Youth MOVE Massachusetts Newsletter

Youth MOVE Massachusetts is a program of the Parent/Professional Advocacy League

August 31st, 2026 | Issue 22

Advocacy is Power

Written by a Youth MOVE Massachusetts guest blogger

My mom was in her mid 30's when she was first diagnosed with major depression. I remember coming home from school, hoping to see Super Mom, but instead I found her lying on the couch, fast asleep every day. I was young, and I didn't understand why she couldn’t just snap out of it. "What is there to be this sad about?" I thought. It wasn't until I fell into my very own bout of depression that I understood.

When I was fourteen, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder with schizotypal features. I, too, began to sleep all day, and my friends wondered why I couldn’t just snap out of it. While I slowly dissolved into the living room couch, my parents fretted over my future, and it was the first time in years that my mother showed any sign of concern, or interest, for that matter. Because I was so depressed, I wondered why she even bothered to try.

My parents started to educate themselves on my diagnoses. They learned how to navigate the system and advocate for my needs and best interests. They met other parents who were going through similar things. Eventually, they got me to go to a youth group and an alternative high school that helped me come out of my shell. I was making friends, using coping skills, and learning to advocate not only for myself, but also for better services for youth within the mental health system...

Young Adult Resources: Youth Voter Guide

With primaries and general elections coming up, we want young adults educated and empowered to vote for candidates who best represent their interests. That's why YMM has partnered with Citizens for Juvenile Justice to help create their biannual Youth Voter Guide! The Youth Voter Guide is packed with information on voter rights, where candidates stand on certain topics (such as juvenile justice and mental health), a calendar of key deadlines, the roles of different elected officials (state legislators, Governor's Council members, and District Attorneys), and more!

Youth Voter Guide

Social Media Spotlight

YMM's social media accounts are made by youth for youth! We share tips and educational content about mental health and advocacy to create a safe space for young people to learn and connect. Check out some of our posts:

Mental Health Mini Activity

Back-to-School Mental Health Plan

Going back to school can be a really challenging transition and can often put extra pressure on our mental health. One way to make going back to school more comfortable and less anxiety-inducing is to have a back-to-school mental health plan. Having a personal mental health plan helps you recognize when you're feeling overwhelmed and gives you tools to stay calm, safe, and supported throughout the day. You can use the example below, adjust it to fit your needs, or create your own!

My Warning Signs: How I know I am starting to feel stressed or overwhelmed at school

I can’t focus in class when…
My body feels (ex. stomach hurts, shaky, sweaty)...
My thoughts start to…

My Coping Tools: What I can do in school to calm myself down

Ask to take a short walk in the hallway
Use headphones/music during free time
Write/doodle in a notebook
Other:

My Safe People at School: Adults or peers I can talk to if things get too hard

Teacher:
School Counselor:
School Nurse:
Peer Mentor or Friend:
Other:

My Safe Spaces at School: Where I can go if I need a break

Counselor’s Office
Library
Nurse’s Office
Trusted Classroom
Other:

My Daily Routine Supports: Things I can do before, during, and after school

Morning routine that helps me feel ready:
Lunch plan (ex. sit with friends, quiet space, etc.):
After-school check-in with:

My School Safety Signals: What I can do if I start to feel unsafe or too overwhelmed in class

Signal I’ll use with my teacher (ex. raising hand, note, etc.):
Quick exit plan (ex. hall pass, bathroom break, guidance visit):

My Emergency Supports: If I need more help than school can give me

Parent or Trusted Adult:
Mental Health Practitioner (ex. therapist):
Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Line)
Call or text 833-773-2445 (Behavioral Health Help Line)
Other:

Shoutouts!

In July, Youth MOVE Massachusetts collaborated with the Statewide Young Adult Council (SYAC) to host Young Adult Advocacy Day! We welcomed young adults from across Massachusetts to the PLACE for Empowerment for a day of advocacy education.

Speakers included:

Pamela Bows, PPAL’s Policy Coordinator
Lydia Proulx, Owner and Peer Support Specialist at Space Cases ADHD Coaching and Peer Support
Kate Alicante, Associate Director of Public Policy and Government Relations for the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health
Jayden Hernandez, Youth Advocate and Speaker from More Than Words
Ewidji Vincent, Legislative Aide and Disability Advisor to Senator Jamie Eldridge
Special guest: Representative Brian Murray!

Advocacy Day concluded with young adults writing postcards to their legislators about topics they want prioritized in the upcoming legislative session. Youth MOVE MA hand-delivered these to the Massachusetts State House, emphasizing the importance of youth voice in advocacy!

In August, Youth MOVE MA was awarded grant funding from Youth MOVE National to host an in-person “Food for Thought” event. This event aimed to celebrate Latine culture, bring community together over food, and open up conversation about mental health. We had an amazing turnout, and young adults talked about mental health stigma while enjoying some delicious Dominican cuisine. Huge thank you to Youth MOVE National for giving us the opportunity to host this event!