Start with What Matters Most:

But before we can optimize our physical health, we must protect the foundation of well-being — safety, mental health, and relationships.

For adolescents and young adults, these foundational factors matter most. Because for this generation, the leading causes of death are not chronic diseases, but preventable behavioral and emotional risks — violence, mental health crises, and substance-related injuries.

What the Data Shows

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2024):

• For people aged 10–24, the top causes of death are:
  
  
  
  1. Unintentional injuries (including drug overdoses and accidents)
     
     
  2. Suicide
     
     
  3. Homicide
     
     
• Together, these account for over 75% of all deaths in this age group.
  
  
• Substance use plays a major role: nearly 1 in 6 adolescents report misusing prescription drugs, vaping THC, or using other substances before age 18.
  
  
• Mental health symptoms are widespread — 44% of high school students report persistent sadness or hopelessness, and 1 in 5 have seriously considered suicide.
  
  
• Violence exposure — including dating violence, bullying, or assault — affects 1 in 4 young people before age 25.
  
  

These numbers remind us: before chasing physical perfection or longevity, we must focus on safety, stability, and emotional connection — the most vital healthy actions of all.

How to Recognize the Signs That Someone Needs Help

1. Emotional and Mental Health Changes

• Withdrawal from friends, family, or normal activities
  
  
• Major shifts in sleep, appetite, or energy
  
  
• Expressions of hopelessness, guilt, or self-blame
  
  
• Increased irritability, risk-taking, or talking about “not being here”
  
  

2. Substance Use or Addiction Patterns

• Secretive behavior or changes in friend groups
  
  
• Declining grades or work performance
  
  
• Smell of alcohol or marijuana; signs of intoxication
  
  
• Denial or defensiveness when confronted
  
  

3. Relationship or Violence Risks

• Frequent arguments that escalate quickly
  
  
• Signs of control or fear in a relationship
  
  
• Unexplained bruises or injuries
  
  
• Expressions like “I can’t leave” or “It’s my fault”
  
  

If you notice any of these signs — pause, reach out, and connect.

A simple, caring question like “Hey, I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed yourself lately — want to talk?” can make a life-changing difference.

How to De-escalate or Help

1. Stay Calm in Conflict

• Take a breath before responding — calm energy is contagious.
  
  
• Use a steady tone, not volume.
  
  
• Focus on understanding, not winning.
  
  
• If emotions are too high, take a “pause” — step away and revisit the issue later.
  
  

2. If You Suspect Anxiety or Depression

• Ask open-ended questions like: “What’s been hardest for you lately?”
  
  
• Listen without judging or interrupting.
  
  
• Encourage professional help — a counselor, doctor, or trusted adult.
  
  
• Remind them they’re not alone — connection itself is healing.
  
  

3. If You Think Someone Is Using Substances

• Express concern from a place of care: “I’m worried about you because I care, not because I’m judging.”
  
  
• Help them find support — a therapist, recovery group, or peer mentor.
  
  
• If overdose or intoxication risk is present, call 911 immediately.
  
  

4. In a Violent or Unsafe Situation

• Never try to intervene physically — prioritize your own safety.
  
  
• If immediate danger exists, contact 911 or a local crisis line.
  
  
• For domestic or dating violence: call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) — the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
  
  
• For emotional support or crisis help: 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7, text or call).
  

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Healing Humanity Starts with Us

At Galvan, we believe health begins with awareness, connection, and compassion.

Every time someone checks in with a friend, chooses calm over conflict, or reaches out for help — that’s a healthy action.

As Galvan community members we are learning that small, consistent acts — from meditation and mindfulness to self-reflection and gratitude — build the emotional resilience that protects against crisis.

Each positive action creates a measurable signal of well-being — and together, those signals form a new kind of health data: human connection as medicine.

Final Thought

Health isn’t just what we eat or how we move.

It’s how we treat ourselves and each other.

Before we chase our next goal, let’s make sure we’re building from a foundation of safety, empathy, and emotional strength.

Because the most important healthy action of all…

is caring — for ourselves, and for one another.

Resources for Immediate Help

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988
  
  
• National Domestic Violence Hotline — 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
  
  
• SAMHSA Substance Use Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
  
  
• Crisis Text Line — text HELLO to 741741

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