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About one in five youths in the U.S. between the ages of 13 and 18 experience a severe mental health disorder at some point in their life, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. And oftentimes, talkingabout these issues is hard — especially to people who aren't their age. Working off this theory, many peer model programs work to eliminate any perceived stigma around mental health and increase students' confidence in finding support in others. And with suicides increasing among this age group, Sources of Strength and other programs work to empower students and help prevent this from taking place.
Studies have shown that these initiatives are doing good. For example, a 2010 American Public Journal of Health study found that youth trained in Sources of Strength were four times more likely than untrained peer leaders to refer a suicidal friend to an adult.
When it comes to suicide and other mental health conditions, Peer-to-Peer uses the peer advocate method to educate high schoolers about depression and teach them effective methods to convey the knowledge and reduce stigma. Peer groups work in teams and do activities such as presenting at school assemblies, raising awareness about suicide, and providing a confidential way for students to express concerns about other students’ moods and behaviors.
Joan Cook, a psychologist and associate professor at Yale University who researches traumatic stress and clinically treats combat veterans, believes student-led mental health groups and peer services are valuable, but that they should not replace formal mental health services. Instead, he said, the two groups should collaborate. Administrators are tasked with working to bring sufficient mental health counselors, supports and education to their districts and schools and by encouraging peer support models. Combined, the two can help engage and help those who are emotionally struggling in getting the care they need.
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