Starkville High School sophomore Alex Jones is working with Macy's to raise awareness about the importance of mental health programming for teens just like her.
Alex, one of the faces of this nationwide campaign to support mental health programming and resources for America's youth, is sharing her personal story as she works to guarantee that young people have the needed tools to support their mental health as the school year begins.
Alex is just like other teens–she has a little brother, likes watching TV, and is on the varsity softball and volleyball team. But, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Alex began experiencing a decline in her own emotional well-being, just like nearly 70% of 12-17 year olds.
“Sharing your identity and being vulnerable helps you grow and develop throughout your life,” said Alex. “Just like my peers, my mental health journey is only beginning, but I’m confident I will get to where I want to be.”
The transition to high school was hard for Alex and she turned to JED for help. Particularly, she desired to start conversations around mental health and racial injustice while supporting other students of color. At just 15, she is leading the way in destigmatizing conversations about mental health in her hometown and surrounding areas. Alex dreams of starting a community support group so other teenagers, like her, have somewhere to turn to.
For the campaign, Macy’s has partnered with JED and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). During the six-week, national charitable giving and round up campaign, Macy’s customers can round up their purchases to nearest dollar to donate their change in stores from coast-to-coast to JED and NAMI. Customers will also have an opportunity to donate during checkout on macys.com and Macy’s mobile app. The funds raised will provide resources and create systemic change in youth mental health care through educational and support programs at schools and campuses in underserved communities across the United States.
Click here to hear directly from Alex.
