Teen Mental Health

The Teen Mental Health Action Team of United Way Steele County surveyed adults in Owatonna and surrounding areas on what they believe our youth need to improve their quality of life. The responses will be used by the Teen Mental Health Action Team to guide their future work.

Survey Findings

Overall, there is a clear desire for dedicated spaces for youth to be able to be active, be themselves, feel safe, and engage with other youth. This resonates clearly with the youth responses of feeling “bored” and having “nothing to do” in the area. Respondents recognize that youth need to have opportunities that are safe and fun for them to be fulfilled and less likely to leave or make “poor decisions.”

Beyond this, support systems are seen as a necessity for not just the youth but their families as well. These include mental health support groups, assistance with schoolwork, mentorship opportunities, leadership groups, and “neighborhood hubs.”

Lastly, a final area that came up frequently and in a variety of ways was the need to provide ways for youth to engage in the community. This includes including youth voices in community issues, local organizations, and providing them with ways for their voices to be heard. It was stressed that not only do we need to provide them with this agency, but also listen to them and give their voices authority.

If you are interested in working on the committee to move forward on these issues, please sign up here: https://forms.gle/qYJjJvrkYc5kLa2dA

These infographics summarize the findings of the teen listening sessions and teen mental health survey: