Between social pressure, trying to succeed in school, and more, mental health issues are a prominent struggle for today’s youth. According to Pew Research Center, 70% of teens view anxiety and depression as a significant problem among their peers. Among that group, about 3-in-10 teens say they feel nervous or tense daily. Nearly 3-in-10 teens also claim they wish they had more good friends. So how can you make a difference and support youth mental health in your community? Volunteer opportunities in Utah with Big Brothers Big Sisters Utah can help. Volunteering with BBBSU focuses efforts on improving the lives of Utah’s youth, especially those who may be struggling with mental health.
What do Mental Health Struggles Look Like?
Without open lines of communication, it can be challenging to see when a young person is struggling with their mental health. According to an article published by Penn Medicine, a teen might be struggling with depression if they experience at least 5 of the following seven symptoms; changes in sleep, new feelings of guilt, dips in energy levels, difficulty concentrating or completing tasks, changes in appetite, lower motivation, or thoughts of suicide.
The Pen Medicine article identifies what anxiety might look like in teens. A teen may be struggling with fear if they experience irritability, muscle tension, constant worry, or struggles with falling asleep.
Volunteer Opportunities in Utah That Support Youth Mental Health
So how can you help? Studies show that having a mentor has a significant impact on youth mental health. And if you’re looking for mentor volunteer opportunities in Utah, look no further than Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah.
The long-standing organization helps hundreds of underprivileged youth thrive in their communities. Through our 1-to-1 mentoring model, volunteers at BBBSU can connect with youth directly and help guide them throughout their youth. Visit bbbsu.org to apply to become a mentor.
