Join Students to Talk About Mental Health at Mind Out Loud Virtual Event May 1

The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE), in partnership with the California Department of Education (CDE), Wellness Together School Mental Health, and the Mental Health Services Oversight & Accountability Commission, is hosting the 4th Annual Mind Out Loud virtual event for students on May 1. 

The free virtual student event runs from 10 to 11:15 a.m. A replay of the main session will take place from 3:45 to 5 p.m., with live breakout sessions from 5 to 6 p.m.

At Mind Out Loud (MOL), middle and high school students from across California, the U.S. and throughout the world will have the opportunity to connect with one another on issues of mental health, wellness, and suicide prevention. Participants will hear from engaging speakers on these topics, learn how to reduce stigma, and gain access to resources to help advocate for their peers on campus. 

In addition to the main session at 10 a.m., there will be four 30-minute breakout sessions from 5 to 6 p.m. Breakouts will be led by Mind Out Loud students and will focus on the four Mind Out Loud Pillars of improving student mental wellness, promoting suicide prevention awareness, connecting students in rural and vulnerable communities, and increasing mental health awareness and literacy.

"This event’s reach and impact continues to grow each year because it’s led by youth and specifically for youth, which is appealing to our young people,” said Mara Madrigal-Weiss, executive director of student wellness and school climate at SDCOE. "It’s an opportunity for students to openly discuss mental health and wellness issues with peers who are experiencing similar challenges," she said. 

Last year, more than 5,000 middle and high school students attended, with 120 watch parties taking place throughout the country.

Mind Out Loud is the official youth-led mental health movement of the national nonprofit Wellness Together School Mental Health. Its effort is based on four guiding principles: Personal Wellness, Suicide Prevention, Support for Marginalized Communities, and Awareness and Advocacy.

Visit the Mind Out Loud website to register and learn more about its programs.