YANA: What Does It Mean?

By Zaria Reyes, 6th Grade

YANA. What does that mean? What words come to mind when you hear that word? The word YANA is similar to the acronym YOLO, "You only live once." In this case, YANA stands for "You are not alone." YANA is a group meant for anyone, no matter what age, gender, or race people are. YANA groups were originally established by Sandra Williams in 1986 after her family experienced the emotional devastation of having a very sick child who required operation in the hospital for several months. Lots of kids and adults attend YANA sessions that include a variety of programs such as yoga sessions to handing out candy, or simply opening up and talking about struggles. YANA groups are about suicide prevention and talk about anxiety and depression. "What is the application process to become a member of YANA?" There are no requirements. You can join if you want to. YANA groups are held anywhere, and also can be a small group with your friends, classmates, or acquaintances. You don't even have to be struggling with depression or anxiety to participate in YANA associations. If you make the choice that you don't to physically be in a YANA group, making cards or doing a good deed can really bring a smile onto anyone's face. You might not ever know what someone can be going through at home, school, work, or anywhere else. Adults and kids, or anyone else in between could be struggling and/or having difficulty fitting in with the world around them. YANA groups encourage people to realize how much of an impact suicide can have on family and friends. YANA associations also inform people that they should never make a permanent decision for a temporary problem.