Native Teens Break Down Mental Health Taboos

In the heart of California, a group of Native American teens from San Bernardino gathered to discuss a topic that's often swept under the rug: mental health. This event, titled "No Big Deal, " aimed to normalize seeking help when life gets tough. Mateo Moctezuma Ortega, a representative from the Sierra Native Alliance, led the conversation. They talked about how school and social life can be vastly different and how social media has a huge impact on that. Penelope Hyde, one of the teens, highlighted that substance abuse and alcoholism are significant issues in her community. The panel's key takeaway? There's nothing wrong with asking for help, and feeling embarrassed about it is just not necessary. They wanted teens to understand that everyone faces challenges and it's okay to reach out for support.