Mental Health Amid Covid: A New Perspective Can Make a World of Difference
Sophia Meguid, a junior at Utica High School, offers words of encouragement for those in crisis.
Discussions of Mental Illness Illuminate a Generational Divide
Eli Herrmann, a junior at Community High School, discusses the need for disrupting the stigma of mental illness amongst older generations.
The Good, The Bad, & the Ugly to Come from Covid
The pandemic has contributed to the growing youth mental health crisis in the U.S., but it’s also led to increased awareness of this issue.
Caregiving Begins with Self-Care
Carol Klocek, CEO of Transforming Lives, explores the importance of self-care in being an effective caregiver.
Shaking off the Pandemic’s Funk
Tenayah and Chris Cordova share how they make themselves feel better when they’re feeling upset.
Unpacking the “Invisible Backpack”
Dr. Garica Sanford of the Momentous Institute discusses the “invisible backpack” every child carries into school.
Stress Has a Reverberating Impact on Relationships
High school senior, Misael Mendez, discusses the tenuous relationship of stress between parents and children.
“Grades Aren’t Everything”
Noah and Zion discuss the highs and lows of virtual learning and share a wide range of stories from students across the country.
Suicide is the Second Leading Cause of Death For Young People Ages 10 to 24
To all of you kids out there, I need to tell you something. There are adults who will listen, find a therapist or a person you can trust. Talk with them and let them in. It might be scary at first, but it gets easier. The most important thing I want you to know is you are worth it.
It’s Ok Not to Be Ok
The first episode of On Our Minds — a podcast made by teens, for teens, all about teens — and mental health.
On Our Minds Podcast | Season One Trailer
Hosted by high school students Noah Konevitch and Zion Williams, On Our Minds features personal stories from students across the U.S.
Help You Help You
Being perfect is an impossible goal that no one has ever reached. When we make mistakes, it can lead us to think some nasty thoughts about ourselves, but thoughts aren’t always facts and they don’t define you. Follow these steps to be your own BFF, no matter what.
Stop to Go
This self-awareness trick called STOP helps us become more cognizant of our emotions and take action to promote our well-being.
Suicide Note: A Poet’s Journey Through Depression
Poet AKeem Rollins shares the story behind his viral slam poetry piece, “Suicide Note.”
Don’t Forget to Breathe
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, this breathing exercise can help you feel grounded.
Are You in a Thinking Trap?
We all get carried away by worst-case scenarios, but there are ways to help yourself when you find yourself falling into a thinking trap.
Too Much to Do? Then Redo Your To-Do List
Think about it. It’s easy to lose the big picture when your screen is alive with incoming texts and “high priority” messages. Try these tips from Alice Boyes, author of The Healthy Mind Toolkit, to stay focused and tackle your to-do.
Pee Healthy: It’s All About the Color
Did you know that when you’re dehydrated, your brain struggles to focus, solve problems, and coordinate motor skills? The color of your pee can tell you if you’re getting enough water.
Want More Joy in Your Day?
According to psychologist and author Dr. Rick Hanson, we can train our brains to take in the good! By intentionally taking time to turn positive events into positive memories and experiences, you can teach your brain to look for the good in the world.
Even When You’re Alone, You’re Not Alone
Throughout your life, you will experience moments where you feel lost and, at times, alone. In these moments, it can be helpful to think of someone who inspires you
How One Teen’s Suicide Attempt Led to a Life-Changing App
Overwhelmed and reeling from a suicide attempt, Hannah Lucas and her brother set out to develop an app — and now it’s saving lives.
An Olympic Athlete Takes on Depression
Olympic athlete Raven Saunders shares how she found the strength to face childhood trauma, celebrity pitfalls, and suicidal ideation to become a mental health advocate for athletes.
Addressing Mental Illness Stigma & Misconception
“There is nothing inherently bad about me because I have a mental illness.” In honor of #WorldBipolarDay, Joe addresses common misconceptions about mental illness and psychotic disorders. Join the conversation and share your story using our hashtag #WellBeings!
Why You Should Watch This Film
Motivated by a note left by his son to “tell my story,” Jason Reid embarks on a quest to understand what led his son to end his own life
The Most Important Conversation You Will Have with Your Kids
We are never given a parent manual, but we are given the tools to help one another. Jason Reid is on a mission to help parents change the conversation they have with kids about mental health.
The Hot Lava Game: We Need to Own Our Kids’ Mental Health
This is not the world we, as parents, grew up in. Kids today are much more prone to anxiety and depression than we were. Jason Reid explains how we need to understand the differences to help them navigate the world.
Parents Talk About Teen Suicide Prevention | Jason Reid Speech
Jason Reid and a group of fathers have an intense conversation about teen suicide.
The Misconceptions of Having an Eating Disorder
“It was a really unhealthy cycle of binging and restricting.” Anastasia opens up about her experience with binge eating disorder and how she believes it’s important to educate ourselves about all the different types of eating disorders, the symptoms, and how we can best support and create a strong community for those who are struggling with eating disorders.
It’s Okay to Have Bad Days
In this #BraveTeens Diary, Hadyn talks about how recovering from an eating disorder isn’t always easy, and it’s okay to have bad days.
Feeling Guilty about Eating
Daijah opens up about her experience with eating disorders and struggling with anorexia as early as middle school. She goes on to say that “it was a toxic way of thinking that I’d be a better person.” Daijah also shares the guilt she felt and how she is continuing to work through her relationship with food.
Tell My Story | Film Trailer
After his son dies by suicide, a father seeks answers for what is killing today’s youth.
Daijah Rises Above
Daijah talks about her experience with bullying and racism, and shares tips for staying positive when things are not going her way.
Struggling With an Eating Disorder
In honor of Eating Disorder Awareness Month, Abi opens up about her own experience struggling with an eating disorder.
Mental Wellness: What Works Best for You?
“It’s really hard thing to ask for help.” Abi didn’t know how to ask for help when her #mentalhealth struggles began. Her vlog this week is a reminder that reaching out is ok – for help, for resources or reassurance from a family member or friend.
Overcoming Mental Health Stigma
By taking people on her full #mentalhealth journey through music and writing, Jada has risen above the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. She feels freer because she is not hiding anymore. “Find what works for you, and be more open to helping yourself and helping others.”
Overcoming Self-Inflicted Stigma
Anastasia talks about the importance of reaching out for help with #mentalhealth and shares advice about overcoming her fear of being judged.
Out of the Dark | Trailer
How do you fight an enemy you can’t see? These are the stories of three young people who faced the greatest challenge of their lives.
Well Beings Virtual Town Hall at NAMICon 2020
Watch celebrity ambassadors, youth, filmmakers, student reporters, and mental health leaders come together (virtually) at NAMICon 2020.
You Will Be Found
Students from Columbia High School in Maplewood, NJ perform “You Will Be Found,” from the Broadway Musical “Dear Evan Hansen.”
Youth Mental Health & Society Panel Discussion
The “Youth Mental Health & Society” panel discussion from the Well Beings Virtual National Town Hall on Tuesday, July 14, 2020.
Youth & Celebrity Ambassador Video Message
Celebrities like Jewel, Finn Wolfhard, Billy Porter, and more, join together to send a message to America’s youth.
Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness | Film Trailer
Ken Burns’ “Hiding in Plain Sight: Our Mental Health Crisis” chronicles mental health issued faced by young people in the U.S.
Facing Mental Health Struggles in Prison – Justin’s Story
Peer Counselor Justin shares his story of facing the mental health system while in prison.
No Standard Operating Procedures for What We Do
Lawyer Alejandro Aristizábal and Judge Nushin Sayfie from the Miami-Dade Criminal Mental Health Project discuss the status of a new participant in the Jail Diversion Program
Crisis Intervention Team Training Session
Officers in the Miami Police Department participate in training led by the Crisis Intervention Team.
Program Participant Trevor Faces Reality at Court Hearing
A court hearing for program participant Trevor, who’s recently tested positive for alcohol.
Move Your Body!
ADHD makes Gaia feel like she constantly needs to move her body. Her unique solution: the circus!
Gaia’s “Masking” Has Nothing to Do with COVID-19
Gaia wants to “teach people that autism doesn’t look the same in everyone” and why it’s important to have an open mind about differences.
Super Stressed
Between loads of schoolwork and new virtual school realities, Jada says it’s too much pressure on her and teens. She’s finding it hard to find time for the self-care she needs.
Reflecting on Old Habits
Ryver reflects on her old eating habits and the positive progress in her eating disorder recovery.
Sweater Weather
Musician and writer Jada shares her favorite holiday traditions and her excitement for this year’s indoor sweater weather.
5 Senses Breathing Activity
Abi shares a few coping skills that may help boost your mental health when anxiety kicks in.
Semicolon Rings + Other Things
By wearing a semicolon ring, Joe is helping to spread awareness about depression and suicide.
Between Reality And Me
Joe presents one of his unique poems about mental health.
How to Start a New Job during the Pandemic
This video was submitted by Carrie Jefferson at Mercy High School in Detroit, Michigan.
High School Track Runner Trains at Home during the Coronavirus Pandemic
Patrick Hunter talks about how his life has changed during the Coronavirus pandemic.
High School Student Mckenna Aldach on Distance Learning, Working at Walmart
High School student McKenna Aldach describes her life during the coronavirus.
How COVID-19 Is Affecting This Small Business in Michigan
Mercy High School student Keiley Black sits down with her father to discuss the impacts that COVID-19 has had on his small business.
Students Organize Drive-by Parade for “Special” Students
Auburn students organize a drive-by parade for special needs students who may be having a hard time handling the stay-at-home order.
SPCA Alleviates Pet Concerns during Coronavirus Pandemic
Lydia Caronna, Spay Clinic Manager for the Sacramento SPCA, discusses opening the Paw Pantry, emergency food and supplies for pets in need.
Homebound Reporters Continue to Report during Pandemic
Isabella Martinez at Suffolk University in Massachusetts reports on how journalists’ jobs have changed during the Covid pandemic.
Massachusetts Church Is Providing Meals to Those Affected by the Pandemic
This Massachusetts church is providing meals to those who lost their job during the pandemic.
Pawtucket Soup Kitchen Feeds Most Vulnerable during Coronavirus Pandemic
Adrienne Marchetti, Executive Director of the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen discusses feeding the most vulnerable during the pandemic.
Will the Coronavirus Pandemic Cancel Summer on Cape Cod?
Annabelle White from Suffolk University in Massachusetts discusses Covid’s affect on summer rental properties in Cape Cod.
Senior Year Was “Taken Away from Us”
Madi Marks at West Ranch High School in Stevenson Ranch, California talks about how Covid-19 has affected her senior year.
High School Student on Coronavirus Isolation and Creativity
Perry High School student Katie Baranauskas talks about how her life has been impacted by the Coronavirus.
How This 8th Grader Is Finishing His Last Year of Middle School during the Coronavirus Pandemic
Mercy High School student Megan Mallie interviews her brother Michael on how his life has been affected by the Coronavirus.
How Teens Are Coping with COVID-19
Students from around the country share their experiences coping with canceled proms, canceled athletic events and other effects of the pandemic.
Seniors Not Able to Make Memories during the Last Year of High School
Senior talks about not being able to make memories during the last year of high school and the importance of making human connections.
Florida Teen Learns to Make Positive Lifestyle Changes during COVID-19
Sr. Janelle Puckering of West Palm Beach, FL. discusses the positive lifestyle changes she has made during COVID-19.
Go and Grow Helps Low-Income Students Learn about the Environment While at Home
The Go and Grow program aims to help low-income students continue to develop an interest in science and their environment.
Mental Health & COVID-19: PBS NewsHour SRL | Your South Florida
With schools remaining closed for the rest of the school year, we checked in with some of our PBS NewsHour student reporters.
Who Is Working on the Frontlines of the Pandemic?
Cecelia Spencer talks with Dr. Rani Whitfield, known as “Tha Hip Hop Doc,” who treats a largely African American population in Baton Rouge.
How the Pandemic Is Magnifying Mental Health Issues
David Kang from Westwood High School in Austin, Texas followed a student who found it difficult to maintain his ADHD while home under lockdown.
Exploring the Economic Impact of Covid19
Tashi Mathuin from Cody High School in Cody, Wyoming explored how national park closures due to COVID-19 have affected Yellowstone’s visitations.
Students Profile Underrepresented Communities during the Pandemic
Harlow Frank from Daniel Pearl Magnet High School in Los Angeles profiled a teen who reconnected with his father during lockdown.
How COVID-19 Is Highlighting Urban Inequities & Rural Vulnerabilities
Ellie Wirtz from Black River Falls High School in Black River Falls, Wisconsin interviewed a dairy farmer who says COVID-19 has been “devastating” for business.
Hawaii Salon Owner Describes Impact of Coronavirus on Her Business
Hawaii salon owner describes impact of Coronavirus on her business
Extreme Weather Causes Damage to Local Farmers
Farmers and vineyard owners in Texas explain how extreme weather and heavy rainfall have crippled their productivity.
Treefolks: Planting a Better Future
TreeFolks is an urban forestry nonprofit that empowers Central Texans to build stronger communities through planting and caring for trees.
Student Climate Activist: We Can Do This Together
A look at the impact of climate change on our environment with student activist Evan Cholerton and Broward County’s Youth Climate Summit.
Paper Waste at Arlington County’s Largest High School
An examination of the massive amounts of paper waste generated by schools, and how technology may be the key to solving the problem.
Junior Achievement: Teachers for a Day
Junior Achievement lets high school students gain experience as educators by preparing and teaching a lesson to elementary school students.
Miami’s Health Information Project Fills Schools’ Sex Ed Void
Miami’s student-run Health Information Project helps fill in the gaps on topics like mental health and sexual education.
Riding for Focus Helps Middle School Students Succeed in Class
Riding for Focus encourages kids to ride bikes during the school day to benefit their social, emotional and physical state of being.
Why Education Funding Is So Unfair in Pennsylvania
A look at the wealth gap and its affect on the quality of education provided in Pennsylvania’s poorest and richest districts.
This Teacher Starts off His Class with Meditation
Language Arts teacher Sergio Martin uses mindful meditation techniques with his students for 15 minutes at the beginning of each class.
This Hydroponics Food Program Helps Students Grow Greens for Their School Cafeteria
Students at John Hardin high school found a unique way to tackle food insecurity and provide food their school — hydroponics.
How Effective Is Technology in the Classroom?
Instructors at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami look at the pros and cons of technology in the classroom.
Detroit Vocational Center Helps Students Turn Passions Into Careers
A career and technical education center in Detroit offers vocational classes that help students turn their passions into successful careers.
Dealing with College Debt
College graduates and prospective college students on how student debt has impacted their lives and ways ease the burden.
Texas Teens Want More from Their Sex Ed
Texas high school students discuss the ineffectiveness of abstinence-only sex education programs where teachers use pre-approved material.
Flex Periods Offer Students Necessary Free Time
This story was produced by Ellie Potts and Hazel Crotts at Washington-Liberty High School in Arlington, Virginia.
Florida Teens Create Device to Save Water
A group of Ft. Lauderdale HS students created HydroSave, a device that can help daily water conservation efforts.
A Look at Career and Technical Education in Miami
Career and technical education teachers give insight into their program
Positive Psychology Class Helps Teens De-stress
Rancho Bernardo High School teacher Eric Martin is alleviating student stress with his class Positive Psychology and Well-Being.
This Director of Mindfulness Finds Peace in Meditation
The Director of Mindfulness at Legacy Early College High School on the fulfillment and empowerment that can be gained through meditation.
Is Social Media Helpful or Hurtful?
Students at Antioch High School in Antioch, CA asked their teachers and peers how they feel about social media.
How Video Games Affect Mental Health
A look at the positives and negative aspects of video games and whether violent games should be linked to school shootings.
Confronting Mental Health Issues with Public Speaking
Katelyn Newman from Black River Falls High School on speaking publicly about her abuse at the hands of her drug-addicted mother.