May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and a program in Indianapolis is making a positive impact on young people’s mental health. It’s called Teen Responders. Travis Bannon, the program director, shared insights about this important initiative during a recent interview.
“After the pandemic, many students felt overwhelmed. They struggled with their own mental health and felt the pressure to support their friends,” Bannon explained. “The workshops we offer are essential. They equip teens with tools to take care of themselves and help their peers in crisis.”
So far, Teen Responders has reached 750 teens and 500 parents in Indiana, setting up workshops and sharing valuable resources at local high schools.
Nola Boyle, a former participant, spoke about how the program changed her life. “I realized how tough my situation was when I saw the signs of crisis displayed in our workshop. I recognized I was going through those same struggles,” she said.
This initiative isn’t just local; it reflects a growing trend across the country. A 2022 report from the National Institute of Mental Health found that nearly one in three high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Programs like Teen Responders are stepping up to address this issue by fostering awareness and providing support.
For more information about Teen Responders, you can find details here.
