February is Youth Mental Health Awareness

JOIN THE SUICIDE PREVENTION COUNCIL OF ROANOKE VALLEY AND BLUE RIDGE
BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE AS WE FOCUS ON YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FOR THE MONTH OF
FEBRUARY.
Adolescence is a time of many challenges and opportunities for young people and teens
need a lot of support to navigate these early years. Poor mental health can affect many
areas of a teen’s life. According to the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey1
, from 2015 to 2021
there was a 50% increase in 10th & 12th grade youth who reported feeling sad or hopeless
almost every day for two weeks or more in a row in the past 12 months. From the same survey,
18.9% of 10th & 12th graders reported they made a plan about how to attempt suicide in the
past 12 months. Now more than ever, our youth need guidance, support, and connections to
help them take care of their mental health.
The Suicide Prevention Council of Roanoke Valley (SPCRV) and Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare
(BRBH) are hosting Youth Mental Health Awareness Month in February. This will be a way to
promote mental health wellness for our youth throughout the community. Schools are
encouraged to implement activities that focus on student’s mental health and local youth
serving agencies and businesses are invited to share information through social media about
their resources and information for youth. Youth can also participate in video and sticker
contests. Cash prizes are available for the top three winners of each! More information about
the contests can be found at www.resilientroanoke.org.
Building strong bonds and connections with youth
helps protect their mental health. Help SPCRV and
BRBH promote mental health wellness among our
youth throughout the month of February.
12021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey implemented with 10th & 12th
graders in the counties of Botetourt and Craig and the cities of
Roanoke and Salem.
Contact: Sheila Lythgoe, MS
Suicide Prevention Council of Roanoke Valley
Phone: (540) 982-1427 ext. 5117
Email to: slythgoe@brbh.org (preferred method