APS raises awareness of text line aimed at addressing mental health

ATLANTA — In the midst of a technological takeover, KIPP Atlanta Collegiate senior Brooke Smith wants to turn to someone real. She serves on the student advisory council with the Atlanta Board of Education. The council found mental health one of the top concerns among students districtwide.

“To have someone that’s a real person on the other end helps, because no matter what you’re going through, there’s another person who can help talk you through it,” Smith said. “We’re just doing this in honor of those who we’ve lost in Atlanta Public Schools due to mental health. It’s something that’s more comforting than I can put into words.”

Smith was talking about Talk it Out, a texting platform that lets students talk to licensed therapists 24-7. Booker T. Washington High School senior Emory Arnold said it combats a common stigma around mental health.

“You’re scared to talk it out, scared to talk about your feelings because you feel like it’s your safe space,” Arnold said. “I’m not supposed to tell anyone anything, but take advantage of what’s being given to you.”

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