It's sad that 40% who struggle don't get treatment. Many teens struggle and are afraid to talk to their parents about it. Parents can often be "dismissive" to their teens that struggle too. So, that leads to many teens being "afraid" to reach out for help because they are afraid their parents will find out and it will make their situation even "worse". I have seen several come to PC afraid to even talk to their school counselor in fear their parents might be told. How can we "change" that?

It is nice to know you have brought back some good ideas from that conference DocJohn. It's amazing how 150 people gathering together with a genuine concern like this can inspire the few that are trying to actually do something productive and helpful.

You "are" a shining example of the kind of person "needed" who implements a plan to reach out as you provided a safe community for the "many" that are challenged. You "did" something that started "small" and grew. When someone is really struggling, they feel very alone and they really don't know how to "reach out for help", you thought about that several years ago and you decided to "do" something about it. While it is "nice" to listen to "good speeches" what matters is "what is done". What also matters is having a way for those that "do something" to meet and share ideas and concerns and have recognition and connect to create a much needed "boost" to gain momentum in that one goal, "awareness", and "education", and ways to actually "make a difference" in better addressing a very real challenge.

I am glad that you got to partake in this much needed effort to "recognize" a very real problem with "awareness" about the challenges of so many that need help. If 60% of those that suffer "do" get help, then that's promising that there "can" be a path for the 40% remaining that do not receive help. Being able to "identify" who that 40% is and gathering together those that take an "active" interest as well as contribute to doing something about it is essential. 150 people is not a very "large" group, however with recognition and "connecting" there is more promise of that group gaining momentum on increasing in numbers. The fact that you have come away from that experience with new ideas is proof that more of these meetings should take place.

OE