The OK Challenge: Empowering Teens to Advocate for Mental Health Wellness

In today’s complex social landscape, mental health among teenagers has become a pressing issue. According to the CDC, nearly 40% of high school students report experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. In response, the nonprofit organization, OK You, is initiating an innovative movement dubbed the OK Challenge. This initiative aims to harness the creativity and experiences of young people to turn personal challenges into vibrant discussions and actionable wellness strategies.

The OK Challenge calls upon high school students nationwide to express their ideas for enhancing mental well-being through creative means until March 31. Participants can submit their ideas in a format that fits on an 8.5 x 11 paper or document. As Kathleen Lane, the founder of OK You, states, “Through so many challenges, young people have amassed a ton of wisdom and some pretty incredible coping strategies. We believe they belong at the center of our conversations about mental health.”

Originally started in 2023 as a regional competition in collaboration with Wieden+Kennedy and the Portland Art Museum, the OK Challenge has since grown into a national movement. The previous year's submissions showcased remarkable creativity, with entries ranging from artistic expressions like “breath painting” to initiatives that encourage planting worries in gardens. One such participant, Alyssia Menezes, crafted artwork from crumpled worries, finding it a source of beauty amidst challenging days. “It’s nice to look at, reminding me that while things might not seem great right now, life is still beautiful,” she reflected.

For its 2025 edition, OK You has partnered with institutions like Caldera and the Regional Arts & Culture Council to broaden the challenge's scope, inspiring youth to draw from their personal experiences and hobbies, be it gaming, cooking, writing, or dance. The initiative aims to foster public dialogue about mental health while showcasing youth-led solutions to complex challenges.

The healing power of creativity is supported by research from the National Library of Medicine, which highlights that creative outlets can enhance teenagers' perceived control over their emotions and resilience against stressors. Anya Li, a third-prize winner from last year, echoed this sentiment through her project, which she called “Affirmation Monster.” Her design allowed her to express turbulent feelings in a controlled manner, enabling her to feel grounded even amidst external chaos. “Through my project, I hope others will not only feel more in control but also see themselves, complex emotions and all, in a more positive light,” Anya expressed.

Finalists from this year's challenge will gain further recognition, with their projects published in an e-book available on the OK You website. This publication aims to serve as a resource for youth and supporters nationwide. As Hana Layson from the Portland Art Museum pointed out, “The OK Challenge recognizes the knowledge that high school students carry and provides a platform for them to share that knowledge.”

Dr. Heather Hadraba, an influential figure in school counseling, reinforced the importance of prioritizing mental health discussions among young individuals. “Mental health matters, and OK You is ensuring young people are at the center of the conversation,” she mentioned, emphasizing the critical need for youth engagement in mental health advocacy.

Submissions to the OK Challenge will be accepted until March 31. Interested participants can visit okyou.org/ok-challenge-2025 for more information. For real-time updates and insights into the competition, aspiring contributors can follow OK You on Instagram at @okyou_org. Together, through collective creativity and support, we can inspire a new narrative surrounding teen mental health and wellbeing.