It serves as a gathering place for people who have been touched by mental health issues
A staggering 50,000-plus children in Southwest Florida are impacted by some form of mental illness. Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for youth in the State of Florida. These are alarming statistics, but Kids’ Minds Matter is helping to address the issue.
As part of the region’s strategic solution to the children’s mental and behavioral health epidemic in Southwest Florida, Kids’ Minds Matter is bringing improved access to care for families and providing a framework to connect community partners. This is being done by providing psychologists, psychiatrists, child advocates, social workers and care navigators to help children and families access behavioral health services that are available to them.
Kids’ Minds Matter is also dedicated to fostering partnerships with other local mental health agencies to advocate for expanded children’s mental health services in our region.
Raising awareness of mental health
Annually, Kids’ Minds Matter hosts a community-wide event, “Normal is Overrated,” that brings together middle and high school students to explore tough-to-navigate mental and behavioral health topics. Joined by families, friends, advocates, health professionals and community partners, all attendees are united in bringing acceptance to and raising awareness of mental health.
This year’s event, which will be held Saturday, May 3, at FSW (Florida SouthWestern State College in Fort Myers) is interactive and informative. It was created by students to acknowledge the mental and behavioral health challenges that teens and young people face.
The power of storytelling
Over the years, this event has become a platform for gaining understanding and promoting early intervention, education and accessible mental health services. It serves as a gathering place for people who have been touched by mental health issues, whether personally or through a loved one. By sharing stories of resilience, hope and courage, the event empowers others to speak openly about their mental health journeys.
One of the hallmarks of “Normal is Overrated” is the power of storytelling. Each year, attendees are moved by personal accounts of individuals who have navigated mental health challenges. These stories offer hope and serve as a reminder that no one is alone in their struggles.
On May 3, among those slated to speak is keynote speaker Michael Rizzo, known as “Coach Mike.” He has more than 35 years of experience helping children and their families navigate social, emotional, behavioral and academic challenges. Having faced ADHD, anxiety and dyslexia himself, Rizzo believes no child is lazy – every child wants to succeed. A specialist in the innovative science of the brain, he’s passionate about empowering families, teachers and professionals to recognize and support neurodiverse minds.
Breaking down barriers
Stigma surrounding mental health remains a significant barrier to individuals seeking help. Events like “Normal is Overrated” are crucial in breaking down these barriers and normalizing conversations about mental health.
Kids’ Minds Matter is committed to challenging the harmful notion that mental health struggles are a sign of weakness. Instead, they emphasize that mental health is just as important as physical health and should be treated with the same level of care and attention.
At its core, “Normal is Overrated” is more than just an event, it’s a movement. Kids’ Minds Matter calls on the community to join the organization in its mission to provide education, support and resources to children and families affected by mental health challenges. The event is an opportunity to unite and advocate for better mental health care, more resources in schools and the removal of barriers to accessing treatment.
Anyone interested in being considered as a speaker, supporting as a student advocate, becoming a sponsor or attending “Normal is Overrated” can secure tickets at KidsMindsMatter.com/nio. Admission is free.
Vanessa Ruiz is child advocacy program manager at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.
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