Blog
As part of our celebration for Mental Health Awareness Month, our drop-in center was completely transformed for the What’s Next event on May 7th. What’s normally a simple ramp into the space became a whimsical forest path, lined with tree wallpaper, delicate paper butterflies, and the calming sounds of a sound bath. This peaceful, immersive setting welcomed our youth as they arrived to explore what mental health means to them—through reflection, creativity, and community.
After being immersed in the relaxation ramp, youth were free to roam the mental health and mindfulness stations. The stations included yoga, creating safety plans, working on a few affirmation art projects, and a step on the line activity where youth were asked to share their experiences with mental health, if comfortable. Surprisingly, many young people said that they didn’t feel comfortable talking about their own mental health but agreed that it was important for others to do so. Alexis, a member of the Youth Zone, said she liked getting to go at her own pace and enjoyed that there were lots of stations to check out.
A favorite station was the trail mix bar and juice bar. Youth talked with staff about healthy snacks to promote brain health as well as getting sample healthy juices. Many young people were skeptical to try new things (especially the “Green Goddess” juice, which, no surprise, was green) but many of them stepped out of their comfort zone to sample one, two, or even all of the options.
As youth were leaving, they were once again asked what their moods were, and some youth who came in not feeling their best left with smiles on their faces, trail mix to munch on, and a better understanding of the importance of taking care of their mental health.
After being immersed in the relaxation ramp, youth were free to roam the mental health and mindfulness stations. The stations included yoga, creating safety plans, working on a few affirmation art projects, and a step on the line activity where youth were asked to share their experiences with mental health, if comfortable. Surprisingly, many young people said that they didn’t feel comfortable talking about their own mental health but agreed that it was important for others to do so. Alexis, a member of the Youth Zone, said she liked getting to go at her own pace and enjoyed that there were lots of stations to check out.
A favorite station was the trail mix bar and juice bar. Youth talked with staff about healthy snacks to promote brain health as well as getting sample healthy juices. Many young people were skeptical to try new things (especially the “Green Goddess” juice, which, no surprise, was green) but many of them stepped out of their comfort zone to sample one, two, or even all of the options.
As youth were leaving, they were once again asked what their moods were, and some youth who came in not feeling their best left with smiles on their faces, trail mix to munch on, and a better understanding of the importance of taking care of their mental health.