The Dublin Mental Health Forum

Sharanya Donepudi

The Youth Advisory Committee of Dublin, California is a youth-led initiative that strives to connect with and understand the children and teens throughout the city. The committee works to address many of the challenges youth face while promoting their overall physical and mental well-being. Throughout the term, the committee hosts various events, fundraisers, and forums, all aimed at benefiting the youth in our community. This year, I, Sharanya Donepudi, served as a committee member and took part in the numerous activities we organized.

One of the initiatives the Youth Advisory Committee led during the 2025–2026 term was the Youth Mental Health Forum. This took place on November 13, 2025, at the Shannon Community Center. We welcomed children, teens, parents, and other community members to learn more about mental health and its many forms. The forum featured a panel of mental health professionals, including local therapists, school counselors, educators, and youth representatives. The panelists discussed mental health, common coping strategies, and the importance of reaching out for support. Audience members also listened as several speakers shared their personal experiences with mental health and how they learned to cope with different challenges. Throughout the event, attendees could scan a QR code to anonymously submit questions or share their own experiences, which were answered by professionals such as guidance counselors, psychologists, and therapists. As a volunteer, I really enjoyed being part of this program because I felt it was a meaningful way to spread awareness about mental health while also helping young people learn healthy ways to cope and support one another.

Image credit: https://www.displaynote.com/blog/mental-health-in-the-workplace/