Beyond Crisis: Building a Culture of Mental Wellness for Nevada's Youth
Teen mental health in Nevada is in crisis, but the story doesn’t end there. In this powerful episode, Jana Velasco shares how Hope Means Nevada is equipping teens with the tools to regulate emotions, choose joy, and build resilience long before a crisis emerges. Through human connection, socio-emotional learning, and community support, we explore how young people can reclaim their power—becoming the “captains of their own ship,” even in the most challenging times.
About the Guest:
Jana Velasco
Jana Velasco is the Executive Director of Hope Means Nevada, an organization dedicated to promoting youth mental wellness throughout the state. With a mission to eliminate teen suicide, Jana leverages her personal and professional experiences to connect with teens facing mental health challenges. Her leadership in the organization aims to provide vital tools and resources to Nevada’s youth to foster emotional regulation. Jana’s commitment to serving the community is also informed by her role as a mother and advocate for mental health awareness.
Episode Summary:
In this special edition of "A Healthier Tomorrow," hosts Will Rucker and Ciara Owens delve into an essential conversation on hope and mental health with Jana Velasco, Executive Director of Hope Means Nevada. This episode carries a particular focus on providing practical solutions and support for youth mental wellness across Nevada, addressing the state's unfortunate ranking of 51st for youth mental health in the nation.
Jana Velasco introduces the Teen Hope Academy, a proactive program aimed at equipping young individuals with skills in emotional regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance. This comprehensive initiative is designed to be accessible through virtual sessions, promoting mental wellness over crisis response. The hosts and Jana discuss the importance of choosing hope and joy, stressing the need for positive, compassionate community initiatives that engage both teens and adults. Throughout the conversation, they explore the impact of socio-emotional learning and the broader implications of mental health tools for long-term community transformation.
Key Takeaways:
- Youth Mental Health: Nevada ranks last in youth mental health, prompting initiatives like the Teen Hope Academy.
- Importance of Emotional Regulation: Teen Hope Academy teaches emotional regulation to empower teens, showing promise for reducing youth suicide rates.
- Hope and Resilience: The episode underscores choosing hope, resilience, and joy, especially during challenging times.
- Community Support: Building a supportive community and engaging in continuous, meaningful conversations are vital to this effort.
- Proactive Engagement: Parents and adults should engage teens in mental wellness strategies before reaching a crisis point.
Notable Quotes:
- "Hope to me is limitless... It’s human connectivity that keeps us strong." - Jana Velasco
- "Choosing hope, choosing joy, and not saying toxic positivity... One of the few things we get to actually choose is our attitude." - Ciara Owens
- "We are creating our own worlds... And as the world might say they are powerless, they are actually the captains of their own ship." - Jana Velasco
- "We’re not solitary individuals... Conversation is healing." - Jana Velasco
Resources:
- Hope Means Nevada: hopemeansnevada.org
- 988 Crisis Text Line: A resource for immediate, confidential help.
- Southern Nevada Health District: Support and partnership on community health initiatives.
- Jamison Fellowship: A network for adult development, highlighting community building and personal growth.
Listeners are encouraged to tune in to the full episode for a deeper understanding of the impacts of youth mental health initiatives and to stay engaged with future episodes of "A Healthier Tomorrow" for more inspiring discussions.
