World Teen Mental Wellness Day

According to the American Psychological Association, Gen Z has the worst mental health of any generation. However, teens are dedicated to making a difference. According to YPulse, 64 percent of Gen Z say they want to achieve a healthier lifestyle for overall happiness, including a stronger self-care routine. Also, 94 percent consider mental health very important to their well-being. Ultimately, raising awareness about mental health and the importance of self-care can help improve an entire generation's mental wellness.

Watch these award-winning, inspiring films from the MY HERO International Film Festival exploring overcoming adversity

THE TEEN BRAIN

By: Goldie Hawn & MindUp

A short film that explores what's happening in the teenage brain, illuminating that teenagers are emotionally brilliant super-learners.

An ADHD Perspective

By: Karina Paige Morris - Prosper High School

An ADHD documentary, created by an ADHD Girl.

Mental Health Awareness

By: Andy Crisp

Bringing awareness to mental health in Laguna Beach Unified School District.

Check out Creative Visions' Activity Guide

Stories

Misty Copeland

By: Kyley Brandt

Misty Copeland is the first ever African American principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre. Growing up, she struggled with frequent anxiety and panic attacks, feeling out of place in her surroundings.

Dr. Nadine Burke Harris

By: Jane Wallace

is a champion for children who bear the invisible scars of tough childhoods

Simone Biles: The Most Decorated Gymnast in History

By: Naomi Gledhill

Read this story about Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history

Diana Chao: Changing the World for Mental Health

By: Jennifer Yoshikoshi

With the simple but heartfelt idea of writing letters, Diana Chao created a non-profit that aimed to destigmatize mental health for youth worldwide. Letters to Strangers, also L2S, was founded by Chao in 2013 when she was a sophomore in high school

Film Fest winners that promote mental health and wellness

I Have Four Parents

By: Daniel Roy

This video is a magical rendition of the story of my very unique four-parent family. Everything I talk about in the video is true, and these are the answers to the questions I most commonly get asked.

The Making of the Big Picture

By: Benjamine Reid

The Big Picture is a play written by teens for teens about The Big Picture-- what is really important in life, and the monumental challenges that teenagers face.

As An Asthmatic

By: Alayna DeGraef, Elise DeGraef, and Bailey Revering | In-Progress

A video short about the impact of vaping on youth.

TRANSPARENCY: Becoming Oliver

By: Tessa Grace Morell

Experimental short film made to visually accompany the original poem "Becoming Oliver" written by Oliver Marino.

LOTUS

By: Angelika Fürstler, Austin Ahlborg

The Lotus flower is regarded in many cultures as a symbol of rebirth, growth and transformation.

BYkids Trailer: FAITH’S WORLD

By: Faith Guilbault

Faith Guilbault (age 16) has cerebral palsy and invites us to experience living with special needs so we can all treat being differently abled with humanity and normalcy.

Minimum Max

By: Joshua Ovalle

A brief and powerful first-hand account from high school student, Max, who must navigate through the world of ADD and all the medications that come along with it.

Perseverance

By: Anson Schloat and John G. Young

Liz Murray overcomes her difficult childhood to win a scholarship to go to college.

Staying Well with Coach West

By: Carolyn Hodge-West, J. Ordaz, E. Garcia, N. Petrovsky, J. Bose andF. Paredes...

Coach West offers useful tips for all times of stress.

Find a list of organizations dedicated to helping those struggling with mental health issues

MY HERO Recommends Mental and Emotional Health Support Resources

By: Kitty Richardson

Get informed! Check out NAMI's information on mental health policies in the US.

https://www.nami.org/Advocacy/Take-Action-on-Advocacy-Issues/Vote4MentalHealth/Learn-the-Issues

External Links

Mental Health America

Founded in 1909 by Clifford W. Beers, Mental Health America (MHA) is a community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all Americans.

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is a grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

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