Using theater to support youth mental health in an unsteady political climate

By Felicia Brookins

JA Guest Writer

Everywhere we turn, it feels like the political landscape is shifting under our feet. Hard-earned progress in mental health access, diversity, education, and safe spaces for young people is being chipped away. And while adults argue over policies, it’s our youth, our teens and children, who are left carrying the emotional load. They’re trying to make sense of fear, uncertainty, and a future that may feel like it’s closing in on them instead of expanding to make room for them. 

That’s exactly why the S.A.F.E. S.P.A.C.E TheaterTherapy Foundation was formed. I wanted to carve out a place where young people could talk honestly about what they’re feeling, tap into their creativity, and work through the mental health challenges they face because of the stressful and traumatizing things happening around them without having to face judgment or pressure. Through theater, storytelling, and community mental health events, we create the kind of environment that help our children feel seen, heard, and supported.

As part of my efforts to get the conversation started around mental health with our youth and teens, I collaborate with specialists in social work, licensed counselors, and trained therapists who help guide our youth and teens through some of the tougher emotional terrain. Their expertise creates an environment of safety and support, making it easier for youth and teens to open up about what they’re really thinking and feeling.

I use theater scripts that address different mental health themes, everything from anxiety and identity to grief, family conflict, and the constant pressure young people face today. These scripts aren’t just performances; they’re conversation starters. They give youth and teens a chance to step into scenarios that mirror real challenges, express emotions they usually hold in, and explore solutions in ways that feel natural and non-threatening.

By bringing mental health professionals into the process and using theater-based scripts to spark dialogue, we’re able to create a unique blend of creativity and clinical support. It’s a structure that not only encourages honest conversation but also helps youth make sense of their emotions with guidance, compassion, and a sense of community.

Our children are witnessing political decisions that directly affect their identities, their communities, and the services they depend on. Theater as a form of therapy and communication give them a grounding point. It provides a healthy outlet where they can unpack their fears, express their feelings and thoughts, and discover their voices and creativity through expression. 

When young people step onstage or write their own pieces, they get to explore emotions they may not know how to express in everyday life. They find language for what hurts. They get to imagine solutions, confront challenges, and build confidence – sometimes without even realizing they’re doing it. And when families participate or watch these performances, it opens doors to conversations that may never have happened otherwise.

This work matters even more in faith-based and underserved communities, where talking openly about mental health is often met with hesitation. Creative expression offers a bridge. It softens the edges, makes tough topics approachable, and gives young people permission to speak honestly about what they’re going through – sometimes for the first time.

At the heart of S.A.F.E. S.P.A.C.E. TheaterTherapy Foundation is a simple belief: Youth deserve a place where their voices and experiences are honored, their emotions are respected, and their mental health is priority. 

In a climate where so much feels unstable, we owe it to our young people to make sure they aren’t silenced or sidelined. They need tools that build resilience, adults who take them seriously, and communities willing to listen. When we give them space to tell their experiences and express their thoughts and feelings, we’re not just helping them cope, we’re helping them transform mental and emotional pain into mental wellness.

And that transformation is exactly what will shape the leaders, the creators, and the healers of tomorrow.

Felicia Brookins is an award-winning author-screenwriter.