What does it really look like when a young person is struggling with their mental health—and how can the adults in their lives respond?

In this episode of Breaking Barriers with Youth, we talk about youth mental health, the signs adults sometimes miss, and why changes in behavior may be telling us more than we realize. We also explore how parents, caregivers, educators, and other trusted adults can create space for honest conversations without judgment or immediately trying to “fix” everything.

Young people may not always have the words to say, “I need help.” Sometimes we have to notice, ask, and most importantly—listen.

Join us for a practical conversation about breaking the stigma around mental health and helping young people feel seen, heard, and supported.

Breaking Barriers with Youth is presented by Liberty Partnership Community Council (LPKNC).

In this episode of Breaking Barriers with Youth (BBY), we elevate what matters most—authentic youth voice.

Co-hosts Jamal, Alejandro and Miriam lead a powerful conversation on the realities youth are facing today, from mental health challenges to the influence of social media and the critical role schools play in providing support. This episode reflects LPKNC’s commitment to youth-adult partnerships—where young people are not just participants, but leaders in shaping solutions.

Together, they unpack the state of youth mental health in Arizona and the growing need for stronger, more accessible support systems. For many youth, schools serve as the primary place for connection and care—yet gaps still exist. Resources may be available, but not always fully utilized or reaching students in meaningful ways.

The conversation also explores the dual role of social media. While it can provide a sense of escape and connection, it can also contribute to stress, comparison, and decreased self-esteem. Youth share how navigating both online and real-world relationships requires balance, awareness, and support.

Alejandro and Miriam speak candidly about the pressures youth face—academic expectations, peer dynamics, and at times, a lack of support at home. They also highlight the different ways young people cope, from healthy outlets like nature and connection to more isolating behaviors that signal a need for greater intervention and care.

At its core, this episode is a call to action for parents, educators, and community leaders.

Youth are asking for more than surface-level solutions. They want open conversations, accessible mental health resources, and environments where they feel seen, heard, and supported. They are also clear—removing or reducing mental health support in schools is not the answer. Strengthening it is.

Breaking barriers starts with listening.

And in this episode, youth are leading the way.

On this episode we have a special guest, Edgar Castro-Espinoza.
Edgar Castro Espinoza is a Coach / Personal Trainer, an entrepreneur, motivational speaker and social media Influencer.

Founder of Under D.A.W.G Athletics

Est. 2020 (D.edicated A.thletes W.ho G.rind) He started this brand to uplift not only athletes but anyone that feels under shadowed or under appreciated. He felt like athletes needed MORE than a trainer but rather a mentor.His mission is to motivate and inspire the youth to break generational curses through social media content on personal/mental growth and consistency on developing life skills to break past your limits. “Motivation is temporary consistency is results”

We talk about his fitness journey and his entry into the motivation speaking world. We also go into a conversation about how dangerous steroids can be and lead to at a young age.

If you would like to follow Edgar:
Instagram: @coached_by_e

if you would like to follow LPKNC:
@LPKNC (Insta and FB)