Issue 26: Urszula – Teacher, IdealMe Director, & Ms. Regal World 20/21

With 1 in 7 children experiencing a mental illness diagnosis, 70% of all mental disorders appearing before the age of 18, and suicide often being the leading cause of death of 15- to 24-year-olds. Our children’s mental health is more important than their grades. As a teacher, director of IdealMe, and the 2020/2021 Ms. Regal World – Urszula’s REAL WHY is bringing further awareness towards Youth Mental Health. By being an advocate for youth mental health, Urszula is able to inspire struggling youth to be themselves and seek help in relation to mental health concerns.

Children and Youth are our future. Fostering a society which supports their socio-emotional development, allows youth and their families to thrive. With effective resources aiming to support and educate on their emotions, students are able to understand where their anxiety and stress comes from. Allowing them to develop strategies which elevate their emotional growth into adulthood. With increased awareness, and mental health resources, families are able to provide a secure and positive environment for their youth. The more children/youth understand their sense of self, confidence, and esteem, the more they will thrive throughout their future education and career. Our children deserve a society which is excepting of their unique qualities and abilities.

Through her upbringing, Urszula experienced the lack of resources towards mental health awareness as the concept of mental health was such a taboo subject. Dealing with the complexities of life, Urszula experienced her fair share of anxiety and stressful situations. She knew she wanted to make a difference in the lives of children and youth. Which lead her on the journey to becoming a teacher and an Educational Coordinator/Director of IdealMe Enrichment Foundation.

IdealMe Enrichment Foundation provides leadership and positive change in the continued promotion of excellence through education, technology, art, emotional intelligence, and well-being. IdealMe offers affordable resources and world-class programs/services which touch the lives of thousands of youth, their families, and professionals. IdealMe’s members are experts in the field of youth mental health, speaking at various panel discussions pertaining to mental health, education, and self-development. IdealMe offers various supportive outlets in which support youth mental health and their families: workshops for youth; online courses and seminars for parents, teachers, and professionals in the field of youth and mental health; counselling; and life-coaching.

In order to foster positive change globally, IdealMe offers awards and scholarships for youth who led extraordinary efforts in their communities. The winner of the Humanitarian Award, provided by IdealMe, will be announced at the annual International Peace Festival; and will be chosen based on the following criteria: impact; leadership; and resiliency. To be eligible for the Humanitarian Award nominees must be outstanding youth between the ages of 10 to 24 years old.

Through Urszula’s involvement with the IdealMe Enrichment Foundation, she has witnessed first-hand the excellent work they contribute to improving youth mental health. Through this Foundation Urszula, along with her colleagues at IdealMe, created the Talk2Alex App. Talk2Alex is a supportive youth mental health interactive toll, which supports and educates youth on the importance of mental health and emotion regulation techniques. Talk2Alex provides science-based activities and games meant to reduce stress, build resilience, and overcome negative thoughts. We all deal with stressful situations, hence the importance in teaching youth ways to effectively understand and work through their thoughts and feelings in a health way.

As a society we are on a path to become more aware as to the resources in which support youth mental health. With individuals such as Urszula, we are on a journey to effectively help and support youth further understand their worth and ways to managing difficult situations.

Want to learn more about Urszula and her platform? Check out her Instagram @mrscanadagoals

Check out https://talk2alex.app/ for more information on Talk2Alex and the Apps benefits in improving you and your child’s mental health!

Know someone who deserve to be recognized for their philanthropic efforts? Nominate them for a Humanitarian Award through the IdealMe Enrichment Foundation at https://idealmefoundation.org/

Are you someone who is a positive change maker? Have a story to tell? Passionate towards a particular issue? Contact The REAL Resilient Michayla Del Guidice for more information:

Email: michayladelguidice@gmail.com

Instagram: @msmichaylad_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MsMichaylaD

Join the REAL Resilient’s Facebook Group to join a supportive community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/therealresilients