Art Brings Healing for One D.C.-Area Young Person
After suffering from trauma and abuse as a child, 22-year-old D.C. artist and musician Lola turned to art as a form of expression.
School Therapy Dog De-stresses High Schoolers
Mary Ann Noel, a psychology teacher at Caesar Rodney H.S. in Camden, Del., discusses how therapy dogs help relieve her students’ stress.
Latino Students on Why It’s Hard to Talk about Mental Health
Maria and Christopher from Lake Balboa, CA, discuss the difficulties the hurdles they’ve encountered getting mental health treatment in the Latino community.
Confronting Mental Health with Storytelling in Alaska
A group of Alaskan high school students launched Mental Health Advocacy Through Storytelling to help destigmatize mental health issues.
Texans from Different Cultural and Religious Backgrounds Weigh in on Mental Health Issues
This story was produced by Jaemin Yoo, Kaleb Velez, Miah Moore, and Alana Lott at Jersey Village High School in Houston, Texas
How Locked-down Schools Affect Student Mental Health
Students from Forestview High School in Gastonia, N.C. discuss how enhanced school security and metal detectors effect their sense of safety.
This Counseling App Provides Hope in Utah
Project facilitator Will Leavitt on SafeUT, an app that connects students to licensed counselors who are ready to listen to any concern.
How Theatre Improves Mental Health
Students from Forestview High School in Gastonia, N.C. on how theatre improves mental health by giving people an outlet for expression.
Counselor Speaks Students’ Love Languages
This story was produced by Leo Arcelay-Christiano, Ryan Limbaugh, Joseph Davis, Savana Clements and John Thomas at Caesar Rodney High School.
Battling Suicide through Storytelling
This story was produced by Eduardo Escobar, Grace Christie, Manny Vega, and Isaac Thomas at Health and Science School.
School Counselors Are a Vital Resource for Students
High School Counselor Mamie Prejean on the the resiliency of teens and the vital resources counselors provide them with.
Students Define a “Healthy Mind”
This story was produced by Mikalah Rush at Legacy Early College High School in Greenville, South Carolina with support from Connected Educator Neena Kumar.
“OCD Affects My Everyday Life”
This story was produced by Grace Mangano, Alexis Dixon, Hannah Bradley, Jonathan Beard, Salomon Klegbe and Kamariana Sanders at Cleveland Heights High School
Why Do We Turn to Humor in Times of Crisis?
Students at Etiwanda High School in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, on how memes and humor help alleviate the stress of an uncertain future.
Feeling Included with Best Buddies
Profile on Best Buddies, an organization that strives to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This School Runs on Renewable Resources and Clean Energy
Richardsville Elementary School in Kentucky was the first public net zero school in the US in 2010, running entirely on renewable resources.
Teen Journalists Explore Climate Change, Education, and Mental Health Issues
Teen journalists in 17 states worked with NewsHour youth media.
Mental Health Month – on the Record
Emma shows off her unique connection of painted records each inspired by her mental health.
When the Going Gets Tough, Get Moving
Emma talks about the challenge of sticking to a routine while stuck at home.
Anxiety is Not the End of the World
Even if it feels like it, Gaia has learned that anxiety is not the end of the world.
Gaia ROCKS!
Gaia brings us this video diary from the water’s edge.
Between Reality and Me
Joe presents one of his unique poem about mental health.
Introducing Ryver
Meet Ryver a transgender teen who finds that writing songs are the best coping strategies.
There’s Always Time for Fun
Jada shares her recent “family fun day” adventures with us.
It’s Okay To Relax
Jada talks about how she is trading in her anxiety for “Netflix and chill”.
All or Nothing: Reframing Negative Thoughts
Jada shares some things she has recently learned in therapy.
It’s Another “Brave Diaries” Music Mix!
Kylee and Jada wrote a song called Night Creature.
We Are Better Together
Support is one of the most important parts of getting through your mental health journey.
A Sunset Walk
A walk a day keeps bad thoughts away! Use Jada’s sunset walk as an inspiration to press the pause button today to get outside and switch gears.
Behind the Music
Jada shares with us her passion for music.
Jada on Being Okay with Making Mistakes
Jada bravely shares a correction to her birth and adoption story.
My Mental Health Doesn’t Define Me
Jada gives us a tour of her “Safe Haven”.
Jada’s Music Debut
Jada performs her original song “Firefly” in her latest Brave Teens video.
Mental Health: Every Little Step Counts
Jada shares her accomplishments with music and how it has helped her ease her mental health during quarantine.
How to Deal, with Savanna
Savanna unpacks the different forms of motivation needed when dealing with depression.
Counting Small Victories
Savanna shares how small victories have positively aided her anxiety & depression.
Destigmatizing Mental Illness
Savanna joins the Brave Teens family with a brief introduction and a short anecdote about becoming aware of her mental illness.
Meet Abi
A 15-year-old dancer from Louisiana who has struggled with anxiety, depression, OCD and PTSD.
Writing for Fun
It’s common for Joe to use writing poetry as a coping mechanism.
Deep Poems, Chill Poems
Joe is not shy about letting us know that he is bored!! Here, he takes time to share some of his thought-provoking poetry to pass the time.
Road to Recovery
Joe talks about relapse and how it can be a difficult, but real part of the recovery process.
Write it All Down, Get it All Out!
Joe finds writing therapeutic & a great coping mechanism.
Stormy Thoughts
Anastasia shares ways to manage anxiety and stormy thoughts during quarantine.
Joe’s Mental Health Story
Inside of Joe’s mental health story.
Exploring Your Feelings with Delaney
Watch Delaney’s video about the various ways she is keeping her mental health.
Introducing Jada
Jada shares her adoption story and how it has drastically influenced her mental health.
Support Systems Go!
Eve shares a little bit about her support system.
Not The End of The World
Gaia has learned that anxiety is not the end of the world.
Lessons in Self-Love
Abi opens up about an eating disorder and the body image issues she works through daily.
On the Record
Emma is expressing herself in a really unique way. Check it out!
Controlling Your Thoughts In Tough Times
This week, Larkin reminds us about the power of positive thinking!
Music Is How I Cope
“In My Head” is an original song brought to you by our Brave Teen Ryver.
Introducing “The Amazing Gigi”
Meet Gaia, a 13-year-old aerial performer, gymnast, and dancer living with autism.
Mental Health in the LGBTQ+ Community
Savanna sheds light on how mental health affects those in the LGBTQ+ community.
Phone A Friend: Joe Talks Support Networks
In this Brave Teens diary, he talks about forming a peer network, but warns that friends should not replace professional help.
Jada & Calista Collab
Jada performing “You” – a song written by fellow Brave Teen contributor Calista.
Hugs Can Help
Emma lets us in on how hugs are scientifically proven to help our mental health.
Tips to Fight Anxiety with Kale!
Kale shares an inspiring experience about how not being okay is completely okay!
Staying Social While Distancing with Eve
Being socially distant can take a heavy toll on our mental health.
Aliyah’s Optimism in the Face of Adversity
In the midst of these uncertain times, Aliyah is staying positive!
Out of the Dark | Inside Look
Watch a preview of the Out of the Dark series with director, Sarah Klein.
Jada’s Quarantine Activity List
Running out of ideas to keep your mind busy during quarantine?
A Little Bit of Magic to Brighten Up Your Day!
Joe takes the time to share the magic tricks he uses to turn his day around.
Brave Diaries | Promo
A digital community of teen storytellers about their mental health journeys.
Introducing Anastasia
Meet Anastasia! Anastasia began speaking out about mental health issues after seeing her friends and family struggle with anxiety and depression.
Our Turn to Talk Promo
A documentary about the mission to end the stigma around mental illness, starting with the next generation.
Peer Counselor Justin Volpe Leads Role-Playing Exercise
Peer Counselor Justin Velope leads a role-playing exercise with program participants.
Collaborative Criminal Justice Creates Cultural Shift
Felony cases and cultural shift brought about by the CMHP.
Film Trailer: The Definition of Insanity
An inspiring story at the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system.