Blog | BriteYouth

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.

Community Opinions about Cannabis, Vaping, and Alcohol

An overview of community opinions about cannabis, vaping, and alcohol use in Ventura and LA counties.

Ashley H

Jul 13, 20224 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 13, 20223 min read

An infographic about statistics of alcohol-involved deaths in California.

Impaired Driving in California: Fast Facts and How to Prevent Teen Car Crashes

A discussion of impaired driving in California with ways to prevention teen car crashes.

Anonymous

Jul 6, 20225 min read

A young person is sitting in a well-lit room, looking out the window, holding a large e-cigarette in her hand while exhaling a large cloud of vapor.

All About Vaping and E-Cigarettes

A discussion of vaping and e-cigarettes including the harms on the developing teen brain.

Anonymous

Jul 6, 20225 min read

Three jack-o-lanterns are sitting on a table, carved with spooky faces and lit from within with bright yellow light.

Tips for a Fun (and Safe) Halloween

From pedestrian deaths to drunk driving, tricks and treats and spooky parties, Halloween can be a fun but dangerous time for teens. Here are some tips for both parents and teens for how to have a safe and fun Halloween!

Ashley H

Jul 6, 20224 min read

A photo of a young girl reaching into a medicine cabinet and grabbing a bottle of prescription pills. The text reads, "1 in 5 teens have abused prescription drugs. Over 50% got them free from friends or family."

Ventura County Responds to the Opioid Crisis

A discussion of the resources available in Ventura County including safe drug disposal to respond to the opioid crisis and teen prescription drug abuse.

Ashley H

Jul 6, 20222 min read

Three teens have their arms extended to each other and are holding hands in the middle of the photo. They each wear decorative bracelets in brown, tan, and teal colors. They are holding each others' hands in a supportive way.

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

An illustration from the Trevor Project of people of various gender expressions in bold tones of red and purple with their arms around each other. The text reads, "LGBTQ youth who live in an accepting community reported significantly lower rates of attempting suicide. Knowledge is progress."

The LGBTQ+ Community and Substance Use

A discussion of substance use in the LGBTQIA+ community including the risk factors that make them vulnerable, and resources available.

Ashley H

Jun 20, 20225 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 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 10, 20225 min read