When thinking about youth in the U.S., one might not immediately associate them with advocating for mental health accessibility and systematic reform. However, the members of Mental Health America’s Youth Policy Accelerator (YPA) are changing that perception. The 2023 YPA cohort, consisting of ten advocates aged 18-25, has been at the forefront of inspiring mental health policy initiatives that are transforming the landscape of mental health resources in their communities.

These young advocates, driven by passion, ambition, and fearlessness, have recognized the pressing need for mental health policy change to improve the lives of their peers and future generations. Drawing from their lived experiences, they have used their voices to enter spaces that have traditionally excluded young people, demonstrating their deep commitment to reshaping mental health care.

Using Personal Challenges to Redefine Youth Support

The stories of YPA members showcase the significant impact that a lack of resources can have on the mental health and overall development of young individuals. While each member has a unique journey, the common thread in their narratives is the struggle of navigating mental health challenges alone, without adequate support. Despite initially lacking access to peer support programs, they recognized the value of connecting with others who shared similar life experiences and were determined to expand the reach of evidence-based practices like peer support to ensure better access to mental health care for young people.

Transforming Spaces and Systems for Youth

One YPA member, Isabel Ohakamma, observed the negative effects of COVID-19 quarantine measures on her and her peers and took action within her school to address the need for support. By creating a social club that promoted communication and fellowship, she provided a platform for classmates to engage in activities that fostered a sense of community, with support from school counselors.

Similarly, Tianna Celis-Webster, through her experience with multi-system care, has advocated for system-wide reform to support youth in foster care. Her work with EPIC ‘Ohana Inc. reflects her commitment to amplifying the voices of young people within various systems and driving meaningful change.

Building Community Networks of Support

YPA members have spearheaded initiatives to make support accessible beyond school settings and have advocated for system changes to ensure young individuals can seek help where and when they need it. For instance, Trace Terrell, who struggled with depression and suicidal ideation, found solace in volunteering for YouthLine, a crisis support line for teens. His experience as a listener inspired him to recognize the importance of peer-to-peer support and advocate for better mental health resources in his community.

Aimee Resnick, motivated by a personal loss due to lack of mental health support, successfully advocated for the passage of HB22-1052 in Colorado, which mandates crisis resources information on student IDs. Her work highlights the impact of policy changes in promoting mental health awareness and access for young individuals.

Promoting Diversity and Equity in Mental Health Resources

Saiarchana Darira’s advocacy for cultural awareness in mental health support reflects her commitment to addressing the needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds. By championing the diversification of the mental health workforce, she has advocated for young people who often feel misunderstood due to their cultural and ethnic identities. Additionally, she has been a vocal advocate for climate activism, offering support to youth grappling with eco-anxiety.

Empowering Youth to Lead the Way

It is crucial to recognize the agency and expertise that young people bring to the table when it comes to mental health advocacy. Whether you are a young person or an adult ally, there is a role to play in amplifying youth voices and ensuring their leadership becomes the norm in shaping mental health policies. Let us all work together to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for young individuals to thrive.