Hiding in Plain Sight, focuses on young people with mental illness, their families, friends and advocates.

Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness | Episode 2: Resilience

In Resilience, the second episode of Hiding in Plain Sight, our “heroes” speak about finding help and inpatient and/or outpatient treatment.

Any Given Day | Dimitar: Does Anyone Need Punishment So Severe That It Leads To Suicidal Thoughts?

Witness with devastating intimacy the ways in which America’s carceral system so often takes the place of mental healthcare in Any Given Day

Any Given Day | Angela: They Got an Income Limit on Low Income Housing?

For Angela, Dimitar and Daniel, managing their mental illness is a cyclical process of triumph and struggle.

Any Given Day | Margaret Describes How Depression Feels

Maragret Bryne profoundly captures her experiences of living with depression in Any Given Day

The Seven Pillars of Wellness

Music producer Princeton Brown walks you through his seven pillars of wellness and discusses the importance of finding a balance with each.

Give Yourself A Hug

Isn’t great when a friend gives you that hug you didn’t even know you needed? Do that for yourself. Take a moment and a few breaths to let yourself know that you are taking care of yourself.

NBA Player’s Mom Speaks Out About Family Loss

Kate Okongwu, mother of NBA Atlanta Hawks player Onyeka Okongwu, is sharing her family’s past experience of loss to connect with those experiencing grief now. When Onyeka was 13 years old, his older brother Nnamdi died suddenly.

Explore the Mental Health Continuum

Just as human bodies vary in degrees of physical health, our mental health is no different. Explore the mental health continuum…

Black Gay Thirty: Kyle

Kyle discusses his journey to thirty and the trials, the tribulations and the trauma which led him to find self care as a drag queen.

Black Gay Thirty: Chris

In Episode One, Xavier sits down with Chris to discusses his anxieties, his self-care (or lack thereof) and what his hopes are as he leaves the purgatory of age 29 and heads into his 30s.

A Mother & Daughter’s Testimony of Building Bridges

Growing up in the streets of San Diego, Samira grew up in a culture of stress, violence, and gang warfare. It was normalized, she states, to be part of a gang and it cycled through generations of people who would be born into that way of living. “There were only two outcomes if you stay in that lifestyle – death or prison.” According to a recent report by the CDC, gun violence is the leading cause of death amongst youth, and per a recent report in JAMA Pediatrics, 62% of these youth deaths occur in impoverished counties.

How Do I Start a Conversation about Mental Health?

Speaking up can be hard. Matt and Faiza talk to guests about what mental health is and how to open up about our emotions and experiences. Check out Well Being’s Mental Health Language Guide for more resources.

The Importance of Feeling Seen

Alonzo discusses the hardships he faced as a child who didn’t quite “fit in,” and how he felt seen for the first time at a talent show.

Finding Healing For Mental Illness

“For me, it’s about starting a social movement around mental health. That’s really why I wrote the book. It’s why I started MindSite News, and why I’m so excited about a new documentary, executive produced by Ken Burns, Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness, a film by Erik Ewers and Christopher Loren Ewers, premiering on PBS on June 27 & 28 at 9 pm ET.”

May 10, 2022 PRESS RELEASE

NowThis will highlight youth mental health issues utilizing content from the upcoming PBS documentary, HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT: YOUTH MENTAL ILLNESS, which premieres in June and is executive produced by Ken Burns, directed by Erik Ewers and Christopher Loren Ewers and produced by WETA Washington, D.C. 

Allow Yourself to Feel Emotions

Alonzo explains the importance of introspection, and allowing oneself to embrace and feel emotions in order to be fully present and less-inhibited.

“Black Boy Destiny” – Alonzo

Alonzo’s uplifting single, “Black Boy Destiny,” was written to inspire all young black men to rise against the odds and fight for their dreams.

Self-Care for Golfers: Arrival at the Course

Golf evangelist Bradford Wilson offers tips to make sure you’re well-equipped to play your best round when you get to the course.

Self-Care for Golfers: Driving to the Course

Golf evangelist Bradford Wilson offers tips for getting motivated to play your best round while you’re headed to the course.

Alonzo’s Self-Care Tip: Brain-Body Workout

Alonzo shares his tip for what to listen to at the gym to combine two workouts — mental and physical — into one.

Facts & Figures: Military & Veteran Mental Health in Rural America

Almost a 1/4 of vets live in rural areas. Many experience rural health care challenges intensified by combat-related injuries and illnesses.

Self-Care for Golfers: The Morning of Your Round

Here are a few self-care tips to help you get into the swing of things on the morning of your round of golf.

Alonzo’s Self-Care Morning Routine

Here’s Alonzo with a few suggestions on how to create a morning routine that grounds you before you check your phone.

Stretching Self-Care

Rooted & Rising’s Vaughn Dabney soulfully practices self-care from his mobile home (van).

Be Better. Eat Better

We should all be trying to take steps to eat healthier. Your body will feel better, your mind will be clearer, and you’ll probably have a fun time experimenting with some new recipes.

A Judge’s View On Youth Mental Health & The Justice System

Judge Nan Waller wants to change the way things are done in the legal system. Instead of judging a book by its cover, she likes to ask herself first “what don’t I know about this person in front of me, and why?

Facts and Figures: Cost-Limiting Access to Care in Rural America

A look at how income inequality between rural and urban areas impacts access to health care across the Unites States.

Finding Healing For Mental Illness

Dr. Insel offers a comprehensive plan for what he describes as “our failing system,” in a plan for families trying to discern the way forward.

Wait Lists for Mental Health Services

Student counselor Julie Hill talks about community-based and in-patient mental health facilities operating above capacity.

A National Youth Mental Health Emergency

There’s a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health. Student counselor Julie Hill walks through the patterns she is seeing.

Unique Situations for Students

Denise Senter discusses how current stressors are putting students at higher risk for depressions.

Student Support Networks

Ashtyn Robertson discusses how to find a support network when students are struggling with their mental health.

Talking from Personal Experiences

Nikhil Gloyeske explains how he helped get his local elected officials talking about youth mental health initiatives.

Youth Homelessness

Homelessness has been on the rise during the pandemic and can be noted as much more visible in many urban areas. The unfortunate collateral damage of the pandemic has caused many to be in this circumstance, including many young people under the age of 24. Even before the pandemic 1 in 10 young people ages 18-24 experienced homelessness.

Facts & Figures: Health Inequity Among Rural Minorities

Statistics and overview of higher rates of cancer, suicide and mental health issues among rural ethnic minorities.

MARCH 2, 2022 PRESS RELEASE

WETA Washington, D.C., the flagship public media station in the nation’s capital, announced today that KEN BURNS PRESENTS HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT: YOUTH MENTAL ILLNESS A FILM BY ERIK EWERS AND CHRISTOPHER LOREN EWERS, a documentary about the mental health crisis among youth in America, will premiere on PBS stations nationwide on June 27 and 28, 2022 at 9:00 p.m. ET on PBS, PBS.org and the PBS Video app.

Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness | Film Teaser

Premiering June 27 & 28 on PBS, the film gives voice to the experiences of young people who struggle with mental health challenges and focuses on the importance of awareness and empathy.

Michael Pollock, CEO of the Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance

PBS Newshour Student Reporter Alexandra Malan talks to Michael Pollock, CEO of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance about youth mental health as part of the Well Beings Tour. Michael Pollock, CEO of the Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance PBS Newshour Student Reporter Alexandra Malan talks to Michael Pollock, CEO of the Depression and Bipolar […]

Inspirational Quotes by Trailblazing African-Americans

We’re closing out this Black History Month in a motivational mood. With a collection of uplifting quotes by defiant and adventurous African-Americans.

Mom & Daughter Talk Mental Health

Part of the Hiding in Plain Sight blog series Written by Kee Dunning, author & psychotherapist providing crisis intervention February 24, 2022 / Forbes Talking to others about your mental health isn’t an easy feat, especially if that person is your parent. Zion Williams, a high school student and Season 1 host of PBS NewsHour Student Reporting […]

Facts & Figures: Chronic Disease in Rural America

Chronic disease is linked to a disproportionally large number of deaths in rural America when compared to urban areas.

Facts & Figures: COVID-19 in Rural America

The negative impacts of COVID-19 on unemployment and mental health are more pronounced in rural areas of the U.S.

Facts & Figures: Access to Health Care in Rural America

Lack of facilities, patient education and physicians have led to a health care access crisis in rural parts of the U.S.

8 1/2 Songs About Forgiveness

A playlist of songs about mistakes and forgiveness — whether forgiving others, or practicing a little self-care and forgiving yourself.

10 Emotionally Raw and Revealing “Song Exploder” Episodes

In this Optimisticle, we’ll look at some of the artists who were willing to talk to Song Exploder about how they were able to channel their pain and emotional trauma into musical magic.

Autism, Hope & Resilience

My kids tell people what their life is like and what they wished other people knew about what it is like to have a mental struggle. A lack of understanding is a common theme. For a client with autism, this is especially true. What is autism? Autism is a disorder characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and often non-verbal communication. Autism occurs on a spectrum thus it has a variety of presentations.

Living a Full & Productive Life with Schizophrenia

Brandon was 18 years old when he experienced his first episode of psychosis. “At first, I didn’t want to take medication. I didn’t want to engage in treatment. I didn’t want to admit that I had this serious mental illness, but my family’s unconditional love helped me to get to a place where I could accept it, and that acceptance has made a huge difference in my ability to move on and do things that I care about in my life.”

Finding Your Place in the World

Ebony Skillens addresses the teen struggles of learning to fit in with their place in the world.

Recognize the Journey

Garrin Williams details the importance of recognizing healing as a process

Voices from New Mexico

Hispanic men reflect on challenges in accessing mental health support that are unique to their community in rural New Mexico.

Working Together as a Community

Jordan Herrera stresses the duty of faculty members to refer students impacted by mental health to community colleges’ social services.

The Importance of Destigmatization

Dr. Alexander Tsai identifies the impact of a supportive environment, which has historically led to increased ease to seek treatment.

The Pressures of Modern Students

Dr. Vivek Murthy emphasizes stressors such as financial troubles that can further affect the mental health of community college students.

Access, Prevention, and a Culture Change

Mental health conditions can be mitigated and treated through three key concepts, as highlighted by Dr. Vivek H. Murthy.

Overcoming Loneliness with Loved Ones

Kirk Smalley highlights the loneliness that teens can face and how parents can help.

Reaching Out Helps

Paula Stafford explains the professional resources people can utilize.

Substance Use Risk Adds to Legal & Behavioral Health Issues In Rural New Mexico

Remote Chance: Health Care in Rural America, a digital-first series of short films by award-winning filmmaker Elizabeth Arledge, made possible by the National Alliance on Mental Illness and The Annette Harkins Family Trust Substance Use Risk Adds to Legal & Behavioral Health Issues In Rural New Mexico’s Hispanic Men Young Hispanic men in rural New […]

Living Beyond the Screen

Social media can negatively affect the self-worth of teens. Dr. Linda Nicolotti recommends family time to fight this impact.

Trusting Your Gut Feelings

The best action in a risky situation is to have a plan beforehand. Dr. Dawn O’Malley details the importance of preparation.

Avoiding the Domino Effect of Coping

As a parent, coping with stress can affect your children. Dr. Wanda Boone offers advice on how to avoid this slippery slope.

Well Beings Tour Boston Interview – Dr. Pam Eddinger, President Bunker Hill Community College

PBS Newshour Student Reporter Lourdes Bullo interviews Dr. Pam Eddinger, President of Bunker Hill Community College. This conversation focuses on food and housing insecurity among community college students and how this impacts their mental health.

A Conversation about Mental Health during Pregnancy

New mother Jorelle Godwin and obstetrician Dr. Joy Baker talk about the challenges of finding mental health support during pregnancy among Black women in rural Georgia.

Facts & Figures: Maternal Health Care in Rural America

Statistics about how lack of access to health care in remote areas affects the emotional and physical wellbeing of new and expecting mothers.

JANUARY 10, 2022 PRESS RELEASE

WETA and Well Beings, a multiplatform health campaign created by the D.C.-based public media station, launched a new two-part digital-first documentary short series, Remote Chance: Rural Health Care in America. The series spotlights real, powerful stories to raise awareness about mental and other health care needs for Americans living in remote and rural areas.

New Mothers Face Challenges in the Maternity Care Deserts of Rural Georgia

In rural Georgia, ew mother Jorelle Godwin shares a moving story of her own mental health struggles during pregnancy, and her obstetrician Dr. Joy Baker addresses larger issues for this community.

Language Basics

Words have power. Language plays an important role in helping fight stigma, or unknowingly reinforcing it, so we must do all that we can to destigmatize and support those with mental health concerns.

Caring for Diverse Populations

Helpful language tools and guidance for discussing mental health concerns with youth.Part of the Well Beings Mental Health Language Guide. The purpose of this guide is to address stigma around mental illness and equip users with person-first language tools for discussing mental health concerns with youth. To operationalize the term, we define youth as ages […]

Do’s & Don’ts of Mental Health Conversation

Key Terms

Helpful language tools and guidance for discussing mental health concerns with youth.Part of the Well Beings Mental Health Language Guide. ABLEIST LANGUAGE: Referring to words, phrases, and sentiments that are offensiveand/or exclusionary to people with disabilitiesAGENDER: A person who does not identify as any gender.ADJUSTMENT DISORDER: An emotional or behavioral reaction to a stressful event […]

Dates to Remember

Additional Resources

Part of the Well Beings Mental Health Language Guide. For more information about mental health and wellness, please feel free to visit these organizations:

10 TV Therapists Who Got It Right

They may be fictional characters, but these 10 TV therapists are known for giving consistently great advice.

The Journey of Growth

Katharine Illyin discusses developmental stages and how those affected face identity confusion through each stage.

Getting the Help You Deserve

Jospin Mugisha talks through his experience with the dissonance between wanting help and getting help.

Creating a New Normal

Craigan Usher dissects the relationship between mental health disorders versus what is considered “normal.”

Recognizing the Early Signs

Alyssia Menezes shares how the realization of one’s mental health issues can take years to come to terms with.

Facts & Figures: Mental Health in Rural America

Facts and figures about the prevalence of depression and mental health challenges in rural areas when compared to urban areas.

The Domino Effect of Positive Guidance

Aimee Sandler highlights the importance of having positive adult role models to utilize as a resource and safe space.

Using Caution with Increased Awareness

Along with increased awareness of youth gender minorities comes increased violence. David Plazas dissects this phenomenon.

How to Live More Authentically

Joseph Clark provides insight on how the mental health of youth can improve through programs and services.

Hiding Through a Mask

Finding one’s identity can be difficult. Christopher Goodwin discusses the pressures to put on a different self to fit in.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Techniques Reducing Youth Anxiety & Trauma

Can persistence and science change a traumatized young person’s life? Kurt Palermo from Roca believes that it can. Roca is an organization dedicated to disrupting incarceration, poverty, and racism by engaging young adults, police, and systems at the center of urban violence in relationships to address trauma, find hope and drive change.