Free Your Feels is a youth mental health awareness campaign encouraging Georgia’s young people to explore their real feelings and share them.
Why are we doing this?
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, data shows that our kids were already facing a mental health
crisis for years – one that is now exacerbated by these uncertain times. Anxiety, depression,
trauma, and suicidal ideation affect an extraordinary number of the 2.5 million kids in our state.
According to the 2018-2019 Georgia Department of Education student health survey:
- Nearly half of all middle and high school students surveyed reported feeling depressed.
- More than 61,000 reported intentionally harming themselves.
- Nearly 40,000 said they had attempted suicide, and another 78,000 kids reported having
seriously considered it.
Also, in Georgia
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death in children ages 10 – 18
- Roughly one-third of the youth under the supervision of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice qualify for a PTSD, trauma, or stress diagnosis
Who are we trying to reach?
Adults caring for Youth: Supporting educators, parents, faith leaders, childcare providers, etc. in their support of youth
Teens: Teen-developed content to be delivered peer to peer
What are the goals of the campaign?
Speak: we want to empower youth to speak out and express their real feelings
Listen: to encourage adults and peers to check-in with each other and listen judgement – free
Connect: and to connect everyone to resources for further guidance or help
What can I do?
Participate on social media! Share resources!
The goal is to reach as many youth and adults as possible. The Free Your Feels website houses a collection of resources from different organizations and agencies, including ready to use editable graphics to easily promote and share messaging. Check out the website at www.freeyourfeels.org