Turning Silence Into Connection:​ Supporting Youth Mental Health

Many people remember watching Simone Biles at the Tokyo Olympics as she made the difficult decision to step away from competition and prioritize her mental health. At the time, the moment sparked conversations across the world. Some applauded her courage and honesty, while others criticized a decision they did not fully understand.

But Simone’s story did not end there. It became a powerful reminder that prioritizing your mental health is not weakness, it is strength. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, she returned with resilience, determination, and grace, earning three gold medals and one silver, and bringing her total Olympic medal count to 11. Her journey showed young people everywhere that setbacks do not define you and that healing, growth, and comebacks are possible.

Over the years, I have seen firsthand how much pressure young people, especially young girls, carry every single day. In a March 2026 interview with Stylist magazine, Simone Biles shared a powerful reminder: “No medal, no accolade, or exam results are more important than your mental health…The world doesn’t need you to be perfect. It needs you to be bold, to care and to keep going even when things don’t go as planned.”

That message resonates deeply with me.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, mental health advocate, and someone who has spent more than a decade serving vulnerable populations across Georgia, my passion has always centered around helping young people build resilience, confidence, and emotional wellness. But beyond my professional role, I am also a mother and a community member who genuinely cares about the future of our youth. Their well-being impacts all of us.
The reality is that many young people are struggling silently.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 30 percent of boys, 60 percent of girls, and 65 percent of LGBTQ+ high schoolers report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Approximately 30 percent of girls have seriously considered suicide, and one in five girls experienced sexual violence, up 20 percent from 2017. These numbers are a heartbreaking call to action.

Mental health challenges do not always look dramatic. Sometimes they show up quietly through changes in behavior, mood, or connection. Warning signs may include:

• Persistent sadness, irritability, or emotional withdrawal
• Changes in appetite or sleeping habits
• Declining school performance or loss of interest in activities
• Isolation from friends and family
• Risk-taking behaviors, substance use, or self-harm

As parents, caregivers, mentors, educators, and community members, we all have a role to play.

One of the most important things we can do is create safe, judgment-free spaces where young people feel heard. Often, they do not need immediate solutions or lectures. They need someone willing to listen with compassion and consistency. Encouraging healthy routines, balanced social media use, meaningful connection, and open conversations about emotions can make a significant difference.

And when concerns become bigger than what we can manage alone, seeking professional support is a sign of strength, not failure. Resources like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline are available for anyone experiencing emotional distress or crisis.

As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, this year’s theme from National Alliance on Mental Illness, “Turning Silence Into Connection,” reminds us that healing and hope happen in community. We can all help reduce stigma, advocate for stronger support systems, and empower young people to know they do not have to suffer in silence.
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Our young people do not need perfection from us. They need presence, support, and connection. Together, we can help create a community where they feel safe enough to ask for the help they need to keep going.

About the Author

Phylicia Anderson, LCSW, serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for Tharros Place and is the Chief Operating Officer for Gateway Community Service Board.

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