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Michael Yi
Zero Reasons Why — a teen-led campaign that aims to prevent teen suicide and destigmatize mental health in Johnson County — will be hosting a community mental health forum in the SM East commons from 5:30-7 p.m. on April 22.
The night will start out with small group discussions led by Zero Reasons Why Teen Council members from local high schools. Then, six panelists will answer teen-submitted questions about the night’s topic — combating loneliness through community engagement.
“If you are facing loneliness, or know someone who is facing loneliness… I recommend that you go,” Teen Council member Shubra Durgavathi said. “It’ll be an interesting conversation, and you’ll be able to hear a wide range of views, ideas and experiences.”
The event is free and registration is recommended but not required. All age groups are welcome and encouraged to attend.
“We’re interested in reaching everyone, because we know mental health is a topic that can apply to everyone,” said Georgie Mings, campaign manager for Zero Reasons Why. “Everyone has a stake in it. So whether you’re a teen or adult, it applies to you just the same.”
Tuesday’s community mental health forum is part of a series of forums Zero Reasons Why has been hosting around Johnson County since 2018, with the last hosted at SM West. A forum is held twice a year and each has a different theme.
“I feel like when I talk to teens nowadays, they feel like they’re not being listened to by adults,” Mings said. “And so when we put on these forums, there are adults present in that room that are there solely to listen to them.”
During the event, the six panelists will be composed of three Teen Council members, along with three adult professionals in teen community outreach. At least two state representatives will be present at the forum.
“I feel like one thing that people think about legislators is that they know everything, but a lot of them don’t work in the mental health space as their full-time job,” Mings said. “So it’s really important that we meet these representatives and share teen stories.”
Ming said the primary goal of the forum is that Johnson County residents will leave with a greater understanding of how community activities, like volunteering, can foster a sense of belonging and improve mental health.
“We’re going to try and have people walk away from these activities with actionable steps and ideas for how they can fight their own loneliness, or help fight teen loneliness,” Mings said.
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