The Mind-Gut Connection
It may seem weird that our thoughts and emotions can be linked to our stomach, but it turns out that they actually are! The gut-brain connection is a real thing! Our brains are constantly talking...
SOVA
Dealing with the Holidays
The holidays can be a wonderful thing. Personally, I love the idea of being with family and celebrating Chanukah, but when I’m actually with them, my feelings change. I feel out of place and overwhelmed...
Hang Out Online in the “Facing Us Clubhouse”
This is the Facing Us Clubhouse. Each room has something special to help young people with symptoms of depression or bipolar disorder. There are six “rooms” in the clubhouse, each with fun and useful tips and...
Instagram Invites
Using the internet to send invitations have come a long way since the earlier days of social media. The original “Evite” dates back to 1998 and can still be used, where flashy animations describing...
Professional Spotlight: Dr. Tammy Chung and Substance Use in Young Adults
The SOVA team recently had an incredible opportunity to attend a talk by Dr. Tammy Chung and interview her afterwards. Dr. Tammy Chung received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Rutgers University and is...
How to Start a Conversation about Suicide
Trigger warning: suicide Suicide is the second leading cause of death in young people aged 15-24 in the United States. However, there is still so much stigma around it, which prevents people from speaking...
Why Do Plants Improve Our Mood?
The cliched image about someone having a “green thumb” typically involves someone in their backyard, their overalls covered in dirt, hands protected by thick gloves that are rough to the touch. The garden can...
Bringing Some Color In
There are many outlets to take advantage of if you need a distraction that go beyond procrastination purposes. These kinds of situations can include sitting on public transit, waiting for a doctor’s appointment, or...
Social Media and Its Unhealthy Daily Influence
Social media is so common nowadays that almost anyone you talk to who has access to a phone or computer has an account of some sort. Social media is not just Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat,...
Addressing One-Sided Friendships
Yesterday, I discussed my experience with one-sided friendships. I went into detail about how I always checked up on my friends, made an effort to make them feel loved and supported, and was a shoulder for them...
