(This post originally appeared on theknowfresno.org and represents a collection of youth voices from YouthWire and partner media groups throughout the state. Special thanks to The kNOw Youth Media Program Manager and Editor, Kody Stoebig.) Editor’s Note: May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Read More
coachella fresno May mental health mental health awareness month sacramento spotlight the know youth media youthwireAbove: Recently released on Netflix, “13 Reasons Why” has drawn criticism for its portrayal of mental health issues as they affect teens. By Aaliyah Jensen Editor’s Note: According to the Center for Disease Control, suicide is the second leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 24. Read More
high school mental health spotlight Stigma teen suicideThis recent spike builds upon an older trend of Merced’s youth reporting higher-than-average rates of depression or hopelessness. According to 2011-2013 data from online research tool Kidsdata, minority teens in Merced County report feelings of depression at higher rates than statewide peer groups. The numbers are based on responses from 7th, 9th and 11th grade students who reported feeling sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more.
clinics CUBE deppression KidsData mental health merced merced county Merced County Mental Health Merced County Public Health Sierra Vista spotlight youthIf you have never experienced addiction, it can be hard to understand what people really go through. It is easy to blame addicts, but no one wakes up one day wanting to be addicted. They face battles everyday. And so to those around them. A study from 2010 shows that over 23.5 million Americans are addicted to drugs and alcohol. But only 1 in 10 Americans receives the treatment they need. And as of 2014, there were only around 14,000 treatment centers nationwide, not enough compared to the size of the problem.
#RecoveryinMerced addiction addictts children of addiction drug addiction recovery spotlight youthLongtime residents in the City of Merced are quick to comment on the rapid decay seen in some neighborhoods around town. The blight -- often a result of drug use and related activities -- is concentrated in South Merced, near Highway 99 where many of the city’s low-income and minority communities have historically lived. “If you don’t know about 16th Street, that’s where all the prostitutes are, that’s where everything that you don’t ever want your children to see, happens,” Anna said.
addiction mental health recovery recovery in Merced spotlight substance abuseHe was always super fun to be around, one of the kindest and open-minded people I knew, but then he changed. I remember the last day I saw him he was a completely different person. He was unrecognizable. No longer happy. Always mad. I could not understand why he didn’t want to be himself anymore.
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