Rising Issue #1: Mental Health Matters

Rising Issue is a publication sharing the stories of young change-makers. It highlights individuals working at the forefront of positive social change, destigmatising and raising awareness. It's a platform for young creatives to share their stories and experiences, to inspire and empower change.

After releasing a zine last year we are now publishing work on our social media channels, and releasing the first issue later this year. The theme of this issue is mental health as it's something that has affected so many people with the outbreak of Covid-19. With lockdown measures and isolation, a huge proportion of society has faced mental health issues of varying scales.

We've already had some incredible contributions covering a wide range of topics including anxiety, depression and the stress young people are experiencing entering the world of work. Mental health can sometimes seem overwhelming making you feel powerless, not knowing how to cope. Not only is this issue giving people the platform to share their stories (sometimes things they’ve never shared), but also it’s giving hope to other people that are going through similar situations, not knowing how to get through it.

— from Dominika Rekas

I was going through a difficult time when I picked this up and I'm glad to share this with everyone!! It helped me to understand what I was feeling and if you ever feel like giving up, you are not alone. Mental health matters.

— Aqilah, QUPL