GLOBAL YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY FELLOWSHIP: MAY - NOVEMBER 2021

WHAT IS YOUR SPECIFIC AREA OF INTEREST IN YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY?

Legislative, peer, and research advocacy.

WHY IS YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY IMPORTANT TO YOU?

It reduces social vices because mentally healthy young people are more productive in their societies and become responsible parents who are self aware. It therefore can lead to generational circles of sustained development because everything we are is generated from our mental and emotional states. Therefore, youth mental health is everything - young people are the future of tomorrow.

Having seen some loved ones go through poor mental health, at the community foundation where I volunteer (Enchanting Life Etin’e foundation) and via my post graduate research and other personal experiences/trainings, I believe that improving youth mental health is fundamental in any discussion of sustainable development interventions.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUR COMMUNITY?

Conversations are mostly by advocates and the level of general awareness even among the educated still needs a large overhaul.