Mental Health Support Initiative for Local Students in San Diego

Certificate of Achievement + Mental Health Advocacy Scholarship Recipient
Team Lead: ​Helena Jiang, ​Felix Yang, Sara Lu
Team member: Emily Chong, Amy Choi
Project Abstract: ​

Part 1: Pamphlet - Helena Jiang, Emily Chong, Amy Choi
Our pamphlet focuses on discussing the importance of mental health, the benefits of therapy and places to find support within San Diego County and online. The information we find and learn about will be written to be in readable pamphlet form, making sure that all of it is displayed in a digestible, attractive and easy-to-understand manner. At this point, certain members will also begin contacting various offices, recreational centers and businesses to distribute the final product.
Part 2: Survey - Felix Yang
The survey aims to understand mental health issues among Asian American middle and high school students in San Diego. I considered Standard Questionnaires (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and also developed new questions to address specific questions.  The questionnaire is being developed in the Google Form application.
Part 3: Hurt To Heard - Sara Lu
Hurt To Heard is a nonprofit, teen-run, confidential online chatting service. Our goal is to listen to teens who need someone to talk to. As speaking face-to-face about our problems is difficult and often terrifying, Hurt To Heard provides teens with a way to take the first step: reaching out. Once the 'Chat Now' button is clicked, teens will be asked to read and agree with the disclaimers necessary before selecting a type of listener. Our chosen team of volunteer listeners offers diverse perspectives from three different vantage points -- peer (fellow teen), parent, and professional. Teens will choose a type of listener and proceed to the live chat! As the goal of the chat is to open up teens’ eyes and help them recognize and seek the help they need, we will provide teens with a list of resources, including but not limited to Helena's pamphlet/workshop info, and Felix's survey, at the end of the chat.
Part 4: Mental Health Workshop
The mental health workshop is a joint effort by team leads Helena, Felix and Sara to host an event introducing the importance of mental wellness and self-care. As students get busier and stress about academics more than before, it is important to keep in mind the benefits of caring for your mind. The event aims to introduce students and adults to this significance through professional speakers in the mental health field and high school alumni who have been through the journey themselves.