These are the submissions from the contest which ended on April 15, 2020
Encouraging emerging adults to speak openly about behavioral health & seek assistance.
Encouraging youth to speak openly about mental health & seek assistance.
To Be Honest Advisory Group
The To Be Honest Advisory Group is made up of a diverse group of individuals who are
passionate about behavioral health and erasing the stigma that surrounds it.
Together, the group created the To Be Honest campaign by distributing surveys and administering focus groups with youth in Santa Clara County and using that data to create an educational and informational campaign that encourages youth and their families to talk about behavioral health and seek help if needed.
Jacquelyn Bogisich
AA Psychology; AS Paralegal Studies; Parent; Mental health advocate
"To be honest, when it comes to your mental health, it's perfectly fine to be selfish. Nothing and no one should ever get in the way of you bettering your mental health, not even stigma. Let the haters hate, you choose YOU!"
Avery Cruz, MPH
Program Manager, To Be Honest
Momentum for Health
"To be honest, mental health is important for all, regardless of an official diagnosis. Understand how your brain works, make self-care a priority, and talk to someone! Therapy is beneficial for everyone."
Emily Davis, MS, OTRL
Occupational Therapist
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
"To be honest... it is okay to admit that you are not okay. Reaching out for help is one of the bravest things someone can do."
Peyton Dillehay
Undergraduate Student at NYU
"To be honest, prioritizing your mental wellness and finding ways to maintain it are incredibly important. Figure out what works for you, and lean on the people you trust!"
Amy Kaur
"To be honest... it's okay to not be okay. Seeking help from counselors, my friends and family helped me process and understand my emotions. The hardest obstacle to overcome is asking for help and there is no shame to that. I am thankful I reached out to those around me to let them know I was struggling with my mental health. Don't forget to take care of yourself and practice self-care!"
Adrienne Keel
Director of LGBTQ Programs
The LGBTQ Youth Space
(Family & Children Services)
"To be honest… I often have to remind myself that I do not exist as an island. It is okay to reach out. There is nothing weak or burdensome about seeking support."
Elaine Schultz, MSW
School Social Worker
Oak Grove High School
"To be honest … having a mental illness can make you feel alone and ashamed. And it may be hard to take that first step in talking about your struggles and seeking out support. But once you do, you will find that there are many individuals just like you."