Freehold Nonprofit To Host Panel On Teen Mental Health Amid COVID

FREEHOLD, NJ – A virtual discussion surrounding the mental health impact of returning to school will be hosted by the New Jersey Department of Health in conjunction with Freehold-based nonprofit the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS). The online conversation, which is free and open to participants ages 13-19, will serve as the nonprofit’s first Virtual Youth Town Hall.

The virtual event is slated to take place on Aug. 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The New Jersey Department of Health has hosted other Virtual Youth Town Halls in June and July regarding COVID-19 and racial justice.

This month’s conversation will help teens identify the challenges presented with a “different normal”, according to a release from the nonprofit, as well as how to plan in times of uncertainty. Students will be given a chance to hear peers describe how their lives were impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and present ideas on moving forward. The event will also include brief presentations will be given by school and mental health professionals and conclude with crisis resources available to students in the Garden State.

The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide was founded by two Monmouth County fathers who each experienced the devastating loss of a teenage child by suicide. The nonprofit, created in 2005, is dedicated to increasing awareness, spreading information and reducing the stigma surrounding the discussion of suicide through specialized training programs and resources that empower teens, parents and educators.

“The hope of this Town Hall is to give students a chance to add their voice to the conversation surrounding COVID-19 and the re-opening of schools,” said SPTS Executive Director Dawn Doherty. “SPTS recognizes the stress added to our youth due to the disruption of schedules/lack of structure; level of uncertainty and worries of contracting the virus; and missed activities, events and milestones. Teens need a safe space where they can share what they are going through and know they are not alone.”

Interested participants can register at sptsusa.org/youthtownhall. The registration deadline is Aug. 21.

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