Protecting Our Peace: Black Youth & Mental Health

Breaking the Silence

For many Black youth, talking about mental health feels uncomfortable. Some of us grew up hearing, “Just be strong,” or “We don’t talk about those things.” Others worry about being judged if they admit they’re struggling.

But silence is dangerous. According to global research, suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among young people. Behind every statistic is a real person who felt unseen or unheard. Breaking the stigma around mental health isn’t weakness—it’s bravery.

Stories of Strength

Meet Kayla, a 16-year-old in Calgary who battled anxiety during her exam years. For months she kept quiet, afraid people would think less of her. Finally, she opened up to a Success Coach who helped her find a counselor. “That was the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” she says, “but also the bravest. Talking saved me.”

Or Deon, a 19-year-old in Edmonton who lost a close friend to suicide. At first, he blamed himself for not noticing the signs. But instead of staying silent, he started a peer-led group at his college focused on mental health awareness. “I couldn’t change the past,” he says, “but I could make sure others didn’t feel alone in the future.”

These stories remind us: seeking help is not weakness. It’s resilience.

Protecting Your Peace: Practical Steps

Caring for your mental health doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, intentional steps can protect your peace:

• Check In With Yourself: Pause daily and ask, How am I really feeling? Naming your emotions is the first step to managing them.

• Build Safe Circles: Surround yourself with friends, mentors, or family who listen without judgment. If someone doesn’t support your mental health journey, protect your boundaries.

• Reach Out for Help: If stress, sadness, or anxiety feels too heavy, talk to someone you trust—a teacher, counselor, or Success Coach. Professional support exists for youth, and you deserve it.

• Move Your Body: Exercise, dance, or even walking helps release stress and boost mood. Movement is medicine.

• Unplug: Social media can connect us, but it can also drain us. Take breaks when comparisons or negativity start weighing you down.

Recognizing the Signs

Part of protecting peace means watching out for yourself and your peers. Warning signs someone may be struggling include:

• Withdrawal from friends or activities

• Talking about feeling hopeless or worthless

• Changes in eating or sleeping habits

• Sudden mood swings

If you notice these in yourself or others, don’t ignore them. Start the conversation gently and encourage reaching out for professional help.

Where to Find Support in Alberta

• Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868 (available 24/7).

• AIFY Success Coaches: Offering mentorship, academic, and emotional support.

• Local Community Programs: Many youth centers in Calgary and Edmonton provide drop-in counseling and peer support groups.

Final Thoughts

Protecting our peace is not selfish—it’s survival. Black youth deserve to live with hope, joy, and possibility. This September, let’s commit to breaking the silence, supporting one another, and reminding every young person: you are not alone, and your life matters.