You are not alone: Youth speak out about mental health
Even if it’s not visible, mental health matters. A group of young adults in Vancouver called ‘The Rabble Rousers’ is on a mission to spread the word, and break the stigma. They’ve made a series of PSAs telling other young people ‘You are not alone’.
“I think there’s still a lot of stigma still around mental health. It’s getting better and more people are trying to speak up about it, but a lot of things are not understood because of the way movies or TV portray mental illness.” says one member.
What’s Inside
The Public Service Announcements (PSAs) have also been made into a longer-form movie called ‘You Got This: PSA Series‘. They cover six topics, and are drawn directly from their personal experiences.
- Panic attacks
- When to ask for help
- Isolation
- How to be your own mental health advocate
- Suicide
- Psychosis
They’re real and raw. But, they also give tips and support for anyone going through the same things as them.
"I want people to get out of these videos that you’re not alone and that a lot of people out there suffer from things that you suffer from, as well."
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You Got This: PSA Series - a short movie by Coast’s Rabble Rousers
Be Brave, Ask for Help:
One big message in these videos is that asking for help is really important. It’s not weak; it’s smart. And it’s okay to talk about mental health, even if it feels uncomfortable.
Knowing who has your back – whether it’s friends, family or another trustworthy resource – is also important in advocating for yourself.
Join the Movement:
Watching these videos isn’t just about learning, it’s about standing up and saying, “You’re Not Alone”.
“There’s still a lot of stigma against those with mental health issues,” describes Sam “I think it’s a bit disappointing because there’s so much that people can do to help themselves and help other people.”
To reach even more people, the PSAs will be shared on the Rabble Rousers’ TikTok channel in the coming months.
The Rabble Rousers are a part of Coast Mental Health’s young adult program based out of the Clubhouse in Mt Pleasant. This program is only possible thanks to the generosity of donors including Grosvenor and the Westminster Foundation.
