What if the way we measure social connection is one of the obstacles preventing youth from feeling more connected? What we know about social connection and how it is measured: Social Connection is the opposite of loneliness: a felt sense of being seen, being valued, and belonging. Current assessments of youth social connection reveal that […]

What if social media wasn’t the problem—but part of the solution for youth connection and wellbeing? WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT YOUTH ENGAGEMENT WITH SOCIAL MEDIA: As a neuroscientist and WHO Fides member, I’ve been exploring this topic by facilitating global focus groups with youth. Insights from these conversations informed the Stories, Science & Strategies (SSS) […]

As a people who desire meaning, asking the question “why?” is in our DNA.  But when that question becomes “why did someone die?”, it gets pretty complex and painful. In the wake of tragic death, shock, confusion, numbness, anger, guilt, anxiety, and panic can come in waves leaving the one grieving struggling to find their […]

Continued from: Notice. Stop. Reframe. As your thoughts change, you walk out this gift into changing your habits. Below are some tips to practically step into knowing that this GIFT of the present moment, to thrive today instead of just getting through.  We are not guaranteed tomorrow.  It is time to ask yourself “What do […]

“I feel like I am on a Roller Coaster and I can’t seem to get off of it or breathe!”  I have heard this statement (or a version of it) from at least a hundred people this past year as a Mental Health Counselor and when I tell them they are not alone on that […]