Forum to focus on youths' mental health

Aug. 30--Raising awareness about mental health issues for area youths will be the focus of a community health forum next week.

The forum will focus on the signs and causes of mental illness, as well as how it can be prevented or treated.

The meeting will start at 6 p.m. Wednesday at River Valley High School on 801 El Margarita Road, Yuba City.

At Family SOUP, which helps children with special needs, one of the most frequent issues encountered is anxiety, said Cindy Chandler, executive director.

"It's not an easy world we live in now. There are a lot of students with anxiety. For others, it's hard to fit in," Chandler said. "The teen years can be pretty tough. And it's hard to be a student unless you're calm and able to learn without the anxiety. Parents and educators have that concern."

Chandler said all communities need to have similar forums.

"So many kids are not identified as having some challenges," Chandler said. "This raises awareness in a very dynamic and approachable way."

The meeting will feature two speakers.

--John Vandenburgh will bring his experience as a teacher, school site administer and district safe school coordinator to the meeting.

Vandenburgh is the author of the Peer Leaders United Students program, a nationally recognized youth leadership model.

--Kyra Aldridge, a sophomore at Live Oak High School, will also speak.

Aldridge had her first bout with anxiety in eighth grade, and she also dealt with self-harm, depression and anxiety.

But after seeking and receiving help, she is now a successful student, athlete, business owner and community volunteer.

"To hear their story is very effective," Chandler said. "Parents can attend and talk to other parents. It will be a first step for them to understand the problem and the resources that are available."

CONTACT reporter Andrew Creasey at 749-4780 and on Twitter @AD_Creasey.

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