Every day, teens face a choice: reach out for help or try to handle things alone.
Too often, that choice feels impossible. The stigma around mental health, the fear of being judged, and the belief that no one will understand can make it feel safer to stay silent. That silence can be heavy, and it is why we started Project Open Room.
The Problem We Saw
In our schools, in our communities, and even in our friend groups, we kept seeing the same pattern. Teens were struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, and the pressure to fit in. But instead of asking for help, many turned to unhealthy coping habits, not because they didn’t care, but because they didn’t know where else to turn.
Did You Know?A 2024 CDC study found that 73% of teens with substance use issues said they used to feel calm or relaxed. And half of them were using alone.
That is not a trend. That is a signal for help.
The statistics are alarming, but every number is also a person. A classmate. A sibling. A friend. And what we kept realizing was that resources are important, but what is often missing is real connection.
What "Open Room" Means
To us, an "open room" is not just a place. It is a mindset.
It is the idea that everyone deserves a space where they can speak honestly and be met with understanding instead of judgment. It is about keeping the door open, both literally and figuratively, for anyone who needs to talk, vent, or just be seen.
Rooms are where real conversations happen. When a room is open, it signals safety, welcome, and belonging. That is exactly how we want people to feel when they interact with anything we create.
Choosing Connection Over Coping Alone
We believe that connection is more powerful than trying to cope in isolation. Yes, healthy coping strategies matter, but they become much more effective when you are supported by people who get it.
When teens feel connected to others who understand them, they are more likely to:
- Seek help when they need it
- Discover healthier ways to manage stress
- Feel less alone in their struggles
- Grow resilience and confidence
- Support others in meaningful ways
Our Approach
Project Open Room is not just another mental health website. We are building a community-driven platform that prioritizes:
Peer to Peer Support
Sometimes the most powerful support comes from someone who has been there. We facilitate connections between teens who can relate to each other's experiences.
Practical Resources
We provide actionable tools and strategies that teens can actually use in their daily lives, not just theoretical advice.
Safe Spaces
Every interaction on our platform is designed to be judgment-free, supportive, and focused on healing and growth.
Youth-Led Initiatives
We are not just building for teens, we are building with them. Everything we do is shaped by youth voices, ideas, and leadership.
Storytelling that Connects
Stories help us feel seen. Through blog posts, videos, and conversations, we elevate real stories from real people, the kind that make you think, “Wait, I am not the only one.”
Looking Forward
This is just the beginning. As Project Open Room grows, we are committed to expanding our resources, building stronger community connections, and continuing to break down the barriers that keep teens from getting the support they deserve.
We believe that every young person has the right to feel heard, understood, and supported. By choosing connection over isolation, we can create a world where no teen has to face their struggles alone.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we are keeping the room open.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, February 2024. Read the full article on NBC News.
Want to Share Your Story?
Your experience could help another teen feel less alone. We would love to hear from you.
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