Speaking Up About Mental Health
National Essay Contest
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. In life-threatening situations, call 911.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announces 18 cash winners and six honorable mentions for the 2024 Speaking Up About Mental Health Essay Contest. The contest gives students a platform to share ways to eliminate and/or reduce mental health stigma faced by young people, especially in diverse communities. Read the gold, silver, bronze and honorable mention essays.
NIH also thanks the more than 370 teens from across 33 states who submitted essays on this important topic.
NIH recognizes these talented essay winners for their thoughtfulness and creativity in addressing youth mental health. These essays are written in the students' own words, are unedited, and do not necessarily represent the views of NIH, HHS, or the federal government.
About the Contest
Mental health is an important part of overall health across all life stages. However, far too often, symptoms are not addressed or recognized among adolescents.
Speaking Up About Mental Health is an essay contest that challenges high school students ages 16-18 to raise awareness of mental health. The contest gives students a platform to share ways to eliminate and/or reduce mental health stigma faced by young people, especially in diverse communities.
The contest is led by:
National Institute of Mental Health
National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
The 2024 Speaking Up About Mental Health Essay Contest is part of an HHS-wide initiative to tackle the nation’s mental health crisis.
Following President Joe Biden's State of the Union Address on March 1, 2022, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra kicked off the National Tour to Strengthen Mental Health. This initiative invites Americans across the country to share the behavioral health challenges they're facing and engage with local elected officials and leaders to strengthen the mental health crisis and care system in our communities. More information on the National Tour to Strengthen Mental Health is available at HHS.gov/HHSTour.
Page updated July 17, 2024
