In Chicago's Englewood neighborhood, high levels of violence have resulted in significant chronic stress for local youth. The 'Choose to Change' program aims to address these issues, focusing on at-risk teenagers who often face violent environments. This initiative employs cognitive behavioral therapy to help participants reframe their traumatic experiences positively. Research indicates that teens in this program showed a 40% reduction in violent crime arrests. This approach highlights the importance of addressing mental health as part of efforts to reduce youth violence in urban communities.
'What we try to do is to have them look at those instances in a different way. Like, consider yourself a survivor,' program director Chris Sutton says.
Teenagers who participated were nearly 40% less likely to be arrested for a violent crime, compared with students who weren't in the program.
These reactions feeling numb or hyper alert are signs of chronic stress, and adults at their high school took note.
In Englewood, nearly 100 people were shot last year, profoundly affecting the mental health of the young residents.
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