How to Support Someone Who is Struggling
It seems that over the past few years, especially with the pandemic and recent current events, that there are more people struggling emotionally. With more access to World News, social media posts, TiKToK trends, and Google searches, seemingly everyone has a self-diagnosed mental health condition. In reality, reportedly 25% more individuals have been diagnosed with Depression or Anxiety in the past year. In Georgia alone, 44.3% of adults reported symptoms of Anxiety or Depression and 1 in 6 youth aged 12-17 have been diagnosed with a mental health condition.
Hillside Happenings
Thanks to donors and Most Valuable Kids of Atlanta, we have been able to send our kids and families on fun outings around town! One cottage visited the World of Coke, another went to a basketball dunking contest, our Community Program Families went to the Soul Circus, and two families got tickets to Frozen at the Fox Theatre and an Atlanta United Game! Want to support our off-campus opportunities for families? Consider making a donation today!
Hillside has a new blog series that investigates the role compassion plays in pop culture. By unpacking the ways mental health is portrayed in popular culture, Finding Clarity Through Compassion focuses on how we can uncover hope within the headlines.

Issue 1: What Euphoria Can Teach Us About Compassion?

The hit HBO series Euphoria is a boundary-pushing show. Depicting the “real” lives of teenagers, it is a contemporary version of Degrassi and Skins. Some, especially parents, worry that Euphoria’s graphic depictions of substance abuse, domestic violence, and a myriad of other complex issues are too heavy and too inappropriate for young audiences. What is undebatable about the show is its popularity: 5.1 million people watched the sixth episode of Euphoria’s most recent season even though it aired during the Super Bowl.
Mental Health on the Move
Its Pride Month! Learn How To Support The Mental Health Of LGBTQ+ Kids
Approximately 8% of high school students in the U.S. identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This means that most adults are likely to know at least one young person who identifies as LGBTQ+.

Perhaps this makes you nervous, as you’re afraid you’ll say something offensive by accident. Or maybe in the current political climate, you want to make sure the LGBTQ+ children and teens in your life feel supported, but aren’t sure how to do that. Teachers and family members of LGBTQ+ youth especially may have questions about how best to lend support.
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