SIOUX CITY (KTIV) – For most kids, talking about mental health can feel scary.
Girls Inc. says one in five teens reports suffering from a mental illness, and many do not feel comfortable asking for help because of societal stigma.
Girls Inc. of Sioux City is teaching young girls that mental health matters, that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It’s all through conversations, activities, and peer discussions.
What these girls are learning could change how your family talks about mental health.
Eight-year-old Rosie Escobedo said journaling helps her express her feelings to other people.
“We could like write like in our like journals, like whatever we want,” Rosie said.
Writing is one of the coping skills Girls Inc. uses to help build mental strength in young participants. The organization’s mission is to help all girls become strong, smart, and bold.
Program Director Olivia Ray said the program teaches girls to recognize appropriate emotional responses.
Girls Inc.’s mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.(KTIV)
“What’s the appropriate emotional response, how they handle stressful situations, and what’s the best way to react?” Ray said.
One activity uses strips of paper and four different categories around the room to help girls work on recognizing coping skills. Participants practice responses like taking five deep breaths, taking a break, talking to a teacher, and helping a friend who is upset.
Rosie said the program taught her that she can talk to staff when something feels wrong.
“That I’m strong, smart, and bold, and that whenever I feel like something’s wrong, I can just talk to them about it,” Rosie said. “I’m not afraid to ask about people, for people helping me. And my second thing is, I’m not afraid to ask questions to other people.”
Ray said she wants participants to understand that mental health is as important as physical health.
This activity at Girls Inc., using strips of paper and 4 different categories around the room, helps girls work on recognizing coping skills.(KTIV)
“I want girls like Rosie to know that your mental health is important. It’s just as important as your doctor’s appointment, your dentist’s appointment. If you’re experiencing challenges, you should reach out, seek help,” Ray said.
Rosie said she can now teach other children her age about mental health.
“People my age would probably be like, ‘What does mental health mean?’ But I could teach them about it because I know what it means. And I can tell them,” Rosie said.
One way they are building a new generation of strong, smart, and bold leaders in Siouxland is through Girls Inc. summer programming.
Girls Inc.’s summer program is an intentional 9‑week experience. It’s starting on Monday, June 1. Learn more about the program by following this link.
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