Meet Tamar Cox-Rubien, NAMI-NYC’s Youth Peer Leader. Tamar leads a free, weekly support group for teens, responds to the Teen Helpline, and pioneers other programming for youth. We sat down with Tamar to talk about her own experience with mental health and how it impacts the way she looks at our teen programs.

How has your personal journey with mental health shaped your role as a Youth Peer Leader at NAMI-NYC? 

I started struggling with my mental health in my early teenage years, and my journey of healing, including therapy and group support, drew me to this work. Being in a mental health space with others my age was empowering and made me realize I was not alone.

Because I’ve been in that place myself, I have deep empathy for others struggling with mental health challenges. I know firsthand that healing is possible, and that’s what fuels me as a Youth Peer Leader. I want to help others reach a place where they feel empowered in their own lives. And even though I’ve come a long way, I still actively maintain my mental health. It’s a continuous process, and I’m proud of my progress.  

Whether it’s teens supporting their friends, families supporting their loved ones, or trained peers helping others navigate the mental health system, no one should have to face this journey alone. 

From your perspective, how have conversations about mental health among young people changed in the last five years? 

There’s a lot more awareness now, especially post-pandemic. Mental health terms have become part of everyday conversations, and people, especially teens, are talking about mental health more openly with each other and even with their parents. That’s an important shift. 

At the same time, the pandemic took a huge toll. Many young people hit a breaking point, experiencing intense stress, grief, and social isolation. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10-14 and 20-34. We’re still collectively processing what happened, and the need for mental health support hasn’t gone away. 

That’s where NAMI-NYC comes in. Through programs like Ending the Silence, which brings mental health education into NYC schools, and the Connection Corner teen support group, we provide the resources young people need to talk openly about their struggles and get real help. We also support parents and families because addressing mental health requires community effort. 

How do you think social media has influenced the way teens experience and talk about mental health today? 

Social media has made mental health conversations more accessible. Teens are self-reflecting and connecting with others in ways previous generations couldn’t. But that’s a double-edged sword. Just because someone can name what they’re experiencing doesn’t mean they’re getting the right help. Seeing mental health struggles discussed online can be validating, but it doesn’t always lead to healing. 

There’s also a concerning trend of self-diagnosis. While it’s great that mental health is being talked about, teens need to access therapy or peer support. Social media can oftentimes be a bubble that keeps out the rest of the world, and in this way, can keep young people in an isolated state.

We help young people not just talk about mental health but take real steps toward getting the support they need. And because we know most teens turn to their friends first when struggling, we’re working to train young leaders in peer support, giving them the tools to help each other safely and effectively. 

What would you like to see in teen mental health in the next five years? 

I’d love to see less stigma around getting help and earlier intervention—catching mental health struggles before they become full-blown crises. One in five youth experience mental health challenges each year, and one in five have had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. We need to take those numbers seriously. 

Schools should integrate mental health education into their curriculum. Just like we learn about physical health, we should be learning about mental wellness. We’re already in schools through Ending the Silence, supporting parents through family programs, and providing direct peer support through our Teen Support Group and Helpline. If we invest in expanding programs like these, we can create a future where every teen has access to the help they need. 

If you have mental health questions or need someone to talk to, reach out to NAMI-NYC’s Teen Helpline, M-F, 10AM-6 PM. Learn more: naminyc.org/teenhelpline.