How to Boost Student Self-Esteem and Support Mental Health This February
Key Takeaways
Self-Esteem is Vital: Building self-worth is a core pillar in preventing and fighting teen depression.
Student-Led Action: The Student Fundraising Center allows middle and high school students to lead their own mental health advocacy.
Impact of Support: Every dollar raised keeps Erika’s Lighthouse mental health programs 100% free for schools everywhere.
Why Student Self-Esteem Matters in Mental Health
Students often feel invisible when struggling with their mental health. Low self-esteem frequently acts as a silent companion to depression, making it harder for teens to reach out for help or believe that recovery is possible.
At Erika’s Lighthouse, we believe that helping classmates recognize their inherent value is essential. When you focus on boosting self-esteem, you aren’t just sharing a kind word; you are creating a school culture where students feel seen, supported, and worthy.
Your Hub for Change: The Student Fundraising Center
The Student Fundraising Center is designed specifically for middle school, high school, and university students who want to take action. It serves as your “mission control” for making a difference. Whether you are part of an Empowerment Club, a sports team, or a group of friends, this platform makes it easy to:
Create Your Own Event: Build a custom page with a unique link to share with your community.
Access Direct Support: The Erika’s Lighthouse team provides 1:1 support to help you brainstorm and execute your vision.
Creative Event Ideas for International Boost Self-Esteem Month
Need inspiration for a fundraiser that aligns with International Boost Self-Esteem Month?
Here are a few “Self-Esteem Booster” ideas:
“Positive Affirmation” Wall: Sell “Affirmation Grams” or colorful sticky notes where students write kind words about their peers to be posted in a central hallway.
Self-Care Workshops: Host a yoga session, art therapy night, or mindfulness workshop.
“Shine Your Light” Talent Show: Celebrate the unique gifts of your classmates to boost the confidence of performers while raising funds for suicide prevention.
Compliment Coffee/Cocoa Bar: Set up a stand before school where every drink comes with a handwritten compliment and a fact about mental health.
How to Start Your Mental Health Fundraiser
The most important step is simply deciding to show up. Follow these three steps to begin:
Visit the Student Fundraising Center on the Erika’s Lighthouse website.
Create an account and create an event to set up your personal or team page.
Spread the Word! Tell your teachers, parents, and friends why teen mental health matters to you.
Every dollar you raise ensures that Erika’s Lighthouse can continue providing universal, Tier-1 mental health curriculum and resources to schools at zero cost.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How does boosting self-esteem help prevent teen depression? High self-esteem helps students build resiliency and the vocabulary needed to speak honestly about their feelings. When students feel worthy, they are 11% more likely to speak with a trusted adult when they are struggling.
Where do the funds from Erika’s Lighthouse fundraisers go? Proceeds directly support the creation and distribution of free mental health toolkits, classroom education, and empowerment clubs for grades 4-12. This ensures that 3.6 million students annually can continue to access life-saving mental health literacy.
Can any student start a fundraiser for Erika’s Lighthouse? Yes! The Student Fundraising Center is open to all students, whether they are part of an official Erika’s Lighthouse Empowerment Club or an affiliate club like Key Club or SADD.
