Connected Learning Lab’s Post

We constantly hear about how much "better" previous generations had it when they didn't have access to the internet. That childhoods were purer and youth had less to worry about. And while I think back fondly on the time that I grew up in, when I had to wait for a shoddy dial-up internet connection in the "computer room" of my house, to log in to instant Messenger and chat with other kids on the internet, I also am profoundly envious and proud of the sources of knowledge, support, and solace that young people have available to them today. Online information, tools, and communities allow young people access to lifesaving support, to see a world beyond what they're currently in, and to take action to make their lives better. Telling kids, "it gets better" isn't enough. They need real proof that it can get better, they need resources and connections to get through the current moment, and to see what life is like on the other side of their own (often painful) lived experiences. And we have to trust them to do so. "Young people regularly look up mental health information online, take advantage of online therapy options, and use mental health support apps and platforms. Social media is also an important place for young people to both seek out and come across mental health information. Survey data revealed many young people use this information as a jumping-off point for them to do further research or explore their behavioral health issues. Overall, young people are often careful to use trusted sources to vet or further investigate the information they find on social media." Our young people are seeking out content to care for themselves and their friends, to enrich their lives, and to inform themselves about the world around them. We should all be really proud of them.

⚡️New research from Hopelab and Common Sense Media explores how young people find, evaluate, and use mental health apps, online therapy, and behavioral health information. 📈 Research data reveals that online resources, therapy, and apps are important sources of mental health support for young people. 💻 Young people from communities of color, the LGBTQ+ community, or those who already have symptoms of moderate to severe depression, are more reliant on these tools. 📱 As young people explore online, they are also careful to vet what they find through these resources, rather than "self-diagnose," as media trends may show. ⚡️Amid a heavier reliance on online platforms, we need to make sure these resources are as high-quality and easily accessible as possible to ensure that everyone can access the support they need. Learn more and download report: https://lnkd.in/gipxsrJa

🌈 Mental Health Awareness in the LGBTQIA+ Community 🌈 As we celebrate Pride Month, lets recognize that mental health struggles that many face due to societal stigma, discrimination, and other factors. Higher Rates of Mental Health Concerns: The bisexual and transgender communities within the LGBTQIA+ population experience the highest rates of mental health issues. Younger LGBTQIA+ individuals also grapple with mental health concerns more than other age groups. Facing Discrimination: Discrimination against LGBTQIA+ persons can lead to psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts. Acceptance of sexual orientation and gender identity significantly impacts mental health and personal safety.   Resources for Support: Crisis Text Line: Text “LGBTQ” to 741-741 for 24/7 support from trained counselors. The Trevor Project: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678-678. They specialize in crisis intervention for LGBTQIA+ youth under 25. Trans Lifeline: Dial 1-877-565-8860 for peer support by trans individuals. LGBT National Hotline: Call 1-888-843-4564 for confidential discussions on various LGBTQIA+ issues. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988 or visit their website for anonymous help and LGBTQIA± specific resources. Online Resources: Here are some tips on how to balance stress to better your mental health: https://lnkd.in/gb_yFNqn Let’s continue supporting each other and promote mental well-being. 🙌🏽💙 #MentalHealthMatters #BeWell #BeHeard #BeThere #EqualityCareers #30daysofallyship

We are constantly keeping up with the latest mental health trends here at Cyti Psychological. 🌻 This article highlights the urgent need for new federal policies to address the worsening mental health of LGBTQI+ youth. The author, David Soto, emphasizes the importance of recognizing and tackling the specific challenges faced by this vulnerable demographic, calling for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to support their well-being. 🍃 Discover more about this topic by following the link below. #LGBTQI+ #mentalhealth #youth #federalpolicy #inclusiveapproach #mentalhealthawareness #communitysupport #diversityandinclusion https://vist.ly/3fnuv

Taking care of your mental health is vital! Check out the latest post from Equality Careers that speaks to the health struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community and how we can support one another. #equalitycareers #mentalhealthmatters #30daysofallyship

🌍💚 Tomorrow is World Mental Health Day! 💚🌍 Since 1992, October 10th has been dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and promoting the importance of mental well-being. Mental health challenges affect people of all ages, but the impact on youth is especially alarming. According to the WHO, 1 in 7 adolescents experience mental disorders, with depression and anxiety being among the most common. LGBTQ+ youth are at a higher risk, often facing isolation, discrimination, and bullying, contributing to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts. Our Behavioral Health Program is committed to providing compassionate, affirming care to all young people at Radiant Health Centers. We offer counseling, mental health support, and safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth to thrive. Let’s continue to advocate for mental health support and break the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Together, we can help every young person feel seen, supported, and valued. #WorldMentalHealthDay #YouthMentalHealth #RadiantHealthCenters #LGBTQSupport #BreakTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #BehavioralHealth #CareForAll

✅Here are my 3 main challenges with obtaining good mental health support: 1) Accessibility-Limited access to therapists, counselors and specialists. Racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other groups face greater barriers. Overcrowded schools & insufficient funding can prevent schools from providing adequate services. A mental health “crisis” doesn’t always time well with your therapist visit! https://lnkd.in/gmJGGqsx 2) Resources-Many individuals do not have insurance that covers mental health services or have high out-of-pocket costs. https://lnkd.in/ghb9_Fdg 3) Lack of Early Intervention and Preventative Care- Many individuals wait until their mental health issues have escalated significantly before seeking help. Many mental health systems are designed to handle crisis situations rather than focus on prevention or early intervention. Brightn overcomes all three of these: www.brightnapp.com ✅Accessibility-Since Brightn is a mobile app it is available 24/7, 7 days a week. No waiting in a lobby, no appointment needed. ✅Resources- Brightn is extremely affordable, much less than copays and deductibles.  At $.20 per day for a single plan and our recently added educational “scholarships” available, this app can get into the hands of more young adults and organizations. ✅Lack of early Intervention and Prevention: Brightn is a tremendous “bridge” moving further upstream than telehealth. 👉Learn more in 9 days at our upcoming Brightn Investor Webinar! 💥IF INTERESTED RSVP HERE 💥 https://lnkd.in/gTDR7Thc 🎯It’s all about providing as many different resources as possible and intervening prior to the intervention! Let’s Brightn lives together! 🤗🌞 Emilie Mauricio Carson Goodale

Today, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) published guidance to states and communities on using federal funding to support mental health services for #LGBTQI+ youth. LGBTQI+ youth face a nationwide #mentalhealth crisis, and almost half of LGBTQI+ kids say they seriously considered attempting #suicide in the past year. This guidance outlines how states and communities can use SAMHSA funding to support mental health services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex (LGBTQI+), and other gender diverse youth. https://lnkd.in/dMzhYfpj

🚀 Key Insights from the latest MiResource Report – July 2024 🚀 At MiResource, we're dedicated to making mental health care more accessible and personalized for everyone. Our July 2024 report uncovers some interesting trends that highlight the evolving landscape of mental health care: 🔍 When People Seek Help: The most popular time for people to connect with mental health care providers is on Wednesdays at 9:00 AM. Mid-week and early morning seem to be when many seek support. 💻 Digital Access: 64.3% of our users access MiResource via computer, with 35.2% using mobile devices. This shows the continued importance of desktop use in finding the right care. 🏥 Telehealth is Thriving: 94% of providers now offer online care. 💬 Top Specialties in Demand: Anxiety is the most searched specialty, making up 21% of all searches, followed closely by ADHD and Anorexia Nervosa. 🌍 Regional Insights: In Kansas, 30% of users are searching for providers who can help with suicidality 🏳️🌈 Diversity Matters: 20% of our providers identify as non-white, and 39% are LGBTQ+ allies. We’re proud to see increasing diversity among providers, which is crucial for inclusive care. At MiResource, we’re constantly working to bridge the gap between those seeking care and the providers who can make a difference. There’s still work to be done, but together, we’re moving closer to a world where mental well-being is within everyone’s reach.

On World Mental Health Day today, I wanted to both let folks know about the life-saving work that Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance – National Headquarters does to support people living with mood disorders, and also express gratitude for the clinicians in my life who have helped me along the way. Did you know… DBSA provides over 20,000 free support group meetings annually, virtually and in-person, across the country? And we have groups for different identity (Black, LGBTQ+, etc) groups, as well as for friends and family. We also have tons of educational resources on our website and also offer a curriculum to train “peers” (people living with a mood disorder) on how to be certified Peer Support Specialists to provide care alongside patients’ broader care team. It’s pretty amazing, and makes me grateful that these services exist for folks who are struggling. I also wanted to shout out MY care team, Denise, JoAnn, and the late Bob Shulman. Without these folks and my bipolar medication, I truly don’t know where I’d be today. Mood disorders can be a very lonely and scary thing to experience, and we should all be grateful for places like DBSA where we can be cared for by peers and others. I hope you have what you need to take care of your mental health, and if not, I’m happy to be a resource to you to help you get connected to care. #mentalhealth #mooddisorders #therapy #depression #bipolar