Ocean County, NJ Mental Wellness Event Welcomes All with Acceptance

Life has never been more stressful for teens at the Shore.

The simple life that I grew up with is not so simple anymore, thanks to advances in technology and many other lifestyle factors.

I talked with a colleague about how much more complicated being a kid is in 2024.

Most of us deal with bullying to some degree when we're younger. When I was growing up, bullying happened outside of the home.

This could be at school or in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, it happens, but it's a fact of life.

When you got home, the bullying would stop. Now, thanks to social media, it's s non-stop.

This is what young adults have to deal with in addition to the stresses of coming of age.

When mental illness is present, a stressor in life can seem larger than life. Seeing light at the end of the tunnel can seem impossible at times.

I can tell you first hand. I have struggled with mental illness for most of my life.

Feeling hopeless and having no way out can lead some to think about ending their lives.

This includes young people.

The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide was founded in 2005 by two friends who lost teenage children to suicide.

After their losses, the men were shocked to learn that suicide was the third leading cause of death for America’s youth at that time, and they were determined to do whatever they could to protect other families from the devastation of suicide.

Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death for youth aged 10-24.

SPTS is passionate about its commitment to the value of life and building resilience. 

It's dedicated to removing the stigma about suicide.

They are also confident that accurate information and education about suicide
and mental health can save lives.

You're invited to "Building Bridges Blossoming Change," a mental wellness and education event on Saturday, March 16, from noon-3 at the Ocean County YMCA.

I'm all about acceptance and inclusion. I look forward to meeting you and your family at the big event.

For more information, please visit the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide's website.