How do young people really experience and talk about mental health?

In this episode of Detroit Youth Rising, Bobbi, president of the Detroit Phoenix Center Youth Action Board, sits down with Carter and Kevin to open up about their own mental health journeys. They talk about what the term means to them, how stigma and silence affect their communities, and the ways their personal struggles—from ADHD to panic attacks—have shaped their lives.

The conversation digs deep into the challenges youth face, from growing up in neighborhoods marked by violence to coping with bullying, grief, and family pressures. Carter and Kevin share how mental health issues have impacted their school years, relationships, and daily routines, while also reflecting on the lack of accessible and genuine resources for young people in Detroit.

Through their honesty and vulnerability, Carter and Kevin highlight the urgent need for better support systems. They call for therapy to be free, for schools to introduce mental health education early, and for communities to approach the topic with empathy rather than judgment. Their reflections shine a light on both the struggles and the resilience of young people navigating mental health today.

How do young people really experience and talk about mental health?

In this episode of Detroit Youth Rising, Bobbi, president of the Detroit Phoenix Center Youth Action Board, sits down with Carter and Kevin to open up about their own mental health journeys. They talk about what the term means to them, how stigma and silence affect their communities, and the ways their personal struggles—from ADHD to panic attacks—have shaped their lives.

The conversation digs deep into the challenges youth face, from growing up in neighborhoods marked by violence to coping with bullying, grief, and family pressures. Carter and Kevin share how mental health issues have impacted their school years, relationships, and daily routines, while also reflecting on the lack of accessible and genuine resources for young people in Detroit.

Through their honesty and vulnerability, Carter and Kevin highlight the urgent need for better support systems. They call for therapy to be free, for schools to introduce mental health education early, and for communities to approach the topic with empathy rather than judgment. Their reflections shine a light on both the struggles and the resilience of young people navigating mental health today.

What does career success look like when you're just starting out?

In this episode of Detroit Youth Rising, Bobbi, president of the Detroit Phoenix Center Youth Action Board, sits down with Elijah and Justin to talk about the path to building a career. They open up about their personal dreams—Elijah's interest in psychology and Justin's passion for finance—and the questions they're asking themselves as they imagine the future.

The conversation dives into the real challenges young people face when thinking about work. Elijah and Justin explore the skills they'll need, the importance of determination, and the obstacles that come with breaking into competitive fields. They also reflect on their first jobs at DPC, where they learned the fundamentals of professionalism, teamwork, and what it means to show up ready to succeed.

Throughout the episode, the youth share powerful insights on what career success means to them—not just money or titles, but finding work that is meaningful and sustainable. Their reflections highlight the resilience, curiosity, and honesty of young people navigating big decisions about their futures, offering inspiration for anyone who has ever wondered what it takes to turn ambition into opportunity.