Students from across Monterey County gathered at the Sunset Center in Carmel to lead an event organized by AIM Youth Mental Health, showcasing their research and art to address youth mental health struggles. The event highlighted the students’ leadership in tackling mental health challenges. “They’re the next generation. We cannot solve the youth mental health crisis unless we invite young people into the process,” said Jolie Delja, executive director for AIM Youth Mental Health. Alisal High School student Lali Solis shared her research on what her peers need to feel supported. “It’s a topic that’s being more talked about, and it’s just really important to see kind of what youth need in order, because we’re the next future leaders. So what’s going to help us and what’s going to kind of support us,” Solis said. Solis turned her findings into action by starting a wellness club at her school to provide students with a safe space. “We’re breaking the stigma one step at a time, and everyone at AIM is just so supportive, and I wouldn’t be here without them really,” said Solis.Art was another key element of the event, with students using creative expression to share their experiences. Johnny Guerrero said, “I’m not really that good talking about my own mental health. So I kind of use art, like, just expressing myself.” Allison Ramirez also shared her artwork, which focused on the weight of isolation and how art helps her process her feelings. “Art makes me pretty much happy. It makes me feel like pretty satisfied,” Ramirez said. From research posters to gallery walls, the event underscored the importance of students leading the conversation around their own mental health. “We’re here to listen. We’re here to learn. We’re here to understand young people’s experiences, their feelings, their ideas, their insights, and really take them seriously,” said Delja. AIM emphasized that events like this are vital for sparking conversations about youth mental health, marking a crucial first step toward finding solutions.
CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, Calif. —
Students from across Monterey County gathered at the Sunset Center in Carmel to lead an event organized by AIM Youth Mental Health, showcasing their research and art to address youth mental health struggles.
The event highlighted the students’ leadership in tackling mental health challenges.
“They’re the next generation. We cannot solve the youth mental health crisis unless we invite young people into the process,” said Jolie Delja, executive director for AIM Youth Mental Health.
Alisal High School student Lali Solis shared her research on what her peers need to feel supported.
“It’s a topic that’s being more talked about, and it’s just really important to see kind of what youth need in order, because we’re the next future leaders. So what’s going to help us and what’s going to kind of support us,” Solis said.
Solis turned her findings into action by starting a wellness club at her school to provide students with a safe space.
“We’re breaking the stigma one step at a time, and everyone at AIM is just so supportive, and I wouldn’t be here without them really,” said Solis.
Art was another key element of the event, with students using creative expression to share their experiences. Johnny Guerrero said, “I’m not really that good talking about my own mental health. So I kind of use art, like, just expressing myself.”
Allison Ramirez also shared her artwork, which focused on the weight of isolation and how art helps her process her feelings.
“Art makes me pretty much happy. It makes me feel like pretty satisfied,” Ramirez said.
From research posters to gallery walls, the event underscored the importance of students leading the conversation around their own mental health.
“We’re here to listen. We’re here to learn. We’re here to understand young people’s experiences, their feelings, their ideas, their insights, and really take them seriously,” said Delja.
AIM emphasized that events like this are vital for sparking conversations about youth mental health, marking a crucial first step toward finding solutions.