LEWISBURG, Pa. — With mental health concerns on the rise, it can be hard for teenagers to know where to turn. Students, teachers, and community members gathered at the Campus Theatre in Lewisburg for the inaugural Youth Mental Health Summit.
"We want to give them an avenue that they can share their point of view but then also connect with other youth within the region so they know that they're not alone, that it's okay to struggle, and we have resources and connections that can help you," said Erin Demcher of the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit.
The event was organized by the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit and students Ruth Kraus and Eli Seesholtz.
"We should really go heads on and try to get as many sources as possible in order to share with all the schools," said Eli Seesholtz, a senior at Central Columbia High School.
"They're not alone. They're not the only people struggling. They shouldn't feel like there's something wrong with them, that they're broken, that they can find these resources that can help them," said Ruth Kraus, a homeschooled junior.
Students from 18 school districts attended the event. They heard firsthand experiences from their peers, talking about their struggles with mental health. They also heard from professionals about topics they may not feel comfortable discussing.
"How can I get services? What if I don't have transportation? What if I don't have insurance?" asked Demcher. "Then we're going to move on into clubs and find out how they can start mental health clubs within their school district."
One of those clubs is from Southern Columbia Area High School. S.A.V.E., which stands for Students Against Violence Everywhere.
"We have gained a big following within the community and our school district, and it's helped us tremendously because having everyone on board with us is helpful," said Anesa Brown, a senior at Southern Columbia Area High School.
Organizers say they hope to make this a yearly event.