Well darn--I made a mistake scheduling this blog post so we missed the day: March 2nd is World Teen Mental Wellness Day. However, I have been trying to celebrate mistakes and not let good work go to waste over something small like a deadline. And now I know you have to hit "publish" to schedule your upcoming posts!

Read on to learn about World Teen Mental Wellness Day...in preparation for next year!

World Teen Mental Wellness Day was established in 2020 to bring awareness and attention to the mental health needs of teens across the globe. Founded by the teen active-wear company, Hollister, you could say it is nothing but a cynical grab for marketing buzz. But you could also argue anything that brings awareness and engagement around youth mental health is a win.

The teen years are widely recognized as potentially tumultuous times, with many young people facing mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, and more.

Our current teens, generations Zed and Alpha, may be struggling even more than previous groups. According to a recent study, Gen Z are much more likely to reportexperiencing negative emotions such as stress, anxiety and loneliness, while it has been suggested that Gen Alpha may be prone to depression. Marginalized groups tend to see even worse outcomesthan their peers, including minorities and teens who identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

It’s not all bad news, however, the greater emphasis on mental health awareness and lower stigma around seeking help are both potentially protective factors. Most teens demonstrate remarkable resilience and find support within their communities. One way to send a clear signal of support is to engage in advocacy for youth mental health.

There are many advocacy groups dedicated to promoting teen mental health awareness, providing support, and working towards destigmatization. Some notable organizations that you and/or your teen might want to check out in honor of #WorldTeenMentalWellnessDay are:

Active Minds: Active Minds is a nonprofit organization that empowers students to speak openly about mental health and provides resources, support, and advocacy opportunities on college campuses across the United States.

The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is a leading organization focused on suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQIA+ youth. They provide a 24/7 hotline, chat, and text support, as well as resources and advocacy initiatives.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - NAMI on Campus: NAMI is one of the largest mental health advocacy organizations in the United States. Their NAMI on Campus program works to raise awareness about mental health, provide support, and advocate for change on college campuses.

Bring Change to Mind: Bring Change to Mind is a nonprofit organization founded by actress Glenn Close that aims to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness. They offer student-led clubs and campaigns to promote mental health awareness and education in schools.

To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA): TWLOHA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. They offer resources, support, and advocacy initiatives for young people.

Youth MOVE National: Youth MOVE National is a youth-led organization that advocates for the rights and well-being of young people with mental health challenges. They provide leadership development opportunities, advocacy training, and peer support programs.

JED Foundation (JED): The JED Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on promoting emotional health and preventing suicide among teens and young adults. They offer resources, programs, and advocacy initiatives for students, parents, and educators.

The Steve Fund: The Steve Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color. They provide resources, support, and advocacy initiatives aimed at addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by young people of color.

Give Us the Floor: Give Us the Floor is a platform that helps LGBTQ+ youth deal with distress through inclusive, innovative and unique online peer Supportive Group Chats that provide constant contact and anonymity in a safe youth-only community, breaking the isolation and shame cycles they are experiencing.