How can teens get involved in mental health and wellness?
High schoolers interested in mental health can help their schools and communities while learning about the field. Ways in include peer support clubs, wellness campaigns, psychology summer programs, research projects and community volunteering.
Careers range from counseling, psychology and social work to school support roles, research and public health. Some high schools have peer mentoring or student wellness groups, and some organizations offer mental health awareness training made for teens. Psychology is also a common science fair topic, and Regeneron ISEF has a behavioral and social sciences category.
What should you look for in a mental health program for teens?
Good programs are run or supervised by trained adults and are clear that students support their peers, not treat them. Ask what training is given, how privacy is handled, and what happens when someone needs more help than a peer can give. Many awareness programs are free. If you are going through something yourself, it is okay to look after your own wellbeing first. In the US, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline any time.
How can you start in mental health work this month?
- Learn the warning signs that a friend may be struggling, and where to send them for help.
- Help plan a wellness week or stress-relief event with your school counselor.
- Work through an intro psychology book or free online course and note what surprised you.
- Keep a private log of your sleep, movement and mood for two weeks and look for patterns.
- Volunteer with a community group that supports kids or older adults.
Where Nextreks fits
Event plans, awareness materials you designed and volunteer roles can go in your Nextreks portfolio, which starts private, and anything personal can stay that way. Mental health work relies on durable skills like empathy and listening, which Nextreks Challenges give you room to practice.
Programs in Explore are run by other organizations. Nextreks lists them but does not run or guarantee them.