FAD Fighting Anxiety and Depression in children and youth

We have national programs that focus on feeding hungry students who can’t afford lunch, helping struggling children with learning disabilities, encouraging reading, and discouraging drugs and alcohol. But we don’t have well known, high flying programs educating and helping kids and teens with two of the biggest issues facing North American kids: Anxiety and Depression. Why Not? I hope to develop FAD into an organization that will not shy away from the realities of today’s children and youth who deal with anxiety and depression. We will create awareness through public campaigning and personal stories carried through to elementary, middle and high schools by speakers who have experienced said issues. We will create acceptance and understanding that these issues are real, physical illnesses that need to be treated and cared for by parents, peers and teachers. And we will bring HOPE and help to those with none. FAD will be a national revolution in both public knowledge and for individuals learning to be unashamed regarding issues of Depression, Anxiety and Suicide. We have to show kids that’s its OK to talk, encourage them to talk, and demonstrate strength. Comparable in structure to a DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program, FAD will largely be for awareness, education and resources. We will teach children and youth about stress, emotions, feelings and thoughts (subjects not taught in school), as well as implementing healthy ways of coping and dealing with negative issues. We will use Positive Psychology resources to teach preventative measures as well.