College4Careers is committed to providing a stress-free college admissions experience to our Orange County college-bound students and we are always interested in learning more about how we can help our clients balance the demands a young adult faces today. We were honored to be invited to attend “The Silent Struggle: A Conversation on Mental Health” seminar sponsored by the EO Entrepreneurs’ Organization Orange County chapter this spring so we could add even more strategies into our planning practices.
Sue Klebold, author of A Mother’s Reckoning and parent of one of the Columbine school shooters, gave an emotional and eloquent talk on the reality of mental illness in teens and how it affects everyone in their circle.
Dan Radecki, from the Academy of Brain-based leadership, provided a fascinating view of the inner workings of a young adult’s developing mind and how outside factors like stress and lack of sleep can impact a young brain’s development.
What we learned is that families often struggle with these issues silently within their homes. Depression, suicide, and mental illness are not easy topics to discuss with those outside of the immediate family. Fortunately, there are some wonderful Orange County resources that are here to help:
OC Links can assist families in finding local resources specific to a variety of behavioral health issues.
Choose Life has a goal to end teen suicide and provides a moving film and resources to help families navigate this struggle.
Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services has resources for families dealing with suicide, mental health, and substance abuse.
If you would to learn more about mental health awareness and what families can do to help their teens, Each Mind Matters is teaming up with the El Foundation to present Step Up To The Plate – A Mental Health Awareness Event at Angel Stadium May 19th. For more information, visit www.el.foundation.
Special thanks to the EO Entrepreneurs’ Organization Orange County chapter for hosting this informative evening in our community. To learn more about the EO visit www.eonetwork.org/orangecounty
