How To Help At-Risk Black, Indigenous & POC Youth

According to research, adolescent depression is most strongly predicted by low teen self-esteem. A teen's level of self-esteem directly affects their mood, their decision-making, their drive at work, home and/or school and their personal and romantic relationships. Most mental health and co-occurring illnesses, such as PTSD, anxiety, substance misuse, and eating disorders, have poor self-esteem as a root cause while individuals who have high  self-esteem find it easier to communicate their needs, say no when they want to, tend to focus their strengths rather than their weaknesses and have overall reduced reports of mental health problems. 

While it is crucial to support teens in developing a sense of self-worth and acceptance, teens from underrepresented groups, such as Black, Indigenous and POC teens as well as LGBTQ+ adolescents, need a little bit more. Due to the excessive (and many times, constant) discrimination they may endure in society, these populations as a whole have much higher rates of mental health issues. As a result, encouraging and promoting Black, Indigenous and POC as well as LGBTQ+ self-esteem can prove to be life changing and most importantly, life saving.

At Celai Academy, we believe that creating a safe space to discuss the often prohibited topic of mental health within our communities is a thing of the past while improving our emotional intelligence is a thing of the future.

If you know an at-risk youth who is in need of help, here's what you can do:

1. Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255.
2. Text "988" from your mobile device.
3. Sign them up for our Confidence Series.
4. Join our iCelai Community, a FREE non-judgemental safe-space for youth to discuss challenges, get positive words of encouragement and access to resources.