Healthy Habits

THE BRITE BLOG

We share the voices, opinions and stories of many Ventura County youth and young adults here. Not all posts reflect the opinion of BRITE or our sponsors. Managed by Ashley Heatherly.

Coping Skills for Mental Health

A college student discusses the coping skills she uses to take care of her mental health and encourages others to try different things to find what works best for them.

Janette

May 22, 20252 min read

A Black family is joyfully and lovingly hugging one another including older adults, teens, and young children.

Ways Parents and Youth Can Improve Communication With One Another

A Ventura County college student discusses ways that parents and caregivers and youth can better communicate with each other to strengthen relationships and increase their resilience.

Anonymous

Dec 16, 20242 min read

A light pink journal is lying on a white desk framed by the green leaves of a plant, a gold pen, and a black paper with small gold hearts on it. The journal reads, "Today I am grateful."

Gratitude: A Tool for Boosting Self-esteem

A college student discusses our culture's obsession with body image and the mental health benefits of practicing gratitude.

Madison Jaffe

May 28, 20242 min read

A person is jogging on a beach at sunrise or sunset. They are mid-stride with one leg touching the ground and the other elevated. The sun is bright orange and close to the horizon, reflecting off of the water. There are scattered clouds and a blue sky at the top of the photo. It feels very peaceful.

Recognizing Harmful vs. Beneficial Coping Mechanisms

A college student discusses beneficial and harmful coping mechanisms and suggests healthy ways to deal with stress.

Anonymous

Jun 18, 20233 min read

Running for Mental Health

A college student discusses her journey with running and challenging herself, and how it has positively effected her mental health.

Anonymous

May 23, 20232 min read

A young Black man is working out in a gym setting, with his arms reaching up to a metal bar. His hands have chalk on them and his face is straining as he concentrates to finish the movement. He looks powerful and committed.

Sobriety and Fitness

A college student discusses why he chooses sobriety and how he uses fitness as his motivation.

Anonymous

Mar 23, 20232 min read

A young person with long brown hair is sitting at a desk, looking at a laptop. They have their head in their hands and look exasperated.

Stressing About the Future? Read This.

An undergraduate college student discusses ways to handle stress and anxiety about the future.

Anonymous

Mar 13, 20232 min read

Image shows a Black family walking outdoors. The parents are both carrying a child on their backs, and everyone is smiling and laughing.

Communication

A college student discusses the importance of communication between parents/caregivers and their children, especially around difficult issues.

Anonymous

Feb 23, 20233 min read

A parent and child are sitting looking at their Christmas tree with their backs to the camera. They are both wearing Santa hats and the tree is lit up with white lights. We get a sense of safety.

Healthy Ways to Handle Holiday Stress

A discussion of healthy ways to handle holiday stress without turning to alcohol or other harmful coping mechanisms.

Ashley H

Nov 10, 20223 min read

A young person is sitting inside next to a window, reading from an open book and looks to be very engaged.

The Joy of Reading

A Ventura County high school student's poem about their love of reading.

Sofia Noriega

Oct 17, 20221 min read

A young person is sitting in a dark room with her head on her hand, looking depressed. Light is streaming in from outside but the shadow of her window blinds cover her in dark lines, adding to the dark mood.

What is Seasonal Depression?

A college student discusses her experience with seasonal depression and what coping mechanisms help her during the winter.

Anonymous

Jul 12, 20223 min read

A person sits on top of a mountain looking out over neighborhoods below. There is a long mountain range on the horizon surrounded by blue water. The blue sky is above her and her long blonde pony tail is moving in the breeze. It gives a sense of peace.

Solitude

A college student discusses solitude versus loneliness, and the benefits on his mental health of finding occasional solitude.

David Zecua

Jun 12, 20223 min read

A group of teens is hanging out outside, smiling and laughing. One of them is holding a camera with two hands and taking a selfie of the group.

Summer Activities for Teens: Tips for Parents

A discussion of healthy activities teens can do during the summer and ways that parents and caregivers can communicate with them and keep an eye on them when they might be tempted to use substances.

Ashley H

Jun 9, 20225 min read

An illustration of people outside doing different stress-relieving activities like meditating, taking a nap, exercising, listening to music, etc.

You Don’t Need Drugs to Deal with Life

A college student discusses healthy ways to deal with stress, anxiety, and depression without turning to drugs and alcohol.

Anonymous

Apr 26, 20223 min read

Four friends are outside on a sunny day possibly on a hike in the mountains. They are all smiling and laughing with their arms wrapped around each other.

8 Ways To Deal With Depression During The Gloomy Days Of Winter

A discussion of ways to practice self-care and deal with seasonal depression during winter.

Ashley H

Mar 31, 20224 min read

A illustration that says, "Stay Focused" in fancy blue letters.

Stick With Your Passion, Even If It Changes

A college student discusses the importance of hobbies and how his passion for different activities saved him from partying and destructive behavior.

Anonymous

Mar 31, 20222 min read

A young person is sitting on the ground up against a wall with her head in her arms. She seems to be upset and hiding from her feelings.

Are You Stressed Or Depressed?

A high school student discusses the differences between stress and depression and gives suggestions for healthy ways to cope.

Anonymous

Mar 23, 20223 min read

2 young people are holding up bright red cans of Coca Cola to the camera and smiling.

Coca Cola: Happiness in a Bottle

A college student discusses why Coca Cola and other unhealthy sugary drinks are so popular, and the strategies health institutions can take to create more public awareness around the issue.

Anonymous

Mar 10, 20226 min read