Being normal can be pretty overrated. That's why Lee Health's Kids' Minds Matter is opening the doors to acceptance and inclusivity with an event called "Normal is Overrated."
Vanessa Reyes Ruiz, Andrea Gijon and Jack Hellmer joined Gulf Coast News to discuss why mental health events like "Normal is Overrated" is important.
Created in 2018, "Normal is Overrated" was created by students to shine a light on the mental and behavioral health struggles teens and young people face. The free event is happening May 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be taking place at Florida SouthWestern State College in Building U, Room 102.
The teens will also be taking part in activities such as self-care, coping skills, etc., in between guest speakers. The guest speakers include Dr. Michael Rizzo. He has more than 35 years of experience helping children and their families navigate social, emotional, behavioral and academic challenges.
He has also faced ADHD, anxiety and dyslexia himself. Chantel Rhodes is a mental health advocate and social worker and will also be speaking during the event. Andrea will be the student speaker at this year's event, who will talk about her mental health journey.
Fifty percent of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14; however, six out of 10 young people who suffer with mental illness don’t get the treatment they need. That's why Jack created an app to support students’ mental health and wellness called UBYou.
The app helps students efficiently access the benefits of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at FGCU. It also provides and assists therapists by providing more insight into specific issues a student may be going through.
For more information about the event, visit Kids' Minds Matter online .
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