Texas Youth Stories: Real Voices. Real Change.

Featured Stories

Ivanna Sintes: Choosing Myself Over the Version I Pretended to Be

Ivanna spent years masking to survive. Now she’s learning that self-acceptance, not performance, is what truly heals.

Read Ivanna's Story Find resources to cope with sadness and depression

Juan Garcia: From Hiding My Pain to Learning We Heal Together

Juan turned his pain into poetry, transforming silence into strength and speaking out for men’s mental health.

Read Juan's Story Learn how to address and seek support for suicidal ideation

Rohan Satija: Finding Belonging Through Storytelling

Rohan found belonging through storytelling and built a nonprofit that helps thousands of Texas students see themselves in what they read.

Read Rohan’s Story Find resources for dealing with bullying

Rachel Davis: From Chasing Likes to Finding Balance

Rachel’s first smartphone brought connection — and anxiety. Now she’s using her voice to champion safer social media for youth.

Watch Rachel’s Story Explore how to take care of yourself and find balance on social media

Caring for Your Own Mental Health

Find easy-to-use tools and tips for managing feelings like anxiety and sadness, as well as guides to supporting the people you love, including how to get professional support if you — or they — need it.

About the JED Youth Advocacy Coalition in Texas

The JED Youth Advocacy Coalition (YAC) brings together college students from across the state to strengthen mental health advocacy through leadership, storytelling, and community action.

Over six weeks, student fellows learn how to share their personal stories safely and powerfully, build awareness on their campuses, and connect with policymakers to drive lasting change. Each fellow also develops and carries out an advocacy plan focused on a Texas-specific mental health issue, reaching campuses, communities, and decision-makers across the state.

Together these youth advocates are shaping a future where student experiences inform real policy solutions, from campus initiatives to state legislation.

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