One of the most powerful things we can do for the young people in our lives is to make space for them to talk—and to really listen when they do.
Turning Awareness into Action: Supporting Youth Mental Health in August and Beyond
August is Youth Mental Health Awareness Month, and as I reflect on the young people in our community—our children, our neighbors, our students, our friends’ kids—I can’t help but feel both concern and hope.
The concern comes from what we’re seeing and hearing about the state of youth mental health. Across the country, far too many young people are feeling weighed down by anxiety, depression, and hopelessness. The CDC reports that about 40% of high school students say they feel persistently sad or hopeless. One in five has seriously considered suicide. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for ages 10–24. And for our girls, those numbers are even higher.
But I also feel hope—because we can make a difference. When we pay attention, when we talk openly, and when we connect our youth to the right support, lives can change. Lives can be saved.
Why Paying Attention Matters
Mental health challenges often grow quietly. Sometimes, a young person is smiling on the outside but struggling deeply inside. I’ve heard stories of parents who thought their teen was just “moody,” only to discover later that they’d been battling depression for months.
Changes in behavior, sudden withdrawal from friends, dropping grades, changes in eating or sleeping habits, or even joking about self-harm—these are all signs worth noticing. And if your gut tells you something’s wrong, trust it.
The earlier we notice, the sooner we can act. Early help can make recovery easier, quicker, and more lasting.
Creating Space for Honest Conversations
One of the most powerful things we can do for the young people in our lives is to make space for them to talk—and to really listen when they do. That means setting down our phones, turning off distractions, and meeting them where they are.
Sometimes they’ll open up in the car on the way to practice. Sometimes it’s late at night when you’re both tired and they suddenly say, “Can I tell you something?” When that moment comes, be ready. Listen without judgment. Ask open-ended questions. Let them know their feelings matter.
When It’s Time to Ask for Help
You don’t have to have all the answers. You’re not supposed to. If you suspect a young person is struggling, reaching out to a mental health professional is the next step. That could be a school counselor, a therapist, or your family’s primary care provider. Many schools now have peer-support programs like Hope Squad or Teen Mental Health First Aid that help students connect with trusted adults when a friend is struggling.
And remember, in a crisis—if someone is talking about suicide or hurting themselves—help is just three digits away. Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
What We’re Committed to at Radiant Health
At Radiant Health, we see youth mental health not just as a medical issue, but as a community responsibility. This month, and every month, we’re:
- Partnering with schools to expand early support programs.
- Offering accessible, judgment-free care for youth and families.
- Building community conversations around mental health to help reduce stigma.
Our message is simple: No young person should ever feel they have to face their struggles alone.
A Final Word from Radiant
If you’re reading this and you have a young person in your life—whether it’s your child, your student, your niece or nephew, your neighbor—check in on them. Ask how they’re doing and then ask again. Let them know you’re there and mean it.
Because for all the statistics and all the programs, what matters most is human connection. When young people feel seen, heard, and valued, it can be the spark that lights their way forward.
Let’s make August a turning point—not just for awareness, but for action, compassion, and hope.
Mental Health | Adolescent and School Health | CDC
Radiant Health is committed to being a shining partner in life’s journey toward well-being. As a trusted healthcare provider, we offer a brighter kind of better by delivering comprehensive mental health services in Grant and Blackford Counties. Our mission is to empower individuals and families through accessible mental health care, care coordination, and education, promoting mental fitness and resilience in the community.
For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Radiant Health at hello@getradiant.org or call 765-662-3971. To learn more, go to getradiant.org. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911 or a mental health emergency, please call 988.
