The Impact of Mental Health on Youth Behavior

Growing up in the unforgiving streets of New Orleans, I've seen firsthand how mental health—or the neglect of it—can profoundly impact the trajectory of a young person’s life. My own journey, which I share in my memoir trilogy "Raised In Violence," is a testament to the turbulent effects that undiagnosed and untreated mental health issues can have on behavior and decision-making.

As a child, the concept of mental health was foreign in my community. We were taught to be tough, to suppress our feelings, and that seeking help was a sign of weakness. This mentality only perpetuated the cycles of violence and despair. It wasn’t until my years of incarceration that I came to understand the roots of my own behaviors—roots that were tangled in a childhood marred by emotional neglect and trauma.

Mental health in youth dictates more than just momentary states of mind; it can determine lifelong patterns. When young people face emotional and psychological challenges without support, they are more likely to adopt negative coping mechanisms. These might include aggression, substance abuse, or other forms of self-destructive behavior. In my case, the lack of mental health resources and understanding led me down a path of violence and ultimately to prison.

However, the story doesn’t end there. During my incarceration, I was fortunate enough to participate in programs that addressed the underlying issues of my actions. These programs were my first real exposure to constructive mental health interventions. They taught me how to process my emotions, confront my past, and plan a future founded on resilience rather than retaliation. This transformation was not just about reform; it was about recovery.

This is why I am a staunch advocate for proactive mental health support for our youth today, especially in underprivileged communities. We need to ensure that mental health education and counseling are accessible to all young people. Schools should be equipped with resources to identify and address mental health issues early. Community centers should offer programs that provide safe spaces for young people to express themselves and learn healthy coping mechanisms.

Through "The Raised In Violence Initiative," we aim to extend these vital resources to communities like the one I grew up in. We work with local organizations to foster environments where mental health is recognized and nurtured. By sharing my story, I hope to illuminate the critical link between mental health and youth behavior and to underscore the transformative power of support and understanding.

Let’s open the dialogue about mental health. Let’s provide our youth with the tools they need to thrive. If we can change the narrative around mental health, perhaps we can change the life path of many young individuals who, like me, simply needed guidance and support to find a better way forward.