Shining a Light on Mental Health

Written by: Hannah Rosales Carcamo | Division 4 LTG

As we transition into the heart of spring, our district is shifting its focus toward a cause that touches almost every one of us, even if we don't always talk about it openly. For the month of May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, our featured charity is Erika’s Lighthouse.

Mental health isn’t just a "grown-up" issue, it is a student issue. Statistics show that 50% of students are affected by mental illness before the age of 15, and tragically, suicide remains the second leading cause of death for teens. Erika’s Lighthouse is a non-profit organization dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. They believe in the power of programs with impact and the power of positivity to change the world. By providing a structured model for youth to thrive, they ensure that no young person has to feel alone during hard times like depression. Their mission is built on the foundation of trust and integrity, ensuring every student feels seen and safe.

Erika’s Lighthouse may have started with a local vision, but its reach is now global, currently impacting over 1 million students across 30 countries, 49 states, and 4,591 schools and organizations. Across the Georgia District, we are committed to service that spreads.

Here is how you can support this mission this month:

1. Educate Your Club: Use the toolkits and "Multiple Programs" offered by Erika's Lighthouse to start a conversation in your next meeting. Awareness is the first step toward ending the silence.

2. Spread the Word: We need to emphasize our monthly charities! Use your platform to share infographics and social media posts to let your peers know that help is always within reach.

3. Support and Donate: If you are able, consider making a contribution to help provide free depression education and suicide prevention resources. You can donate directly at erikaslighthouse.org/donate-now.

We know that talking about mental health can be personal and sometimes difficult. To help our members feel heard without the pressure of being in the spotlight, we have created an Anonymous Post Form. Whether you want to share a personal experience, a message of encouragement, or a story of how mental health has impacted your life, you can submit it through our form. We will be selecting a few of these stories to share anonymously on our Instagram Stories. By sharing our journeys, we show the entire Georgia District family that they are never alone. Access the submission form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1PGU1_5hy4qYMwUAtD9T1R_B1ZE2rO5sbntX6pthgEDM/preview?edit_requested=true

Remember, Key Clubbers: if you or someone you know is struggling, there are tools available, including the 988 lifeline. Let’s lead with heart this month and be the lighthouse for someone in the dark.