Resilience is a defining trait of Boston, evident in the strength of its families, the determination of its young people and the solidarity of its neighborhoods. As the chief behavioral health officer for the city, I witness this resilience daily — but also see the challenges that test it. Families demonstrate remarkable fortitude while navigating housing challenges, such as facing eviction or struggling to afford rent in a city where disparities in housing access persist. Young people grappling with the complexities of identity, whether tied to gender, culture or belonging, too often present to our local emergency departments in psychiatric crises, seeking the support they urgently need.
In my clinical role as a psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist at Boston Children’s Hospital, I encounter these young people and their families firsthand, whether on-call in the ED or providing longitudinal care in the clinic. And in moments of community violence, neighborhoods unite with extraordinary solidarity, offering each other comfort, advocacy and hope, and transforming collective pain into strength.
Yet, resilience alone cannot address the mounting mental health challenges facing our young people. These struggles reveal the need for a fundamental shift in how we approach mental health — not as an isolated issue but as one deeply connected to the environments and realities that shape their lives. This vision is at the heart of Heads Up Boston, a campaign launched by the Boston Public Health Commission to break the silence around mental health and embrace the truth that it’s okay not to be okay.
With guidance from Dr. Simon and the full support of Mayor Wu and Commissioner Dr. Ojikutu, the Center for Behavioral Health and Wellness has taken the lead in developing this critical initiative. As director of the center, ensuring that the voices of Boston’s youth remain central to the campaign has been a deeply meaningful priority. Their input has been instrumental, shaping everything from the campaign’s vision to its execution. Their rallying cry, “Our mental health matters,” is not just a tagline; it’s the foundation of a movement to foster a culture where seeking help is seen as a strength, not a weakness.
This campaign is more than just a new initiative. It’s a commitment to creating a culture where seeking help is seen as a strength. Mental health is deeply influenced by the environments youth navigate — their schools, communities and daily pressures. This campaign empowers young people to speak openly, seek help and strengthen their capacity to thrive by fostering spaces where they feel valued and supported.
Our Health of Boston 2024: Mental Health Report underscores the urgency of this work, revealing a troubling rise in persistent sadness and hopelessness among young people. Youth of color, LGBTQ+ students and those in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods bear the brunt of this crisis. These findings are a stark reminder that mental health is intertwined with systemic issues, and addressing it requires more than individual interventions. It requires a community-wide commitment to change.
As part of our commitment to supporting the mental health of Boston’s youth, the Boston Public Health Commission, the city of Boston, and Boston Public Schools are taking a comprehensive approach that extends across schools, communities and families. Through partnerships with state and community organizations, we are working to ensure Boston’s students feel supported in every aspect of their lives. By integrating behavioral health specialists into schools and equipping educators with upskill training, we are creating environments where students feel heard, valued and empowered. These efforts go beyond academics; they make schools places where emotional well-being is prioritized alongside education, helping all students reach their full potential.
We are fixing gaps that often leave young people feeling unseen and unsupported. And we are building something strong: a safety blanket that offers reassurance during life’s most vulnerable moments and support tailored to young people’s needs. It’s built to meet them where they are, offering immediate support while helping them build strength and resilience to move forward.
Whether through viral posts and likes, shares, and comments on social media platforms, Heads Up seeks to meet young people where they are, fostering conversations that resonate in their digital lives. Whether online or in-person — at school, a community center in Roslindale, a coffee shop in Jamaica Plain, a restaurant in Chinatown or a barbershop in Mattapan — this campaign aims to make mental health an everyday topic, not something hidden in the shadows. By combining digital reach with community presence, Heads Up ensures that mental health is part of the conversation wherever young people gather.
It champions the strength and determination of our young people and reminds us that no one should face their struggles alone. Whether it’s a friend reaching out, a parent offering support or a community stepping in, every effort brings us closer to a city where young people feel seen, heard and valued. Let’s keep showing up for our youth. Let’s give someone a “Heads Up” today. It could change their life.
Kevin Simon, MD, MPH, is chief behavioral health officer for the city of Boston, and Samara Grossman, MSW, LICSW, is director of the Center for Behavioral Health and Wellness at the Boston Public Health Commission.
