MIND Speaks Up: an online platform for youth mental health

Abstract

Mental health disorders are common and stigmatized health issues that often present during youth. Although effective prevention and treatment strategies exist, an estimated two-thirds of individuals with a mental illness do not seek help, and stigma has been identified as a significant barrier. We developed MINDSpeaksUp.com, a website aimed to be a local resource for mental health and to lower the barrier to seeking help by reducing stigma. The website hosts videos featuring members of the UBC community sharing stories of their personal struggles with mental health. It also includes a portrait project, written submissions, and a resources tab.