The Kids Aren’t Alright: A Podcast on Mental Illness in Young People

UNCP Author/Contributor (non-UNCP co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Michelle Yitts (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP )
Web Site: http://www.uncp.edu/academics/library
Advisor
Jamie Litty

Abstract: I faced many challenges and had many triumphs while creating this project. I began by researching mental illness in adults but quickly changed my focus to adolescents and young adults after finding several articles that showed levels of mental illness in young people have been on the rise in recent years. Due to my own experience with mental health struggles, I wanted to use this project to spread awareness about this issue and provide support for other young people who are suffering from mental illness. After researching the effects listening to podcasts had on people with mental illness, I decided the best way to achieve these goals was to use the skills I acquired from my major in broadcasting and production to create a podcast. I interviewed six anonymous volunteers who shared their experiences with mental illness and what they do to cope with it. The podcast serves as a support group of sorts for young people who are lost and struggling to deal with mental illness by letting them know that they are not alone and providing them with diverse ways to cope with it. It also provides insight for friends and family so that they can better understand and support young people in their life who may be struggling with mental health issues. Overall, my podcast had the desired effect on not only my audience but also on myself and the guests. By talking with other people who struggle with mental health issues, both myself and the guests felt comforted by our shared experience and learned new methods to cope with it.

Additional Information

Publication
Honors Project
Language: English
Date: 2022
Keywords
mental health, young adults, podcast, mental illness

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