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Maitri Youth Convention spotlights mental health and well-being
Youth, families, and mental health professionals discussed stigma, emotional well-being, and support systems for young people.
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Malvika Choudhary - Mon, 16, Feb 2026
- 12:52 EST
- 16
Maitri Youth Convention: Youth and Mental Health / Facebook/ Maitri Youth Convention
California nonprofit Maitri hosted a youth-led convention on mental health on Feb. 8 to address emotional well-being and mental health challenges facing young people.
The Maitri Youth Convention: Youth and Mental Health at the Cupertino Public Library drew local high school students, mental health professionals, community leaders, and families for an afternoon of discussions focused on awareness, stigma reduction, and help-seeking.
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The event, inaugurated by Cupertino Councilmember Sheila Mohan, featured a keynote session by Shalini Dayal, a licensed marriage, family, and child therapist, who outlined the differences between stress, anxiety, and depression and emphasized the role of open communication within families in supporting emotional health.
Another session was led by Preet Sabharwal, a licensed clinical psychologist, who spoke about the experiences of South Asian youth raised in the United States and discussed strategies for balancing cultural expectations while maintaining mental well-being.
Youth speakers addressed a range of issues, including family support during periods of distress, stigma around mental health, relationship dynamics within the South Asian community, academic pressure, coping with breakups, emotional resilience, and the influence of digital media, toxic masculinity, and influencer culture on men’s mental health.
Organizers said the convention aimed to create a safe space for young people to share experiences and learn practical tools for emotional wellness, reinforcing the message that youth mental health is a shared community responsibility.
Community partners, including Moms Demand Action and the California Women’s Hygiene Initiative, participated by hosting resource tables and providing information and support to attendees.
The event concluded with acknowledgements for the emcee, volunteers, speakers, youth participants, and community allies who contributed to the convention.
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