What is ReachOut?
ReachOut is an information and support service using evidence based principles and technology to help teens and young adults facing tough times and struggling with mental health issues. All content is written by teens and young adults, for teens and young adults, to meet them where they are, and help them recognize their own strengths and use those strengths to overcome their difficulties and/or seek help if necessary. The Inspire USA Foundation oversees ReachOut. The Foundation is a newly formed non-profit with offices in San Francisco, whose mission is to help millions of teens and young adults lead happier lives. Inspire’s vision for ReachOut is for it to become a site visited by 250,000 unique visitors per month by summer 2010.
Reachout.com has 4 key sections:
- The Facts provides information on a range of mental health issues
- Real Stories shares personal experiences with mental health issues from teens and young adults and how they got through these issues
- Get Help provides information about how you might find the help you need
- Add Your Voice presents opportunities for you to contribute content to ReachOut and have your opinions become part of the larger ReachOut community.
Psychological factors
- Stress or anxiety—Stress can come from many different sources, like pressures at school, work or home from parents, teachers and sometimes your friends, or even your own expectations;
- Grief or loss—This can include the death of a loved one, or the end of a relationship or friendship;
- Depression and other mental illnesses.