What was the A-HA moment that led to the creation of I AM Teen Strong?

In 2017, I found myself at a professional crossroads. Not really sure which direction to take, I entrenched myself in attending community meetings sponsored by the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, all to address the rapidly increasing teen suicide rate in Mesa and Queen Creek. Many of the conversations centered around education and resources. As I researched, it became apparent that there was not a centralized source truly dedicated to teens. A safe space that allowed teens to reach out and connect with the services and resources they desperately needed. 

I saw this as my moment to help fill a need in our community, create a website specifically geared to the needs of teen mental, emotional, and physical health. In June 2018, we launched the I am Teen Strong website, which features over 120 Arizona resources. The website features articles that discuss topics such as creating healthy boundaries, cultivating a positive body image, practicing self-care, and developing effective communication skills.  

In our rapidly evolving world, what are the most significant challenges facing teenagers that I AM Teen Strong specifically aims to address?

Today’s teens are facing significant challenges, much more so than my generation. In a word, RESILIENCE. I think that regardless of the challenge a teen faces, I see our role to be a tool, a tool to build resiliency and make better (informed) decisions, in whatever situation they are facing. 

If we can help a teen become more confident, practice self-care and mindfulness, and feel heard and valued for who they are, we are preparing them for life’s challenges.

Do you think constant engagement with social media platforms contributes to mental health challenges among youth?

Most definitely!

I am currently reading the book Over the Influence: Why Social Media is Toxic for Women and Girls ~ and How We Can Take It Back, written by Kara Alaimo. This book sadly underscores the negative impact social platforms have on women and girls in all aspects of their lives, mental and physical! Content that is purposely designed to hold girls back and target their vulnerability is the norm. 

Unfortunately, boys are also negatively impacted by constant social media engagement in much of the same ways as girls…increased anxiety and depression, low self-esteem and body image, feelings of isolation, etc.

We strive to be the alternative to the negative experience.

In the face of challenges: peer pressure, body image, and increasing rates of depression and anxiety, how can we best empower young people to build resilience and truly believe in their own worth?

As a parent, loved one, or mentor, there are many things we can do to promote and build resilient youth.

• Create safe spaces—at home, school, and in communities where youth feel seen, heard, and valued
• Create and engage in one-on-one time
• Prioritize meaningful relationships over performance or popularity
• Help teens manage emotions through expressive tools (journaling, art, music, poetry, cooking, photography)
• Normalize talking about mental health as part of overall wellness, not a weakness
• Reinforce body neutrality and self-worth beyond looks—highlight what their bodies can do (create, move, connect, care). We talk a lot about this on the I am Teen Strong website.
• Support them in finding purpose through passions, service, creativity, or activism
• Reframe failure as feedback and challenge as growth
• Introduce practical coping tools: mindfulness, breathing techniques, time in nature, healthy boundaries, and the practice of gratitude. 
• Resilience grows through connection, practice, and empowerment, not perfection. Teens thrive when they know they’re not alone, their voice matters, and they have tools to navigate life’s ups and downs. 

Is the focus of I AM Teen Strong exclusively on resources for young women, or does it cater to a broader audience of teenagers?

As a woman, I wanted to be able to come from a personal perspective; therefore, our emphasis is on teen girls. However, much of our material applies to teens in general. For an organization, facility, or program to be included in our directory, it must support teen girls ages 12 – 18 years; nevertheless, if they support teen boys, that’s great!

In our directory there are multiple national helplines that support all ages and genders, such as the 988 suicide crisis hotline.

How can the community support the mission?

As a small nonprofit, we are always looking for community partners to help us spread the word and increase our outreach. Become a financial partner as a I am Teen Strong Friend. 

Join our Event 

On August 23rd, we are having a Paint, Paper & Purpose fundraiser. Check out our Events page for details. https://iamteenstrong.org/paint-paper-purpose/

Sherry Eklund is the Founder/Executive Director of I am Teen Strong, a local nonprofit supporting the health & wellness of teen girls. You may reach Sherry at seklund@iamteenstrong.org or https://www.IamTeenStrong.org