A Statewide Initiative Transforming Youth Mental Health
The California Department of Public Health’s Office of Health Equity (CDPH OHE) recently launched the Take Space to Pause campaign as part of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI). Designed by teens for teens, this innovative initiative aims to destigmatize mental health, educate youth on how and why breaking points occur, and promote positive help-seeking behaviors.
The launch event, held at The Preserve LA, was a vibrant celebration and an opportunity to engage the community in a meaningful dialogue about youth behavioral health. The event highlighted the importance of fostering resilience and offering practical tools to address mental health challenges.
A Youth-Led Discussion on Mental Health
Youth panel
The event’s centerpiece was a dynamic panel discussion featuring youth leaders from diverse backgrounds. Panelists included Eve, Makenzie, and Max from the CDPH Youth CoLab, Madeline from the Little Tokyo Service Center, and Britany from Healing Hearts. These young advocates shared personal experiences, discussed the mental health challenges facing today’s teens, and provided actionable strategies for overcoming them.
Assistant Deputy Director Ana Bolaños and Dr. Sohil Sud, Director of CYBHI, highlighted the importance of the campaign’s mission, encouraging participants to take time for self-care, explore relaxation techniques, and draw strength from the support of their community.
Assistant Deputy Director Ana Bolaños
Interactive Activities and Resources
In addition to the panel, the event featured a self-care fair offering attendees hands-on opportunities to explore mental wellness. Activities included creating DIY sensory calming kits, participating in animal-assisted therapy sessions, and connecting with vendors providing resources for teens and their families. The fair underscored the campaign’s focus on practical, accessible tools to support mental health.
Understanding Breaking Points
Take Space to Pause addresses a critical issue: by age 14, half of all lifetime mental health conditions begin. Teens often face mounting pressures that can lead to unhelpful emotions such as frustration, anger, and anxiety. Without healthy coping mechanisms, these emotions can escalate into breaking points.
The campaign’s three-step framework equips teens with the knowledge and tools to manage their mental health proactively:
- Reconsider: Understand negative emotions and recognize breaking points.
- Educate: Learn how breaking points occur and their underlying causes.
- Motivate: Reflect and take proactive, positive steps to address emotional challenges.
By fostering awareness and offering structured coping strategies, the campaign aims to shift the narrative around mental health, empowering teens to take control of their well-being.
A Digital-First Approach
Recognizing the importance of meeting teens where they are, Take Space to Pause leverages digital platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. The campaign’s website offers a wealth of resources, including a personalized calming plan tool and connections to local mental health services. Posters and other printed materials extend the campaign’s reach into schools and community spaces, encouraging teens to explore the website and its offerings.
A Call to Action for the Community
Mental health is a shared responsibility. Take Space to Pause encourages everyone—teens, caregivers, educators, and community members—to join the movement by:
- Visiting the campaign website to create a personalized wellness plan.
- Sharing resources with teens and families in their networks.
- Watching and promoting the explainer video series on YouTube.
- Downloading caregiver talk tips to facilitate meaningful conversations.
- Speaking openly about personal mental health experiences to normalize these discussions.
A Transformative Movement
Dr. Sohil Sud, Director of CYBHI
The Take Space to Pause campaign represents a vital step forward in addressing youth mental health. By creating a supportive environment that emphasizes understanding, education, and proactive action, this initiative is reshaping how teens and their communities view mental wellness.
As the event at The Preserve LA demonstrated, empowering youth to take space to pause and reflect on their mental health can lead to transformative change. With tools like this campaign, California’s teens are better equipped to navigate life’s challenges and embrace their well-being one mindful moment at a time.
For more information about the Take Space to Pause campaign, visit the official website at takespacetopause.org.
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