You’re Not Alone

Below you’ll find two sections: “Hear Our Voices” and “Creating Youth-to-Youth Networks.”

“Hear Our Voices” has stories and videos about youth who have had a lot to deal with in their lives. They talk about what they’ve been through, where they are now, and how they got there. They tell their stories to let us know that they’ve shared the same hardships we have, and to let us know that we’re not alone.

“Creating Youth-to-Youth Networks” is a really good way to help yourself and to help others. Supporting each other through the rough times, having people you can count on when things are difficult, and being able to talk to people who understand you will give you strength and courage. This section has information and resources about youth networks you can start or join.

Hear Our Voices

The following are evidence-based strategies that can be used in the classroom

From NIDA for Teens, “You Said It” is a periodic series based on real teens’ answers to the NIDA for Teens poll questions. It covers a wide variety of topics of interest to teens. Check out the current poll on the NIDA for Teens homepage.

This website has lots of inspiring stories from young people like you across the country who have survived adversity and are now volunteering, acting as leaders and role models, advocating and making an impact in the lives of others. Read their stories!

Website: https://engage.youth.gov/inspiring-stories

Creating Youth-to-Youth Networks

A West Virginia Peer-to-Peer Education, Leadership and Development Organization. West Virginia SADD builds on the unique strengths of all types of students – encouraging peer-to-peer networking and mentoring. SADD was founded on the simple philosophy that young people, empowered to help each other, are the most effective force.

Website: WVSADD

Become a Life Coach so you can help others and make a difference at your school. Life Coach Academies give you the skills you need to develop a youth-to-youth network at your school. A strong student support network not only provides help for individual students, it helps create a school culture that is more welcoming, less confining, and safer. Some of the things you can do at your school are:

  • Create a “student voice” steering committee.
  • Address the school environment to become more welcoming and proactive to student mental health such as making the entrance more inviting or creating a “Chill Room” for students and teachers to have a relaxing place to take a mental health break. »Plan for tough situations.
  • Organize “stress busters” such as giving students access to coloring books, puzzles, board games, etc. the week before finals or testing.
  • Lead efforts in raising awareness about drug prevention, de-stigmatizing mental health disorders, and ways to get help from ReClaimWV in crisis situations.
  • Consider support groups and awareness campaigns.
  • Work with other student-led groups to build a team in preventing bullying and other issues students face.

Website: https://www.strengthingrace.com/

WVDE Disclaimer

Please Note: Links to resources outside the West Virginia Department of Education’s website do not constitute an endorsement by the WVDE. Users should vet linked resources to meet audience needs.