Welcome to another episode of The Round Table! This week, Daniella, Kassandra and Kassandra sit down with Kelly Davis, the Vice President of Peer and Youth Advocacy at Mental Health America. In her role, Kelly focuses on expanding peer support mental health programs and championing policies driven by lived experiences.

In our conversation, Kelly sheds light on how peer support functions and emphasizes the critical need to break down barriers that limit access to mental health assistance. While acknowledging the challenges that remain in addressing youth mental health, we also highlight the range of treatment options available through schools and how they can serve as a foundation for progress.

Our discussion takes a deep dive into the multifaceted nature of mental health. We explore generational stigmas, the influence of social media and online mental health spaces, and the persistent disparities in mental health support for men and women. Additionally, we examine the unique challenges faced by immigrants and first-generation children, offering insight into how cultural backgrounds shape their relationship with mental health.

Kelly shares practical ways for youth to engage in mental health advocacy through local and national organizations, highlighting how passionate young people are driving much of today’s progress. We close by reflecting on our hopes for the future: greater accessibility to support, more open conversations breaking mental health taboos, and leaders prioritizing this critical issue.

Thank you for listening!