The second annual Youth Mental Health Summit, hosted by the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU), took place on Tuesday at the YMCA at the Miller Center for Recreation and Wellness in Lewisburg, drawing over 200 students. The event featured Sarika Agarwal, a keynote speaker from Minding Your Mind, who encouraged attendees to seek help when struggling with mental health challenges.
Agarwal, who is currently working towards a doctorate in clinical psychology, shared her personal journey with mental health. She emphasized the strength it takes to ask for help, a concept she once struggled to embrace. “Contrary to what I used to think, it will only make someone more powerful to ask for help in doing this,” Agarwal said. “The day I asked for help is when I was no longer sitting in the passenger seat, letting my mind take me where it wanted to go. I was the driver with sole control and sole independence over what I did and who I was.”
Agarwal’s personal story is one of overcoming significant mental health challenges. Diagnosed with depression and anxiety at age 10, she battled intense self-criticism and cyberbullying throughout her youth. This led her to engage in self-harm and even attempt suicide in her teenage years. Her initial resistance to accepting her diagnosis made her struggle even more. “I spent so long fighting these feelings, trying to push them away. Here it was; it was real. I felt like no matter what I did, I couldn’t pull myself out of it,” she recalled.
Therapy and Personal Growth
After enrolling at New York University, Agarwal began therapy, which marked the beginning of her healing process. She focused on her passions like dance and writing, surrounded herself with supportive people, and gradually embraced her emotions. “It did not happen overnight,” Agarwal admitted. “I spent months, even a year, in therapy, still considering myself someone who suffers severe depression and anxiety. Over time, things really started to get better.”
As she continued her therapy, Agarwal noticed significant improvements in her mental health. She began attending classes regularly, engaging with friends, and participating more in social activities. “I started waking up more and actually wanting to do the day. I started smiling more, going to the gym, cooking, and feeling like myself again. I started feeling good. I started feeling happy,” she shared.
Through her story, Agarwal provided valuable insight into the importance of mental health education and support. Her message resonated deeply with the students at the summit, emphasizing that healing and growth are possible with the right support and tools.
The Impact of the Summit
The Youth Mental Health Summit serves as an essential platform for raising awareness about the mental health challenges facing young people. By inviting speakers like Agarwal, the event highlights the importance of acknowledging and addressing mental health early on, offering hope and resources to those who might be struggling.
The CSIU’s efforts to bring attention to mental health issues among youth are pivotal in creating a supportive environment for students, encouraging them to take control of their well-being and seek the help they need.
