The Take Space to Pause initiative, launched in December 2024 by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), arrives at a crucial time for addressing the mental health needs of teenagers across California, including Indigenous youth in Los Angeles. With half of all lifetime mental health conditions surfacing by age 14, the campaign offers culturally sensitive tools that resonate deeply with communities that have long faced unique barriers to mental health care.
At the core of the initiative is the website TakeSpaceToPause.org, a bilingual (English and Spanish) platform offering teens a chance to input their feelings and receive practical, personalized strategies to manage stress. This resource is particularly meaningful to Indigenous community members in LA, where the intersection of intergenerational trauma, systemic inequities, and cultural resilience shapes mental health experiences. The initiative’s focus on proactive care aligns with Indigenous values of holistic well-being, recognizing the importance of mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
The campaign’s inclusive approach wasn’t incidental—it was informed by input from thousands of teens, ensuring its tools and messaging reflect the diverse realities of California’s youth. For Indigenous teens, the emphasis on recognizing and addressing “breaking points” speaks to the need for culturally affirming spaces to navigate stress and advocate for their wellness. This initiative not only acknowledges systemic disparities but actively works to empower teens to reclaim their mental health as a form of self-determination.
The Los Angeles launch event at The Preserve LA brought this to life with a youth-led panel featuring on mental health that included diverse perspectives, including voices from Indigenous communities.
Three youth leaders from the CDPH YouthCoLab spoke from the heart about thier own experience with mental health, with touching personal stories and trimumphs. The panel leaders also spoke of the larger challenges facing todays teens, and their shared strategies to overcome them. (Hint: In the app, you can even talk to a pet-themed buddy! Apparently the penguin is a favorite).
The event also offered a self-care expo, with build-it-yourself sensory calming kits, and a sweet dog for animal therapy. This can be very useful for Indigenous youth, with similar cultural practices connecting to plant and animal life through rituals.
More broadly, Take Space to Pause is part of Governor Newsom’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), a holistic plan addressing youth mental health disparities statewide. This effort speaks directly to communities like LA’s Indigenous population, who have historically been underserved by mental health systems. By integrating accessibility, cultural sensitivity, and community collaboration, the initiative aims to reduce stigma while fostering equity. The campaign’s three-step framework—Reconsider, Educate, Motivate—equips teens with the knowledge and tools to manage their mental health proactively. Assistant Deputy Director Ana Bolaños and Dr. Sohil Sud, Director of CYBHI, emphasized the importance of self-care and community support during the event.
The campaign also remembers the golden rule: fish where the fish are. As youth are often on social media and digital platforms, the Take Space to Pause campaign is extremely active on these platforms, with an active presence on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube (@TakeSpacetoPause) is another avenue where Indigenous youth in urban settings can connect to these resources. These platforms provide space to redefine mental health through the lens of personal identity, community support, and cultural strength.
For Indigenous youth in Los Angeles, Take Space to Pause isn’t just about managing stress—it’s about reclaiming wellness, honoring their unique path, and building a future where their mental health is prioritized and protected.
This movement invites all teens, especially those from underserved communities, to step back, breathe, and take control of their well-being in a way that feels authentic to who they are.
