An Aspen High School junior has launched a new initiative to address mental health challenges among teenage girls. The project, named Her Mind Matters, was founded by Hallie Zilberman after her own survey revealed that nearly 74% of female students at her school feel overwhelmed by stress and anxiety on a daily basis.
Zilberman's work aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage open conversations between teenagers and their parents. To support this goal, she is hosting a virtual meeting to help parents understand the issues their daughters may be facing and how to provide effective support.
Key Takeaways
- Aspen High School junior Hallie Zilberman founded the teen-led movement "Her Mind Matters."
- A survey of 100 female Aspen High School students found 73.5% feel overwhelmed by stress and anxiety daily.
- A national survey of 1,000 girls showed 64% experience the same feelings daily.
- The initiative aims to facilitate communication between teens and parents about mental health.
- A virtual meeting for parents is scheduled for Monday, October 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
A Student-Led Response to a Growing Concern
Hallie Zilberman, a junior at Aspen High School (AHS), created Her Mind Matters after noticing the significant mental health struggles among her peers. Her personal observations prompted her to investigate the issue on a larger scale through formal surveys.
"A lot of people are struggling with really really big things," Zilberman stated. "I thought, if some of my closest friends are struggling, it must be the case for a lot of people."
Her initiative serves as a platform to share data, promote positive messages, and create a supportive community for those dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression. The primary goal is to show teenage girls they are not alone in their experiences.
Survey Reveals Troubling Mental Health Statistics
To understand the scope of the problem, Zilberman conducted two surveys: one with 100 female students at Aspen High School and a broader national survey of 1,000 high school-aged girls. The results highlighted significant levels of emotional distress in both groups.
Findings at Aspen High School
The local data painted a concerning picture of student well-being. According to Zilberman's findings, the challenges faced by girls at AHS are substantial.
- 73.5% of girls reported feeling overwhelmed by stress and anxiety daily.
- 33.7% said they had experienced recent thoughts of self-harm.
- 13% stated they have no one to talk to about their struggles.
National Comparison
The national survey confirmed that these issues are not unique to Aspen. While the percentage of AHS girls feeling overwhelmed was higher than the national average, the national data revealed other serious concerns.
National Teen Mental Health Data
Zilberman's national survey of 1,000 high school girls found that:
- 64% feel overwhelmed by stress and anxiety daily.
- Nearly 49% reported recent thoughts of self-harm.
- 31.5% said they have no one to talk to about their mental health.
These statistics underscore a widespread need for better support systems and more open dialogue about mental health among teenagers across the country.
Bridging the Communication Gap with Parents
A key focus of Her Mind Matters is to improve communication between teenagers and the adults in their lives. The finding that a significant number of girls feel they have no one to confide in was a major catalyst for Zilberman's outreach to parents.
"I want to reduce the stigma as much as possible," she explained. "A lot of people go through these things silently … I want to make an impact and help parents feel more comfortable, kids feel more comfortable to talk about their struggles."
To achieve this, Zilberman has organized a virtual meeting specifically for parents. The event, scheduled for Monday, October 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., is designed to provide parents with insights into their daughters' potential struggles and offer guidance on how to start meaningful conversations.
How to Attend the Meeting
Parents interested in joining the virtual session can find the meeting link in the weekly newsletter from AHS Principal Sarah Strassburger. The newsletter is available on the Aspen High School website.
Broader Mental Health Trends in Aspen
Zilberman's initiative aligns with broader public health data for the region. A statewide survey from 2023, the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, showed some improvements in youth mental health in the Aspen School District, but also confirmed that challenges persist.
According to the 2023 survey data, 20% of Aspen School District students reported feeling sad or hopeless every day for two or more weeks. While this is a significant decrease from the 40% who reported the same feelings in 2021, it still represents one in five students.
The Healthy Kids Colorado Survey is conducted every two years to measure student wellness, including mental health and substance use. The results provide a valuable benchmark for understanding long-term trends and the continued need for support programs like Her Mind Matters.
By encouraging open dialogue, Zilberman hopes her project will empower students to seek help when they need it and equip parents with the tools to better support their children's mental well-being.