Mental Health Matters 5k

KyleCares is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting open and honest communication about the mental health challenges experienced by teens and young adults in today’s society. Ultimately, the organization aims to eliminate student self-harm and suicide by creating school environments where students and their caregivers have the confidence and support to seek help without shame or hesitation. In the fall Greely High School started the 2nd chapter in Maine, KyleCares/ Active Minds Club, and we focus on our community smashing the stigma of mental health, conveying that it’s ok not to be ok, and having a safe environment to talk about struggles. There are so many reasons this suicide and mental health awareness club is vital to our school and community. We look forward to networking with nearly 700 Active Minds chapters in all 50 states. In the past 4 years KyleCares has helped start 38 chapters in 3 states - MASS, MAINE & RHODE ISLAND.

Our club feels that the importance of focusing on the mental health of teenagers is crucial, as this developmental state is set apart by numerous challenges and transitions. Research shows that this generation of Adolescents often face academic pressures, social expectations, identity exploration, family discord, world events, traumatic events, hormonal changes, and so much more which can contribute to stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Our club feels that addressing these concerns is absolutely imperative for the overall well-being and success of teenagers. Organizations like KyleCares/ Active Minds play a vital role in supporting the mental health of teens. There is no question that there are so many positive reasons to focus on teen mental health in the formative years and how the role of our KyleCares/ Active Minds Club is so vital to spreading awareness. Studies also show that early intervention and prevention is first and foremost. By addressing mental health issues early on, organizations like KyleCares contribute to preventing more severe problems in the future. The hope is that early intervention and normalizing "it's ok not to be ok", which can help teens develop coping mechanisms and resilience. Our club has received nothing but the best advice, support, and guidance from Jim Johnson, President of KyleCares, father of Kyle. He has been an outstanding collaborator and liaison to help our club.

We all know that adolescence is a critical period for social and emotional development. The heart of the KyleCares/ Active Minds club at Greely focuses on building social skills, fostering positive relationships, providing resources, offering school/ community programming, and provides a safe space for teens to express themselves collaboratively and without judgment, and ultimately aims to create a supportive environment within our school. By promoting open discussions and awareness, our students contribute to creating a culture where seeking help is seen as a positive and courageous step. Normalizing "it's ok not to be ok".

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