Mental health is a struggle for almost everyone, some more than others.
A New Brunswick teen has created a powerful short video she hopes will raise more awareness around the subject.
In the video, 16-year-old Keira Wood of Moncton demonstrates the usual response.
When asked, “How are you”, Wood says people often say, “I’m doing good,” but for many that isn’t true at all.
“Throughout my life, I’ve noticed people have asked the question, and you don’t always get an honest response. That is what inspired me to do the video,” Wood says
She is hoping her video will encourage those who are having mental health concerns, to open up.
“It’s not good to keep what you’re feeling bottled up. It can have negative affects on you in the long run. Opening up with someone you trust is really important. People need to know that they are not alone, and others struggle with the same feelings as they do. They have to believe that there are others who will understand.”
She says as a youth, she hasn’t had any major struggles in her life, but she has helped friends who were having a difficult time.
Wood says “It really affects the youth, I think in a lot of ways. When you are a teenager, you are going through a lot of changes and with your friends it can be really hard. Sometimes for youth to find someone they can trust can be very difficult,” Wood says
She wrote, shot, edited and produced the video during Mental Health week.
“I just hope people will open up, and others will listen. I hope my video helps people to feel more comfortable to share their true feelings with someone they trust,” Wood says.
