DV Connect Lit: Breaking The Silence- Ending the Stigma on Teen Mental Health (Issue #002)

Breaking the Silence:

Issue #002

December 2023

Ending the Stigma on Teen Mental Health

dv connect lit

Dear Readers of DV Connect Lit, I’m Ava DeJesus, President and Editor-In-Chief of DV Connect Lit, which is our high school literary art magazine. I’m so proud to introduce our second issue, “Breaking The Silence-Ending the Stigma on Teen Mental Health"

Ava DeJesus Editor-in-Chief

Letter from the Editor In 2023, we're facing an escalating teen mental health crisis. According to the American Psychological Association, "the rates of depression and anxiety among teenagers have increased significantly in the last decade." In fact, recent studies show that approximately 1 in 3 teens between 13 and 18 will experience an anxiety disorder. This issue is our rallying cry against the silence surrounding this topic. By destigmatizing the issue we aim to break down barriers and create conversations about the mental health challenges we, as teens, are facing. Therefore, creating an environment where seeking help is not seen as a weakness but as a brave step towards understanding and healing.

This issue of DV Connect Lit is more than just a collection of literary works; it's a platform for our student body to express, share, and enlighten others on what Teen Mental Health means to them. It's an exploration of the inner battles, the silent struggles, and the resilience that defines the teenage journey through mental health.

Our issue begins with a depiction of a student's daily grind, a repetitive cycle of stress and expectations reminiscent of an endless "Groundhog's Day". It's the perfect lead-in for the real and heartfelt stories that follow.

In our poetry section, we feature a piece that captures the feeling of being overwhelmed. It's a portrayal of the constant chaos in a student's mind, a relentless storm of thoughts and emotions without any break. Alongside it, a haiku beautifully transitions from pain to resilience, anger to peaceful acceptance.

We also present two more poetry pieces that will resonate deeply. One poem is a heart-wrenching look at a girl who's loved but not really seen, hiding loneliness and pressure behind her perfect exterior. The second poem vividly captures the anxiety of trying to express oneself, ending with a moment of unexpected support and freedom. i

In our Artists Section it showcases an array of mental health experiences, with each piece of art telling a unique story. From the cluttered chaos of an overworked mind to the moral implications of mental health, each work offers a different perspective. Digital art pieces portray the impact of judgment and expectations, while others express the intense feelings of social anxiety and the symbolism of hope amidst challenges.

In addition to these creative expressions, we delve into our written narrative, which speaks to the fleeting nature of happiness for teens and the constant search for it amidst societal and academic pressures. Complementing this narrative, our investigative journalism piece highlights the complex nature of teen mental health in the high school environment.

Next, we proudly present the DV Connect Lit's Teen Mental Health Playlist, thoughtfully curated by our leadership team. This collection of music mirrors the emotional roller coaster of teen life, with each song echoing the various sides of our mental health journey.

Lastly, we embrace mental health in the digital age, through our Teen Guide to Self Care in a Digital Era. Providing practical advice on using technology to support mental well-being. It explores tools like mindfulness apps and digital detoxes, aiming to transform potential sources of stress into channels of support and balance.

This guide is a testament to our adaptability and resilience, offering new ways for us to take care of ourselves in the digital world.

A heartfelt thanks goes out to our leadership team, writers, and artists for their incredible contributions to this issue. Your work is more than mere creativity; it's a channel for connection, empathy, and understanding.

We hope these pages offer our readers insight, comfort, and maybe a sense of connection in your own mental health journey.

Stay strong and keep pushing forward.

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Table of contents Stress managEment pp. 01 A Little Low Feeling Glimmer

Agenda of the Day

Poetry

pp. 03-07

Overwhelming On Linearity The Girl Who Everyone Loves The Fight for Serenity of the Mind

Our Art

pp. 08-10

Sea of Mind Brain Storage with Moral Elements Panic Attack Social Anxiety

Written pieces

pp. 11-14

Happiness is Hard Anxiety, Isolation and Confusion: Welcome to the Teenage Mental Health Crisis

Our Music

pp. 15

Teen guide

pp. 16

Self-Care in a Digital Era

Leadership+ AbOuT US

pp. 17-21

Stress Management Agenda of the

DAY 1.Shower-Hygiene-Self-Care--always be pleasant.

2. Make Breakfast-Eat Breakfast-Don’t eat too much.....Don’t eat too little.

3. Morning Chores and don’t forget whatever my little brother needs help with too---I’m the eldest!

4. Don’t forget my Morning Affirmations.

5. Remember to smile and always look my best. Be positive in the face of adversity.

6. Choose a nice outfit--don’t show too much, don’t be boring, be trendy, be yourself.

7. Who am I today? What activities do I have?

8. Pack it-Laptop, binder, sketchbook, oh wait, charger, iPhone, school supplies, should I go on, oh wait.... there’s more--more hygiene, am I on my period, will I be on period-stress changes my cycle I better pack it!

9. Time to go--oh wait, let’s check my bag again, 2x

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10. At School-Remember to breathe, eat, be social, be happy, talk more, don’t talk too much, don’t be annoying. Never let your guard down!

11. School-Get all assignments complete by the end of day. Work on my Learning Log. Get straight A’s.

12. Work on all my clubs and leadership.

13. Don’t rest college is almost here....keep working, keep smiling!

14. Make connections, be professional, be what they want you to be.

No choice, no breathing, oh wait...

15. Remember to take a mental health break-1 min.

16. Get home--shower, eat, do more homework, do my college assignments, respond to emails, update social media, keep being relevant, keep up my brand, work internships, start making a list for summer 24' senior year internships.

17. Don’t let up-stay competitive!

18. Get ready for bed and go to sleep.

19. Wake up and Repeat.

Ava Dejesus

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Poetry Overwhelming

On Linearity

By Anonymous

Haiku by Anonymous

It feels as though it's never quiet.

I breathe lighter now

I'm aware I have a lot going on.

My scars are badges, marks of strength

But, it feels as though no matter what I do, there's

I hold no anger

never a moment of silence.

My brain is so full, 24/7.

Tedious things playing on replay, information absorbed that I'll never use again.

My emotions are like a storm outside of a plan.

The turbulence shakes me, and tears fall down my face.

Overwhelmed is what I am.

So I guess the question is...

How do I organize my brain?

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The girl who everyone loves The girl who everyone loves, dances, sings, twirls and

It doesn’t matter when her classmates mock her

smiles.

or tell her she looks like she’s gained a bit of weight.

And she never complains.

She just chuckles and gives them all her winner smile.

She gives them all her best attitude, her best jokes, and

She doesn’t feel like a winner though, does she?

her best advice.

No matter how many medals she brings home.

The girl who everyone loves listens to all her friend's cries and tears,

How many people compliment her at school.

Or how many teachers tell her how great she is.

she rubs their backs and tells them that they deserve the world.

But she keeps her winner smile.

She keeps it clean and white and perfect.

The way she knows people like it.

When she wakes up, she answers her ever-ringing phone to When she comes home, her family asks her to make dinner

giggle and stay quiet as she intently listens to everything So she does.

the caller has to say.

Then they ask her to clean the dishes,

She doesn’t mind when the phone hangs up, So she does.

And she still has to get up and live her day.

She doesn’t mind that the person on the other end never asked how she was, or what she was doing today.

She doesn’t mind.

She doesn’t mind.

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She wipes the house sparkly clean and ignores her aching wrist or her throat that yearns to scream out for help.

She just continues cleaning, silently.

Her brain actively trying to build a dam to hold in her tears and screams that she’s tucked away neatly with

Poetry

a pretty little bow.

And nobody ever notices when she looks a bit down one day.

And if you asked anyone she knew, they’d never even know her favorite color, because no one ever called her to ask.

“Have you heard from her?” one friend would ask.

“I don’t know, she never called me back.” another would say.

And after a week of the back and forth, they would all forget about her and be on their way.

She’d fade into the darkness, never getting help.

She’d crumble away, never being held.

No one would reach out a hand the way she had a hundred times before.

And no one would ask how she was.

The girl who everyone loves, dances, sings, twirls and smiles.

And she never complains.

Because no one is ever there to hear her.

05

The fight foR

Serenity Of the mind The air grows cold and my skin prickles up into grosslooking bumps, causing my whole body to shiver and shake as I try to stay still in this brick-hard chair.

This chair is loud and creaky no matter how still I sit with a desk that blocks my legs and ties me down.

I feel eyes hunting me as the classroom quiets down and I suddenly feel like I’m breathing as loud as a

as the teacher waits for me to answer, but my head goes completely blank.

I can’t think, I can’t speak,

tractor aimlessly roaming the fields.

I can’t breathe.

The teacher looks over at me and the world turns dark, my eyes are turning different colors like a high rainbow, and my head spins like the beyblades I played with as a

I look around for help that’s nowhere to be found.

child did.

Everyone is expecting me to say something brilliant, intelligent, and perfect 06

No superhero was going to sweep down and save me.

There are no magical unicorns from the cartoons I watched as a little kid to come to rescue me and tell me I’m the lost ruler of some ancient world.

So instead, I sit there as I feel an embarrassing tear sweep down my face.

A tear that to me, represents nothing but failure and immaturity.

My body weighs me down as I suddenly feel like I weigh 200 tons.

“You know the answer don’t you?” the random student asked.

I nod my head confused.

Raise your hand, go ahead.”The student smiled encouragingly, placing their hand on my shoulder and suddenly I felt all the weight in my chest rise above the clouds.

I stick to the chair and let my head fall as the room I turned back to face the teacher, and steadily raised my hand,

begins to close in.

I feel ready to give up, to slump into my chair and disappear into the darkness when I feel a hand touch my shoulder.

Above my head, Above the pain, Above the shame.

Up into the air, Free, Calm, Serene.

By Amirahlee Chea.

Serene

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s i t t r s A Section Sea of Mind By: Serena Morris I find that when I’m stressed, I tend to overwork myself. I constantly have many thoughts or tasks floating around my mind.

This drawing displays how crowded my mind can be when I’m stressed. In these instances, it helps to take a step back, and focus on something fun.

Brain Storage with Moral Elements By: Komal Khan My art piece represents the moral elements relevant to mental health and wellness. People can experience kindness, love, and positive emotions while facing mental health challenges.

We hope to continue being kind towards one another and encourage others to seek help for their mental health wellness.

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Panic Attack By: Ava DeJesus My digital art reflects the impact of others' judgments, expectations, and opinions on a teenager's mental well-being. It portrays the overwhelming experience faced by many teens when confronted with criticism or negativity, either directed at themselves or others. The girl here embodies the struggle of navigating high school while trying to discover her own identity among family and peer expectations and pressure.

Social Anxiety By: Anna Schwartz My art piece is meant to portray the feeling of having social anxiety. There was a time in my life where social anxiety was a huge problem for me. I was always worried about what other people were thinking about me and what I looked like. That’s what the eyes represent. When I had unhealthy social anxiety I was obsessed with the idea that everyone was always looking at me and seeing every flaw. I was drowning in these thoughts and would barely talk to people because I was scared.

That’s what the girl in the water represents.

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A little low feeling By: Anna Schwartz My digital art piece, a little low feeling is meant to reflect and show the feelings that come with teen mental health, highlighting the negative effects it can have on young adults in our world today. I find with my mental health I struggle a lot with self image and I tend to overthink every little thing. This piece represents that through the muted colors and darker shade. It’s portrays the sadness and darkness that comes with these feelings. The girl looking in the mirror represents how teens struggle with loving themselves and accepting themselves for what they look like and who they are.

The vitamins on the table represent how these mental health issues can lead to debilitating health problems.

Lastly, the bath represents the drowning feelings that come with teen mental health problems

Glimmer By: Verity My art piece represents the turmoil of living with mental illness, and the empowering experience of choosing to be strong regardless. In my work I used simple brush pens, sketch paper, and features of a thought out color palette and irregular brush strokes.

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Happiness is Hard

By William Bleier and Gabriel Albarracin

In this day and age, it's hard to find scenarios or stuff that makes us happy for longer than a few hours.

Whether it's playing a certain video game or watching cars for the 1000th time, the happiness is temporary because it's in the moment. It doesn't help when teachers ask you sin(5x)+1=2cos^2(2x) or how the camera angles in this scene help express the characters' emotions.

Even holidays like Halloween or school breaks like Summer Vacation didn’t feel the same this year. People said that 11th grade would be difficult, and at first, we didn’t believe them, but now we do. We are facing brand new experiences that kindle all kinds of emotions like sadness or fear, but we must persevere. Since we were in school, we were constantly thinking our minds were always busy thinking about the future, whether that be short-term or long-term.

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Kendrick Lamar once said, “The hardest thing for - not only an artist but for anybody to do is to look themselves in the mirror and acknowledge, you know, their own flaws and fears and imperfections and put them out there in the open for people to relate to it.”As High school students, we can confirm that the hardest thing is showing your true self; many other students put on a facade or mask that makes them a completely different person, showing a different side that they believe satisfies others.

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We are no strangers to this because we do this not only at school; but also in other environments we are not yet comfortable with. We understand that we may never be comfortable in these environments, but at least we try. We try our best to find happiness by putting ourselves in different situations, finding new hobbies, and exploring new experiences. At the end of the day sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t, which makes sense because happiness is hard.

Anxiety, Isolation, and Confusion: Welcome to the Teenage Mental Health Crisis

High schoolers across the country are facing a hidden course beyond academics: managing mental health in the aftermath of a pandemic. Gone are the days when teenage angst was the only issue; today's teens are facing the wave of anxiety, isolation, and confusion.

It's an all too familiar scenario—a once lively student retreats into silence, a star athlete's performance begins to fail, or sleep patterns become erratic. The environment of high school, with its social hierarchies and academic pressures, has now become a more complex maze. Teens are navigating this maze under the watchful eyes of a society quick to judge based on appearance, identity, and actions.

The data speaks for itself: a staggering percentage of families believe that these behavioral changes in teens have to do with the school setting. However, this one-sided blame often overlooks the multifaceted nature of mental health, which is influenced by home and family dynamics, peer relationships, and self-identity.

"Mental Health Statistics reveal that our battles aren't just hormonal. The social landscape we walk every day is littered with emotional landmines," states the report, pinpointing the sources of teen stress that have only intensified post-Covid-19.

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Medical experts voice a growing concern about recognizing signs of distress, which are frequently missed by parents and teachers until crisis point. Jasmine Salazar, a Junior from DaVinci Science, candidly shares her journey of her mental health. "When the world locked down, so did my ability to express myself. It took a doctor's visit to consider therapy, something I wasn't eager to start," she admits.

Jasmine's narrative isn't an isolated story among teens. In fact, it reflects an all to common storyline where teens have been quietly battling mental health issues. Fortunately, the pandemic, while a disruptor, also ushered in new coping mechanisms.

"Breathing exercises were my initial go-to, but they didn't stick. Now, I find refuge in doodling and creative writing when emotions run high," Jasmine reveals, showcasing the adaptability of teens in the face of adversity.

Despite this picture, the therapeutic community offers beacons of hope with simple, accessible strategies for teen emotional management as follows: Journaling: An escape route through words, allowing teens to freely express themselves.

Decluttering: A tidy room or desk equals a tidied mind, creating an oasis of calm.

Music: A universal language for soothing the soul, channeling emotions instead of hurtful actions.

Solitude: Sometimes, a moment of quiet is the best defense against the angst of teenage rage.

These tools offered are more than advice—it shows teens that while the struggle is real, it is shared and can be overcome. As we face this challenging time, we are reminded: in our journey of growth, we are never alone.

By Ava DeJesus

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Our healing

music Name: Adrielle Turner, Social Media Coordinator Song: Be Yourself Artist: Frank Ocean Reflection: This helps my mental health, because it’s a song with wise words to make you feel that you can accomplish & do things that you would normally doubt yourself on.

Name: Prisha Chand, Photographer Song: Money Artist: Lisa Reflection: This song affects my mental health because it motivates me to chase after what I love the most...Money.

Name: Alaunn Wells, Event & Fundraising Coordinator Song: Easy Lovers Artist: Piero Piccioni Reflection: This song just calms my soul for real, regardless of any tribulations I put this on and think about where I wanna be and where I'll end up as long as I show resilience and stay on track.

DV Connect Lit's Teen Mental Health Playlist – Our DV Connect Lit leadership team curated a playlist that's all about the roller coaster ride of being a teen. From those low-key rough days to some amazing moments, this playlist reflects our mental health journey. It's more than just a playlist; it's a soundtrack to our lives, packed with songs that remind us we're all in this together.

Name: Anna Schwartz, Layout Designer Song: Midnight City Artist: M83 Reflection: This song is my go to no matter how I’m feeling, It makes me feel alive and absolutely free of all my worries. The best time to listen to it is during late night cars rides.

Leadership: Gerard Anazia , Graphic Designer Song: Amen, from TLOP 5(The Life of Pierre Bourne) Artist: Pierre Bourne Reflection: This song is one my favorite song, (it was no. 1 on my Spotify Wrapped). It talks about how the artist is invested in his guap a lot and praises the lord and other people who helped him get this guap. Btw guap = money. Another installment in TLOP 5 album

Name: Ava DeJesus, President + Editor-In-Chief Song: You’re On Your Own, Kid Artist: Taylor Swift Reflection: This song reminds me that growing up can be hard but it's important to embrace life's moments both good and bad independently.

Name: William Bleier, Vice President Song: Space Song Artist: Beach House Sentence: This song helps me with my mental health journey because it helps to calm me down whenever I feel stressed or anxious.

Name: Serena Morris, Copy Editor Song: Breathin Artist: Ariana Grande Reflection: This song is a nice distraction and break from my stressors.

Name: Gabriel Albarracin, Photographer Song: It Was a Good Day Artist: Ice Cube Sentence: This song helps me with my mental health because it puts me in a good mood. I know it’s old, but this song was the opposite of what was going on around Ice Cube at the time. It kind of represent how I just wake up and experience a good day (not every day) and not have to deal with the troubles of being in this world.

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Teen Guide

Self-Care in a Digital Era

Mindfulness App Use an app to meditate to help manage anxiety.

Art or Music Use an app to explore digital art or new music.

Go Outdoors

Reduce stress by taking regular breaks from social media.

Virtual Fitness Take online fitness challenge or class to de-stress.

Sleep App

Go for a walk. Breathe fresh air.

It can help improve your mood.

Download an app to monitor your sleep and help improve your mental health.

Listen to a podcast

Find a new Hobby

Listen to a podcast that focuses on self-improvement.

Feeling bored? Learn a new hobby to improve your spirits.

Track your mood Use an app that can help your stressors and overcome it.

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Digital Detox

Read an e-book Read an e-book! It is very calming and helps stimulate the mind.

r e s d h a i p e L Ava Dejesus: President + Editor in chief

Fun Facts You can find me Disney bounding on Asynchronous days.

During my me, myself and I time I love to crochet projects like hats, purses, and tops.

William bleier: Vice President

Fun Facts I enjoy roller coasters.

I have 3 dogs.

Serena Morris: copy editor

Fun Facts I am a Jazz Dancer.

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Komal Khan: Art Editor Fun Facts I like to read mystery books.

Interested in drawing various pictures.

Anna Schwartz: Layout designer

Fun Facts You can always find me doodling and sketching or doing some sort of art in my free time.

I love and miss going to the beach and swimming out in the ocean.

Aanisah richardson: Writer/Artist

Fun Facts I’m a fast reader and create digital art in my spare time.

I have my own jewelry business and I’m a yellow belt in karate.

Gerard anazia: Graphic designer

Fun Facts I am more conservative.

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Gabriel Albarracin: Photographer

Fun Facts I played Hockey for 8 years.

I like Cars.

Faith Husar: Photographer

Fun Facts I have dyed my hair every color of the rainbow.

I have 5 pets including my fish.

Prisha chand: photographer

Fun Facts I know two languages- English and Hindi.

I want to be a pilot when I grow up.

Aalim khan: video editor

Fun Facts I’m a metal head and I’m into a lot of different genres of music. R&B, Shoegaze, Jersey, Sigilkore, you name it.

I’m a big fan of zombies and post-apocalyptic media.

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Alaunn Wells: Event coordinator

Fun Facts I love music, my favorite artist is none other than Brent Faiyaz.

Secondly, in my free time I like to watch shows like The Gilmore Girls or 13 Reasons Why.

Adrielle turner: Social media coordinator

Fun Facts My favorite movie is Almost Christmas.

I like making new friends and talking with them.

amirahlee chea: writer/Artist

Fun Facts I love all forms of art, movies, drawings, paintings, etc!

I play electric guitar and did karate for four years!

I'm a Writer/Artist

Mr. Reynolds: Club Advisor for dv connect lit

Fun Facts When Reynolds is not teaching, he rocks drums professionally for the Alt. Heavy Rock Band MAL —> @malsongs on IG and vocals for the mainstream Pop/Hip—Hop group Patio Saturday —> @patiosaturday on IG. I have met and hung out with a lot of famous folks, including but not limited to: Former NBA player for the Chicago Bulls, Dennis Rodman, the bassist of the rock band TOOL, Justin Chancellor, and the now deceased original lead singer of the ska/reggae-rock sensation, SUBLIME, Bradley Nowell.

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About Us DV Connect Lit's mission is to showcase and celebrate the creative writing and artwork of our high school students.

Through our e-zine, we aim to provide a platform for students to express themselves, share their stories, and connect with one another. We strive to curate a diverse and inclusive collection of work that reflects the unique perspectives and experiences of our school community.

As a club, we value collaboration, creativity, and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of our work. Our goal is to inspire and empower our students to explore and pursue their artistic passions, both written and beyond the pages of our e-zine.

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