In this panel discussion, members of the Youth Advisory Board will share their perspectives on the pressures facing teens today, including academic expectations, burnout, anxiety, stress, social media, and the pressure to always be available. Panelists will discuss what adults often misunderstand about teen mental health and what support actually looks like from the teen perspective.

The Youth Advisory Board is a collaboration between Grant Halliburton Foundation and UT Southwestern’s Center for Depression Research and Clinical Care, empowering students to elevate youth mental health awareness and programming. Through honest conversation, youth panelists will offer insight into what makes an adult feel trustworthy, what causes teens to shut down, and how teachers, counselors, parents, coaches, and mental health professionals can better support teens without judgment.

Julián Kalel’s TeenED Talk will offer a meaningful and creative moment, connecting lived experience with the power of music. Attendees will leave with a reminder that vulnerability, connection, and hope can be powerful tools in the mental health journey.

Through music and personal storytelling, Julián will share his experience with mental health struggles, healing, and finding hope. His performance and message will invite attendees to reflect on what it means to surrender, move through pain, and continue forward with honesty, courage, and resilience.