We continue our fight for youth mental health and are excited to welcome two special guests to the podcast today: Te’Andis Elliot; a community engagement specialist in youth outreach, and Quatisha Bailey (known as Q); the Executive Director of the independent health and wellness consulting firm, Qs with Q. Join the conversation as we discuss their work in supporting youth mental health, explore common struggles faced by teens, and examine the impact of social pressures and the intersection of sexual abuse and mental health. We also highlight the importance of intentionally providing Black males with time, tools, and support, and share tips on having uncomfortable but necessary conversations with our children. Te’Andis underscores what people should understand about the Black community experience in their support of youth mental health. We then deep dive into the answer to building responsive systems that will help our youth navigate complicated challenges. For all this, and much more, listen in as we go further into our journey to strengthen the support for Colorado’s youth and their mental health. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• We are introduced to our two special guests, Te'Andis Elliot and Quatisha Bailey.
• Our guests share more about their work and how it supports youth mental health.
• Some of the most common struggles they’re seeing with teens and mental health.
• The conscious connection between teens’ struggles and racism.
• Social pressures and the need for kids with color to uphold a specific look.
• The intersection between sexual abuse and mental health.
• The importance of giving enough time, space, and tools to our boys.
• Q shares how they’re using the Anonymous Text Line to help children avoid risky behaviors or navigate consequences.
• Q’s thoughts on why having conversations with our teens scares us, as parents.
• Tips and tools on how to dive into uncomfortable conversations with our teens.
• The importance of doing suicide prevention when we have check-ins with our youth.
• Te’Andis sheds light on what people need to understand about the Black community's experience when supporting the mental health of youth of color.
• How we are building responsive systems to help Black youth navigate complicated territories: the answer.
• Teaching the youth to shine their light and be proud and confident in who they are.
• Where to start to help our youth get what they need from Medicaid and mental health care.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Te'Andis Elliot

Te’Andis Elliot on LinkedIn

Te’Andis Elliot Email 

Quatisha Bailey Email

Qs with Q

Contact Qs with Q

The Man-Not: Race, Class, Genre, and the Dilemmas of Black Manhood

Speak Our Minds on Instagram

Speak Our Minds on YouTube
Speak Our Minds on Facebook

Speak Our Minds on X

Speak Our Minds

Heidi Baskfield