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Youth Mental Health and Substance Use

Published

4 years ago

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Substance use, including tobacco products such as electronic cigarettes, has increased among youth in our community. Starting in middle school, we have seen that vaping has been recognized as something cool that everyone was doing. At one point or another, we all have experienced moments where we felt peer pressure to take up this new thing that all our friends were doing. For instance, we might have heard our friends say it helps them deal with stress and anxiety. A close friend might have told us to “try it” and some of us might have been tempted for a second. In other instances, we have contemplated substance use of any kind because we wanted to fit in a new environment with a new crowd because we thought “how bad can it really be?” However, substance use poses many dangers to your physical health and mental health. By writing this, our goal is to inform not only our peers, the Somali youth, but also our parents and/or guardians about the prevalence of substance use among youth in our community. More people need to acknowledge the extent of this issue that is not only causing significant physical health issues but also worsening the mental health of our youth. 

Vaping by Somali youth has increased significantly in recent years, and starts as early as middle school. At this age, peer pressure can make vaping seem “cool” and lead to youth using it to fit in with their peers. However, vaping at this age primes the developing brain for more substance use such as Marijuana or other harmful substances which can result in serious mental health issues. A 2017 report on substance use found that Somali youth in middle school and high school are more likely to use illicit drugs and misuse prescription medication in the state of Minnesota than their non-Somali peers. Consequently, many of our Somali youths are struggling with mental health issues. 

What a lot of youth are not well-informed about are the serious health problems that vaping and substance use can cause. Besides addiction, substance use can cause long term health issues that are often irreversible. For example, most vaping products, such as JUUL, contain high levels of nicotine, which is the drug found in tobacco products to make them addictive. A single JUUL pod contains at least as much nicotine as a pack of 20 regular cigarettes. Nicotine is quickly absorbed into the body and goes directly to the brain. It activates areas of the brain that make you feel satisfied and happy, so the person using these products may think that vaping is helping them when in reality, it is just providing a temporary feeling that will make the person addicted and only worsen their mental health. Besides nicotine, e-cigarette aerosol and flavorings can contain cancer-causing chemicals, heavy metals, and ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deeply into the lungs and harm your body.

Nicotine in vaping products is dangerously addictive and can lead to other addictions to different tobacco products or other harmful substances. Substance use might provide temporary happy sensations, excitement or relaxation, but it impacts your body, thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and even affects the loved ones around you. Continued substance use can cause serious health issues such as lung disease, liver problems, and increased risk for stroke. It can also drastically change your physical appearance and cause or worsen mental health.

Therefore, when it comes to stress, anxiety or any other issues with mental health, it is important to find healthy ways of coping, rather than turning to substance use. Find practical ways that work for you to quiet the noise inside your mind and the world around you. For example, try going on a walk, taking time off from technology, and surrounding yourself with nature. You can also try mindfulness, a type of meditation that helps you focus and be aware of what you are feeling at that moment. It is important to engage in other productive activities such as art, sports, or learning a new skill to fill your time. Engage in activities that also help you avoid isolation and keep you connected with your family and friends, such as sharing a meal or taking a walk with someone.

Our community, both adults and youth, should unite as one to fight against these dangerous products and poisonous advertisements that target the youth in our community. We should stand up against this problem and provide a safe environment that promotes healthier coping strategies. For our parents and guardians, we want to say that communication is very important. Most youths might be afraid of being judged by family or friends when they talk about their addiction or seek help with their mental health problems. The more we engage in open communication within ourselves and our community, the more we can understand what our youth are going through and provide them with the help they need. We need to you create a space where we feel safe and cared for so we can tell you about our problems and come to you for help.

For our peers, be careful with your choices. Remember that your brain is developing until the age of 25, so you wouldn’t want to negatively affect your brain during this important developmental stage. Keep your brain as healthy as you possibly can by staying away from substance use of any kind. Always stand by your choice to refuse drugs. Saying no takes courage and practice and you should not feel guilty about putting your health and safety first. We’ve all experienced some sort of peer pressure, but remember that you are your own person. You are living for yourself, not others, so think about what’s right for you and don’t let what others do dictate your choices. Be yourself, no matter what. Always remember that a true friend should respect a friend’s choice to say “no”. If your friends are not willing to understand, then you likely have the wrong friends.

Written by:

Aisha Mohamud

Mumtaza Mohamed

Socaad Haille

WellShare International

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Health

Deputies and Crisis Negotiators Safely Resolve Mental Health Crisis Outside Hennepin Healthcare

Published

5 days ago

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March 5, 2026

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Minneapolis — A tense mental health crisis unfolded Thursday morning outside Hennepin Healthcare, where deputies and crisis negotiators worked for hours to safely intervene and ensure a person in distress received medical care.

According to the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, deputies assigned to the hospital responded to reports of a person in crisis inside a vehicle that was blocking traffic near the facility. When deputies approached, they observed the individual actively harming themself by cutting their head with multiple knives.

Crisis negotiators with the sheriff’s office arrived within minutes and began speaking with the individual in an effort to de-escalate the situation and persuade them to put down the weapons and accept help.

The incident prompted authorities to close nearby streets, including Chicago Avenue and 6th Street, to secure the area. At one point, part of the hospital’s emergency room was also placed on lockdown as a precaution while the situation unfolded.

For approximately two hours, negotiators maintained communication with the individual, who appeared to respond to their efforts to encourage them to exit the vehicle and seek assistance.

However, officials said the situation escalated suddenly when the person began cutting their own throat. Deputies then deployed less-lethal munitions to break the vehicle’s windows, allowing them to quickly gain access and intervene to prevent further injury.

The individual was taken into the hospital and is currently receiving medical care.

During the response, a crowd of roughly 20 to 30 people gathered nearby. Authorities said some members of the crowd shouted obscenities toward deputies, increasing tensions despite officers explaining the circumstances of the situation.

Officials noted that in incidents involving individuals experiencing an active mental health crisis, even minor disturbances can heighten the risk and complicate efforts to safely de-escalate the situation.

Authorities also acknowledged that emotions remain heightened in the community following Operation Metro Surge, but emphasized that law enforcement officers continue to respond to challenging situations that require patience, coordination, and care.

The sheriff’s office expressed appreciation for the agencies that assisted at the scene, including the Minneapolis Police Department, Minneapolis Behavioral Crisis Team, and Hennepin Healthcare paramedics for all of their work bringing this incident to a safe ending and providing on scene support and medical aid. HCSO crisis negotiators are highly trained professionals skilled in communicating with people who are experiencing a mental health crisis. They also respond to barricaded subjects, hostage situations, and other high-risk incidents involving weapons, working patiently and strategically to bring situations to a safe resolution.

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Community Resource

Hennepin County Seeks Community Partners to Prevent Violence

Published

1 week ago

on

March 1, 2026

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Hennepin County is inviting community organizations, service providers, and residents to partner in strengthening violence prevention efforts across the county.

To support collaboration, the county will host both in-person and virtual information sessions. These gatherings will give potential partners the opportunity to ask questions, share feedback, and help shape how this important work moves forward together.

Building Safer, Stronger Communities

Over the past several years, violence prevention staff within Hennepin County’s Safe Communities area have worked closely with community-based providers in neighborhoods most impacted by violence. Their shared goal is to increase safety and ensure residents have access to:

  • Basic needs and essential resources
  • Meaningful employment opportunities
  • Safe spaces to grow and learn
  • Psychological support and a sense of being valued
  • Freedom from fear
  • Pride and belonging in their communities

Through collaboration, the county and its partners aim to create protective environments for young people, connect them with caring adults and positive activities, and promote healthy families.

“Violence prevention is a collective effort,” said Ifrah Jama, violence prevention coordinator for Hennepin County. “Every young person has the potential to choose peace over violence. We can support and guide them in recognizing the strength of compassion and understanding. Empowering our youth to become leaders in peacebuilding is at the heart of our violence prevention effort. They are the change-makers of tomorrow.”

Get Involved

As the county prepares to seek proposals for 2027 programming, community members are encouraged to attend upcoming virtual feedback sessions to learn more and share input.

Virtual Gathering:
Tuesday, March 10
1 p.m.

Learn more: Community violence prevention request for proposals

Organizations and residents who are committed to creating safer neighborhoods and expanding opportunity for youth are strongly encouraged to participate.

Together, we can build communities where every young person feels safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.

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Health

City of Minneapolis Launches First NARCAN Vending Machine on the Northside

Published

10 months ago

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May 15, 2025

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Minneapolis – In a groundbreaking effort to expand access to life-saving overdose intervention tools, the Minneapolis Health Department, in partnership with Hennepin County, has installed the first NARCAN vending machine in North Minneapolis. The machine is located at Fire Station 14, which also operates as the City’s Safe Station—a trusted and welcoming space for individuals seeking help with substance use and recovery.

The vending machine is stocked with more than 100 boxes of NARCAN, with each box containing two doses of the opioid overdose reversal medication. It is accessible 24/7 and available at no cost—no ID, insurance, or appointments required.

Fire Station 14 serves as more than just an emergency response hub—it’s a point of connection. Those who walk through its doors can access peer recovery specialists and a network of support services aimed at helping people take the next step in their recovery journey.

Support is here, and it’s closer than you think. By putting tools like NARCAN directly into the hands of community members, Minneapolis is taking a vital step toward building healthier, more resilient neighborhoods.

Watch the announcement: https://www.youtube.com/live/K6HeebdcXL0

Find resources: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/…/current-concerns/opioids/

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