On Friday, the 4th statewide youth mental health discussion with Hope Means Nevada and teen co-chairs from local high schools took place in Reno, Nevada. Student leaders gathered to brainstorm preventative measures to help eliminate youth suicide. Co-chair of the Teen Committee for Hope Means Nevada, Sydney Menante, emphasized the importance of reaching teens and building their ability to destigmatize mental health. She also mentioned the importance of providing resources to help others.
Menante shared that her decision to help other teens with mental health came from a personal experience, as she lost a childhood friend to suicide in freshman year. This prompted her to become a voice for mental health within schools. Co-chair Addison Clark highlighted the struggle that many teens face in finding balance, especially between school, social life, and utilizing tools that work best for them. Isolation was identified as another significant challenge for teens. Clark emphasized the importance of understanding that they are not alone and that there are organizations dedicated to helping them with their struggles.
Hope Means Nevada and The Children’s Cabinet are hosting an event at the Discovery Museum’s Mind Matters Exhibit on Friday to raise awareness for mental health resources for teens. The event will run from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and it is called Teen Night Out 2024 (nvdm.org).
