Michelle Obama Speaks on the Stigma of Mental Illness in Youth

/Jeremy Whitworth/Last Updated March 23, 2023

Many of our world leaders and role models have been speaking out about the issues with the stigma of mental illness in youth and adults. The Royal Family has been traveling around the globe urging people to seek help and break the stigma. The Royal Family is not the only one fighting to eliminate the issues with mental health, First Lady Michelle Obama was interviewed and featured in the October issues of Prevention magazine.
Throughout her interview Michelle Obama spoke out on the stigma of mental illness in youth, highlighting on the negative stereotypes associated with mental illness. The First Lady states:

“We need to teach our kids that mental illnesses are just like physical illnesses and deserve the same kind of care and compassion.”

A Change for Veterans

This isn’t the first time the First Lady has spoken out about mental health, her and Jill Biden launched Joining Forces, a nationwide initiative designed to support veterans and service members. She discussed how she would continue to meet service members and military spouses who were hesitant to ask for help because they thought they should be able to handle it themselves, or that seeking help would mean they were weak or broken.

A Change for Youth

Now Michelle Obama is on a new fight to bring awareness to the stigma of mental illness in youth. In 2015, she helped launch the Campaign to Change Direction, which works to change the culture of mental health in America so that all of those in need receive the care and support they deserve. To achieve this the campaign urges Americans to learn the common signs of emotional distress and common mental health issues. They hope that educating on the common symptoms will help families, peers, and businesses encourage others to get the help they need.
If you or your child are dealing with mental illnesses, there are programs available that can help.

Trails Carolina Can Help

Trails Carolina is a wilderness therapy program for struggling teens, ages 10-17. Our students commonly deal with issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and other behavioral challenges.
For more information about Trails Carolina, please call 800-975-7303 today.

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Jeremy Whitworth

As Executive Director at Trails Carolina, a leading wilderness therapy program for youth and teens, I oversee operations and collaborate with our leadership team. Since 2022, I've also hosted the Common Ground Podcast for parents: https://trailscarolina.com/common-ground-podcast/ With a background in Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education, I've managed adventure-based therapeutic programs across the US and Canada. My experiences in competitive athletics and adventure sports have honed my leadership, risk assessment, and decision-making skills, which I apply to running a successful business like Trails Carolina.

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Trails saved my daughter’s life. Amanda is an amazing human and a brilliant therapist. I am so grateful to her, Science Steve, and the other wonderful people who could reach my daughter at a time when I could not.

Margot Lowman August 2022

Great life changing experience for our son. After becoming addicted to gaming during covid he was very depressed. At Trails he experienced the wilderness, Science Steve, learning survival skills and top notch therapy and support etc… I highly recommend! This gave our son and our family a renewed family bond full of love and excitement about his bright future.

Winnifred Wilson July 2022

Outstanding clinical work and superb staff! There’s a great culture at this company and it shows with how they engage with families/clients.

Kristin Brace June 2022

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