Take Me Seriously podcast EP 2

“Take Me Seriously” Tackles the Silent Struggles of Young Women in Latest Mental Health Episode Leicester, UK — The youth-led podcast Take Me Seriously has released one of its most personal and powerful episodes yet, opening up a crucial conversation about the hidden signs of anxiety and depression in young women — and why they’re so often missed. In the episode titled “Smile Through It?” — When Girls Hide What Hurts, hosts Starla, Scarlett, and Amy dive into the ways girls are taught to mask emotional pain with humour, silence, or perfectionism — leaving many struggling in plain sight. Drawing from personal experience and real-life stories, the trio explores how young women are often praised for being "well-behaved" or "high-achieving," even when those same girls are quietly battling stress, burnout, or emotional numbness. The episode also calls attention to how social media filters not just images, but feelings — making it even harder for girls to admit when they’re not okay. Supported by Leicestershire Cares and the Power to Change project, the podcast aims to empower young people to speak honestly about what they’re going through and break the stigma around mental health — especially in communities where therapy is still seen as taboo.