Ep. #134: How Can We Empower Young People to Speak Up, Seek Help, and Thrive? With Zion Givens

🌟 How do you help youth build confidence to speak up about their struggles? 🤔 In today’s episode, host James McLamb 🎙️ connects with Zion “Z” Givens, a mental health advocate 🌈 and co-founder of Up To It, a platform helping youth 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 and adults connect and thrive 💪 while unpacking the critical topic of mental health in youth. 🧠 Together, they discuss the importance of self-advocacy 🗣️, breaking the stigma around asking for help 🚀, and guiding youth toward healthy coping strategies. 🛠️ Learn practical tips for building trust 🤝, starting meaningful conversations 🗨️, and empowering young people to navigate life's challenges. 🌍 This heartfelt discussion ❤️ offers parents, teachers, and mentors 📚 invaluable tools to create stronger, more resilient connections 🔗 with the next generation. 🌟✨💬🎧

Learn more about Zion Givens:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zion__givens/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zion-givens/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/485935524118616 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/up-to-it-parenting/id1674940041 

Episode highlights:

(0:00) Intro

(2:14) Zion's background and work with Up To It

(4:00) Encouraging self-advocacy in youth

(6:38) Recognizing the difference between bad days and deeper issues

(8:38) Spotting early signs of mental health struggles

(12:49) Youth comparing challenges and traumas

(15:03) Unhealthy coping mechanisms in youth

(19:55) Why youth need trusted adult mentors

(27:49) Building trust through small, fun conversations

(34:47) How to respond to youth sharing struggles

(39:29) Handling serious mental health challenges calmly

(43:48) Outro