RIDGELAND — Students with the Ridgeland Mayor’s Youth Council are launching a new mental health awareness initiative called “WORTH A LISTEN” aimed at reducing stigma, increasing access to resources and encouraging conversations among young people across the metro area, organizers said.
The student-led effort is a collaboration with Killebrew Psychological Services and Essential Touchstones and will initially roll out in six metro-area schools attended by members of the youth council, with plans to expand statewide, organizers said. The program will include student-led awareness campaigns, distribution of mental health resources, school and community outreach and partnerships with local and state mental health organizations.
Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee said the initiative reflects growing concerns about the mental health challenges facing students. “Young people today are facing pressures and challenges unlike any generation before them,” McGee said. “’WORTH A LISTEN’ sends a powerful message that their voices matter, their struggles are seen, and help is always available.” Lisa Walters, the mayor’s chief of staff and coordinator of the youth council, said responses from applicants made clear the issue could not be ignored.
Organizers said the idea emerged after students applying to the Mayor’s Youth Council were asked to identify the biggest issues affecting their peers; officials said 95% of applicants cited mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, bullying and social media addiction. Dr. Alyssa Killebrew of Killebrew Psychological Services said the program is particularly meaningful because it is driven by students. “What makes this initiative so powerful is that it is coming directly from students who recognize the need among their own peers,” Killebrew said.
Organizers cited national research from groups including the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the American Psychological Association indicating that nearly 40% of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness and that roughly two in five young people experience a diagnosable mental health condition each year. Student leaders said they hope the program encourages peers to seek help. “So many students feel like they have to handle everything on their own,” said Ashwin Talwar, a member of the youth council. City leaders said they hope “WORTH A LISTEN” becomes a long-term movement to improve awareness and support for students across Mississippi. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
