This Summer a new youth-led non-profit was founded by Torrington High School Senior Alyssa Amato. Mind4Youth is a mental health organization run by those ages 13-22 years old.
In a social climate where mental health is becoming a concern across generations, Mind4Youth will offer information on how to cope with different forms of mental challenges and educate their audience on how to maintain and build a healthy mindset through the organization’s online presence and in-person workshops.
Founder Alyssa Amato states “The goal is to spread awareness on mental health in youth and raise money to provide easily accessible resources and support to unprivileged teens who struggle through the challenges of adolescence.”
Amato adds that her decision to develop the Torrington chapter may have been a product of her environment. She noticed that a lot of “hard-working students at [THS]…struggle to balance all they have to do.”
“I hope to bring more knowledge on the importance of mental health and teach people how to balance their hard work and emotions.”
Students often struggle to keep up with accumulating school work, clubs, sports, and even college applications. With such responsibilities, students may not have time to reflect and destress.
Mind4Youth hopes to amend this pattern by providing the community with activities that promote security, relaxation, and self-expression.
THS Spanish teacher Ms. Haase praised Amato’s efforts but offered some concerns regarding the age of the mentors. “In order to help others with their mental health, a certain maturity and insightfulness is required. You can’t help someone if you don’t know how to help yourself.”
Haase suggested that young adults, 18 and older, might be better suited to this type of guidance.
For Mind4Youth’s first activity of the year, they’re considering a senior movie night to bring the students together for their last few months as a class. Another possibility is a community nature walk around Coe Park to encourage calmness and exercise.
