Mental health advocates, middle and high school students and education and CNMI officials led by Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang gather at Crowne Plaza on Thursday for a proclamation signing designating May as Mental Health Awareness and National Adolescent Health Month.
DOZENS of middle and high school students gathered alongside CNMI government, education and public health officials for a proclamation signing declaring May as Mental Health Awareness and National Adolescent Health Month.
The goal is to “raise awareness, combat stigma, and promote overall health resources” for mental health in the community and among island youth.
According to the 2021 CNMI Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which was mentioned by the proclamation, 35.5% of middle school youth and 26.9% of high school youth “seriously considered suicide.” Moreover, 28.5% of middle school students and 27.6% of high school students had “made a plan about how they would attempt suicide.”
Stakeholders reminded students to reach out to trusted adults if they need mental health resources.
Jaycee Charfauros, a student from Rota, said they are “not alone” in their struggles.
“It’s OK to not be OK,” she said. “It’s OK to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed. What’s not OK is suffering in silence, pretending that everything is fine when it’s not.”
Charfauros advocates for reducing the stigma surrounding discussions about mental health issues.
“We need to create a culture of openness and understanding,” she said. “Where it’s OK to talk about our mental struggles without fear of judgement or ridicule.”
In signing the proclamation, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, in his capacity as acting governor, said, “Depression can happen to anyone at any age.”
“Living with mental illness is not easy, but finding the meaning in life and gaining the feeling of being valued will give us the strength to drive through any mental health struggles. As part of the older generation, it is our duty to help our youth grow and help them to become a force to reckon with,” he said.
Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation Chief Executive Office Esther Muna reiterated that it is important to talk about mental health issues.
“Mental health is public health,” she said. “It is a concern for all of us to make sure that we have education outreach and services for all of you — there’s always an adult that’s going to help you. Don’t feel that … within your walls … that’s all the people you can reach out to. We are here.”
