Harrisburg, PA (WHTM) — A recent CDC report highlights a mental health crisis among America’s youth.
Councilman Fred Green from Chester County emphasized the need to address this issue. “For too long, mental health has been stigmatized, leaving many young people feeling isolated,” he said. “Today, we are here to change that.”
On Sunday, 17-year-old Nived Lakshman organized a suicide prevention march in Harrisburg. “We’re trying to teach kids to be proactive in recognizing the signs of suicide before a tragedy occurs,” Lakshman explained.
He noted that suicide is the third leading cause of death for high school students. “We’re aiming to make that number zero,” he added.
Through the “March for Teen Life,” Lakshman hopes to show that teenagers care and that they are not alone.
The event featured several speakers, including politicians, mental health advocates, and individuals affected by suicide. Lakshman highlighted the presence of a woman who lost her son to suicide and fellow teens like 16-year-old Sriya Chundru from Cumberland County.
Chundru stated, “We want to talk about how everyone in our community can take small steps to address this big issue. Everything starts somewhere.”
The march began at the iconic Walnut Street Bridge. Green stated, “As we take each step, we are bridging the gap between silence and conversation, isolation and connection, despair and hope. Our young people need to know that there is help, hope, and support available.”
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