Harbor Insights - May 2025
Article by Savannah McCauley
When the topic of mental health is brought up, some may think of it as a trend, a buzzword, or something we should talk about once a year in May; however, it's so much more than that. It’s a constant, deeply personal part of every person’s life—yet it’s been ignored, misunderstood, or surrounded by silence for too long. As a high school student, someone who is deeply passionate about psychology, and someone who cares deeply about the well-being of others, I believe we need to shift the conversation around mental health from one of stigma to one of strength, support, and everyday awareness, especially within the teen community.
In my generation, mental health is being talked about more than ever, but that doesn’t mean the challenges teens face have gone away. Anxiety, depression, and stress are increasingly common, especially among teens. Yet even with growing awareness, many people still struggle to ask for help because they fear judgment, feel alone, or simply don’t know where to turn. That’s something we as a community need to change.
I’ve learned that wellness isn’t just about fixing problems when they arise—it’s about building habits of care, both individually and in our communities. It’s about listening without trying to “solve” someone, offering empathy instead of advice, and recognizing that mental health is just as important as physical health.
Through my involvement as a Safe Harbor Intern, I’ve seen how powerful it can be when people are given a safe space to be honest about what they’re going through. Whether through support groups, community events, or creative expression, Safe Harbor reminds me that healing doesn’t always happen behind closed doors—it happens in open conversations, shared stories, and moments of connection.
As part of a research project I conducted through AIM Labs, I worked with other students to explore important questions around mental wellness. Some of the questions we aimed to acknowledge: How does our environment affect our mental health? What are the best ways for teens to cope with stress? Why is mental health still so stigmatized, even in open-minded communities? These questions led us to look more closely at the culture of silence around mental illness, the gaps in access to resources, and the power of early education and honest conversation. We wanted our project to communicate that mental health support has to start with understanding, not fear or shame within peers.
Mental wellness isn’t something we can afford to treat as an afterthought. It’s a foundation for learning, growing, relating, and living. And if we can teach the younger generation—especially students like me—that it’s okay to talk about feelings, to reach out, and to prioritize mental health, we’re building a stronger future for everyone. One should feel like they don't have to struggle in silence. And no one should feel like they’re the only one. Talking about mental health should be as normal as talking about school, sports, or what’s for lunch at the school cafeteria! Because mental health isn’t just personal—it’s universal.