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
