Mental Health 3/4

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.

The Importance of Coping Mechanisms

A college student discusses the importance of coping skills in maintaining our mental wellness, and her personal experience with mental health.

Amanda Mathis

Jul 6, 20224 min read

Four young people are outdoors, possibly hiking, and are laughing, smiling, and have their arms around each other. You can feel their joy emanating from the photo.

Choose to Live Another Day

A college student discusses how a sports injury lead to isolation, depression, and a suicide attempt, but emphasizes that life has a lot to offer and encourages people not to give up.

Amanda Mathis

Jul 6, 20224 min read

The photos reads, "Gender is a Spectrum" in a rainbow of colors. The letters are cut out of colored paper against a white backdrop.

Gender is Fluid

A high school student discusses their gender expression and how it changes because gender is fluid.

Anonymous

Jun 13, 20222 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 13, 20223 min read

A group of young people are sitting outside together, laughing and talking and smiling.

The Types Of People I Met in High School and What They Taught Me

A young adult discusses the different kinds of friends she met in high school, how they affected her mental health, and how she found true friends.

Anonymous

Jun 10, 20225 min read

A group of diverse young people are inside a gymnasium wearing black graduation robes, smiling and throwing rainbow confetti up in the air.

Graduation Stress

A college student discusses the stress of graduation and interviews some of his peers about their feelings and what they plan to do after graduation.

David Zecua

May 19, 20226 min read

A pile of square, light brown, wooden Scrabble tiles that spell out the word, "HOPE."

How Life Has Changed My Cousin For The Better

A college student discusses her cousin's struggle with substance abuse disorder, getting sober, and enjoying her life.

Anonymous

Apr 27, 20222 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 27, 20223 min read

A photograph of a conventionally beautiful young woman wearing heavy makeup, touching her face with her hand, and making a vacuous expression. The left part of the photograph is torn away, revealing a skeleton.

Pale like a Victorian Child

A short story about a young woman who struggles with beauty standards and self-worth.

Jazmin Lopez

Apr 21, 20224 min read

A young man is sitting at a desk with his laptop open, but is sitting with his head in his hand and holding his phone in the other hand. He is clearly procrastinating from doing work.

Procrastination

A college student discusses procrastination and ways to break your habits.

David Zecua

Apr 21, 20222 min read

A gold sheet of paper with an illustration of two hands facing up that are covered in scars around the wrists. The text reads, "I still think you're beautiful! Stay strong."

Self-Harm: Treatment, Coping, and Why People Self-Harm

A discussion of self-harm, why people do it, and available resources for those struggling with their mental health.

Ashley H

Apr 1, 20224 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

Apr 1, 20224 min read

Four young people have their arms stretched out towards each other and are holding hands in the middle of the photo. The background is full of bright colors and gives off a cheerful, supportive vibe.

We Can All Help to Prevent Suicide

A discussion of the facts, statistics, and risk factors around suicide, including warning signs and local resources.

Ashley H

Mar 30, 20227 min read

An illustration of different activities and hobbies with a headline that reads, "Good reasons to put down your phone." Some examples include more free time, decreased anxiety, personal growth, better sleep, etc.

Teens, Technology Use, and Mental Health

A discussion of teens' use of technology and the effects on their mental health, with suggestions for parents.

Ashley H

Mar 30, 20223 min read

A young person with rainbow hair and a colorful, rainbow outfit is smiling proudly and waving a big rainbow flag.

LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Risks and Resources

An overview of LGBTQIA+ mental health risks and resources.

Ashley H

Mar 30, 20226 min read

A young girl is standing in a crowded street, facing the camera. All of the people and buildings around her are slightly blurred out, giving her a feeling of isolation.

Simply More Than a Word

A high school student describes her experience with anxiety.

Isabel Mercado

Mar 25, 20223 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 24, 20223 min read

A close up picture of some toy blocks that spell out, "NO!" in blue, pink, and yellow.

Resisting Peer Pressure: Tips From NIDA and SADD

A discussion of ways to resist peer pressure from SADD and NIDA.

Ashley H

Mar 22, 20224 min read

A graphic for Minority Mental Health Month featuring different stories about the experience of people's perception of mental health.

Mental Health America’s Minority Mental Health Month

An overview of Mental Health America's Minority Mental Health Month campaign with information on how to participate in their social media campaign.

Ashley H

Mar 18, 20224 min read

Two young people with long, brown hair are sitting outside on a rock wall in front of a lake. There is a large mountain with snow on it in the background. We get a sense of peace.

How to Help Someone Struggling with Mental Illness

Tips for how to support someone dealing with mental illness.

Ashley H

Mar 15, 20222 min read

THE BRITE BLOG

Categories

The Importance of Coping Mechanisms

Choose to Live Another Day

Gender is Fluid

Solitude

The Types Of People I Met in High School and What They Taught Me

Graduation Stress

How Life Has Changed My Cousin For The Better

You Don’t Need Drugs to Deal with Life

Pale like a Victorian Child

Procrastination

Self-Harm: Treatment, Coping, and Why People Self-Harm

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

We Can All Help to Prevent Suicide

Teens, Technology Use, and Mental Health

LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Risks and Resources

Simply More Than a Word

Are You Stressed Or Depressed?

Resisting Peer Pressure: Tips From NIDA and SADD

Mental Health America’s Minority Mental Health Month

How to Help Someone Struggling with Mental Illness