I'RAISE hosted a discussion focused on mental health for teens and young adults on June 29, 2022 at 7:00pm ET. We invited college students to share what their experience has been like and mental health professionals to share advice and resources.
The number of college students reportedly experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, suicidal ideation, ADHD, eating disorders, trauma, and substance misuse has been increasing in the past several years. The rates are highest among BIPOC and LGBTQIA students. Our guests shared what that experience is like and how to increase awareness of and support for those experiencing mental health challenges.
This event was live-streamed on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube. Guests included Carys Mullins, Dr. Halima Dargan, and V. Draper and it was hosted by Priscilla Prince, our Parent Educator.
Carys (she/they) is a student at Pasco-Hernando State College and the founder the of The Community Advocates for LGBTQ Mental Health, CEO of Volunteer Humanity, and a Humanity Rising Leader. Being diagnosed with anorexia, OCD, and PDD at age 14, and a chronic illness at age 17, Carys‘ main goal is to keep moving forward, no matter what. Their favorite hobby right now is learning Korean.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Halima Dargan is a licensed professional counselor in the District of Colombia, Maryland, and Louisiana. She is currently a staff clinician and research coordinator at American University’s Counseling Center. She is also an approved clinical supervisor and an active member of multiple professional counseling organizations. Dr. H has experience working with children and adolescents, as she spent 4 years as the clinical director of an elementary school in New Orleans, before moving to Maryland in June 2021. She also has experience with teens and adults in the community and private practice settings. Her special interests include advocating for wellness and self-care amongst mental health professionals, destigmatizing mental health in black communities, and mentoring and supervision of counselors in training & new counseling professionals. More recently, she has increased her focus on advocating for multidisciplinary mental health settings. Her therapeutic approach is integrative with special consideration to solution focused cognitive-behavioral therapy.
V is a school social worker with I'RAISE and a certified special education teacher. She has focused on mental illness, trauma, suicide, and incarceration during her studies on the clinical social work track. V also has experienced mental health struggles, suicidal ideation, and a suicide attempt. V finds purpose in serving underserved communities and feels most effective when serving within a school setting.
See below for mental health resources. Click the file below for a shareable, clickable PDF version.
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