The series, "My Life is Worth Living, bridges the gap for parents looking to connect with teens in regards to this very difficult topic and helps teens talk about what they are feeling through the medium of animation.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10-24 and has been increasing every year since 2007. Having just lived through a pandemic, the rates have soared.
- A 2020 survey conducted by the CDC during the COVID-19 pandemic found that 40% of people were struggling with a mental health issue, with young people and racial/ethnic minorities most at risk.
- LGBTQ youth seriously contemplate suicide at almost three times the rate of heterosexual youth. (CDC)
Why was this series created?
Teen mental health has become a national epidemic. In fact, on October 19th, the American Academy of Pediatrics put out a declaration stating the mental health of children and teens in America is a national emergency. Additionally, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation are growing on a dramatic scale today. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people aged 10-24. When teenagers decide to take their life, they often carry that out within 24 to 48 hours. Prevention has to be proactive at an acute stage and it has to come from everyone. Whether it’s a parent, a friend's parent, a coach, or a therapist, we want teens to know that there is somebody available to help them—even if it’s somebody they may not have thought of.
How can this series resonate with teens?
My Life is Worth Living™ tells the stories of teenage characters who face difficult issues including trauma, depression, fear of social rejection, sexual identity/orientation, sexual abuse, cyberbullying, and substance abuse. Each teen also struggles with a self-critical inner voice and negative thoughts. In five powerful stories that are told over 20 episodes, each teen wrestles with challenges that are all too familiar for viewers and discovers strategies to cope when their own thoughts are against them. Animation is a universal language. It knows no race, religion, culture or creed. Through animation, we are creating a world for young people that is authentic to their experience—where complex ideas are met with emotional depth and relatability. These stories have the potential to save lives. The goal is to help struggling teens understand they are not alone in feeling hopeless and it’s okay to need and ask for help. All of the stories model how human connection, understanding, and acceptance are the keys to helping teens make choices other than suicide.
What are some effective ways for parents and caregivers to start a conversation about mental health with their teens, especially if their children are from a higher-risk population?
Talking to teens about difficult topics can be uncomfortable. It is best to have conversations with them in a non-confrontational way with a common focus. For instance, after watching an episode of My Life is Worth Living, a prompt for discussion could be “Do you have any friends who have ever felt that way or have had a similar experience?” My Life is Worth Living was created to make tough conversations between young people and adults easier. A step in that direction is to help teens understand they are not alone and that support can be found from family, friends, or from people they don’t expect. Comfort from a sympathetic person can provide a relief they did not think possible. As they learn to share their burdens, cope in healthy ways, and accept support, teens’ inner voices will become less intrusive and they’ll feel less lonely and more connected to the people around them. Most people, no matter their age, that actively manage their mental health with effective strategies go on to live fulfilling and productive lives.
More: https://www.yahoo.com/now/
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