May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health is defined as a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being. With the rise of social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok, discussions about mental health have become more accessible, allowing more people to connect and share their experiences. For 2025, NRCDV’s Youth Advisory board is focusing on how trauma can lead to post-traumatic growth. At first glance, this topic can be confusing for some. As someone who has not faced particular traumatic events, I questioned how trauma could positively impact mental health. Why would we frame something negative in a positive light? Through conversation, I began to understand that this topic is about empowerment. I also learned about mental health issues and trauma experiences that often go unspoken and ignored. For example, the pandemic caused significant anxiety and fear for many when it came to having common in-person social interactions. This was an experience of collective trauma.