Tag Archives: awareness

Rising Together: Breaking Barriers in BIPOC Communities

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Breaking barriers in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities is about more than overcoming individual struggles—it’s about dismantling systemic inequities that have persisted for generations. From limited access to quality education and healthcare to underrepresentation in leadership and the arts, these challenges affect daily life and long-term opportunities. Yet despite these barriers, BIPOC communities continue to demonstrate resilience, innovation, and leadership, paving the way for meaningful change.

Representation is a key part of progress. Studies show that when BIPOC voices are included in leadership, policy, and cultural spaces, outcomes improve for entire communities. Health disparities, wage gaps, and limited access to resources remain pressing issues, but community-driven initiatives have proven to be some of the most effective solutions. Whether through grassroots organizations, cultural arts programs, or advocacy for equitable healthcare, BIPOC leaders are reshaping narratives and building stronger support systems for the future.

True change comes when we all recognize the importance of equity and take action. Supporting BIPOC-owned businesses, investing in education, amplifying diverse voices, and advocating for policy reform are steps everyone can take to help break down barriers. By standing together, we not only honor the strength and resilience of BIPOC communities but also build a society where every voice is valued and every person has the opportunity to thrive.

Jarrelle (jieao-杰遨) Barton

Can’t Focus? Same. These 5 Tips Will Cure Your Brain Fog Stat

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After becoming a parent to twins, sleep became a luxury I could no longer afford—three non-consecutive hours was considered a win. Between midnight feedings, a preschooler’s tantrums, and a demanding full-time job, I was functioning on caffeine and sheer willpower. But what truly made life unmanageable was the relentless brain fog: that spacey, “buffering” feeling that made simple tasks feel like climbing a mountain. Brain fog isn’t just tiredness—it’s a cognitive haze marked by forgetfulness, slow thinking, poor focus, and feeling mentally “off.” According to psychiatrists like Dr. Simon Faynboym, causes range from sleep deprivation and poor diet to stress, illness, and hormonal changes. I once left my wallet at the bank and even mixed up my twins. Yep, it was that bad. But over time, I made small changes—better sleep hygiene, limiting caffeine, walking daily, and being kinder to myself. It didn’t happen overnight, but eventually, the fog began to lift.

Key Facts at a Glance:

  • Brain fog includes forgetfulness, sluggish thinking, and confusion.
  • Common causes include sleep deprivation, stress, dehydration, poor nutrition, hormonal shifts, and medical conditions.
  • Mental health issues like anxiety and depression often contribute.
  • Treatment may involve lifestyle changes, therapy, medical care, or supplements.
  • Prevention includes hydration, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and enough sleep.

Top 5 Tips to Beat Brain Fog:

  1. Prioritize Sleep: Stick to a consistent bedtime routine and aim for 7–8 hours of quality rest each night.
  2. Stay Hydrated: Keep a water bottle nearby and sip regularly—dehydration can dull your brain.
  3. Eat Smart: Fuel your brain with omega-3s, leafy greens, lean proteins, and complex carbs.
  4. Move Your Body: Even short walks or stretching breaks can boost clarity and circulation.
  5. Declutter Your Mind: Use to-do lists, practice mindfulness, or journal to stay grounded and focused.

If you’re stuck in a mental haze, know that you’re not alone—and that brain fog is more than just being scatterbrained. It’s a signal that your mind and body need support. Whether it’s tweaking your daily routine, reaching out to a doctor, or just giving yourself grace, there are ways forward. Be patient with yourself, take small steps, and trust that clarity can return—even after the stormiest seasons of life.

**Maintain a positive mindset-รักษาทัศนคติเชิงบวก**

Reference:https://www.verywellmind.com/brain-fog-8722143?hid=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&did=18623214-20250725&utm_source=verywellmind&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=verywellmind_newsletter&utm_content=072525&lctg=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&lr_input

Standing Together: Addressing Bullying Among AAPI Youth in Schools

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Bullying remains a harsh reality for many students in today’s classrooms, and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth often face unique challenges. From being mocked for their language or cultural food to enduring harmful stereotypes and racial slurs, AAPI students are frequently targeted in ways that leave lasting psychological scars. According to national data, nearly 1 in 4 AAPI youth report being bullied in school, often experiencing exclusion, verbal harassment, and even physical intimidation—yet many incidents go unreported due to stigma or fear of retaliation.

Educators and caregivers play a crucial role in creating safer, more inclusive environments for AAPI students. Teachers can incorporate culturally responsive teaching, challenge stereotypes when they arise, and intervene early when they witness bias-based bullying. Parents can create open lines of communication, regularly check in about school experiences, and work with schools to advocate for stronger anti-bullying policies. Peers, too, have immense power—being an ally means standing up, speaking out, and showing empathy when someone is targeted or left out.

Everyone has a part to play in fostering a school culture of belonging and respect. When students feel safe and seen, they thrive. And when communities rally together to dismantle racism and bullying, we build stronger, more compassionate schools for all.

Key Facts:

  • 23% of AAPI youth report being bullied in U.S. schools.
  • Many AAPI students face bullying tied to race, language, and cultural identity.
  • Only a small percentage of incidents are reported or addressed effectively.
  • Bystander intervention by peers significantly reduces bullying incidents.
  • Cultural stigma and pressure to “stay silent” often prevent AAPI students from seeking help.


Creating lasting change starts with listening, learning, and standing up for one another. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or friend, your support can be the difference between isolation and empowerment. Let’s commit to building schools where every AAPI student feels valued, safe, and respected.

Read more at:https://www.cdc.gov/youth-violence/about/about-bullying.html

The Cultural Diversity of Healing: Meaning, Metaphor,and Mechanism

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Healing is a universal human concern, yet the ways in which we heal vary immensely across cultures. Anthropologists have documented diverse systems of healing—from village shamans and herbalists to acupuncture, energy medicine, and spiritual rituals—each offering its own theory of illness, its own patient-healer roles, and its own symbolic actions for recovery. What unites these systems is a shared structure: a defined explanation of affliction, a trusted healer, specific healing rituals, and expectations of wellness. In a world shaped by migration, digital communication, and cross-cultural interaction, these practices are no longer confined to their origins. Today’s clinicians must navigate a kaleidoscope of healing beliefs—not only among immigrants or indigenous populations, but within the broader public, where 20–40% of adults in countries like the U.S., Canada, and Australia regularly use complementary and alternative medicine.


At the heart of any healing practice lies the question: Does it work? But what counts as “working” is itself a culturally shaped idea. Recovery might mean symptom relief, spiritual peace, improved family dynamics, or validation of a community’s worldview. Healing often involves metaphors, transformations, and rituals—practices that may not fit neatly within biomedical definitions of effectiveness. With the global spread and commercialization of traditional healing methods, we face new ethical and practical challenges. Healers once held accountable by their communities now operate in marketplaces, where regulatory oversight may be lacking and cultural meaning can be diluted. As traditions hybridize and shift, clinicians and patients alike must grapple with what healing means in a fragmented, multicultural world.


Healing is never just physical—it is social, psychological, moral, and political. As biomedicine increasingly integrates into global health systems, its limitations in addressing the full human experience become clearer. Cultural healing practices often fill those gaps, offering hope, connection, and empowerment where clinical language falls short. Understanding these practices—not only how they work, but why they matter—helps clinicians meet the deeper needs of their patients. Disentangling cultural meanings from physiological mechanisms may help us build a more compassionate, evidence-informed model of care that values pluralism over uniformity.

Reference:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3621226/

What to Say to Someone Who Is Depressed

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When someone we love is struggling with depression, it’s normal to feel unsure about what to say—but silence or distance can unintentionally deepen their pain. Offering gentle words like “I care” or “I’m here for you” may seem small, but to someone feeling isolated, they are lifelines. Empathy doesn’t require perfect phrases—just honest presence. Listening without judgment, checking in regularly, or offering specific support like help with chores or a ride to therapy can go a long way. Remind them that they matter, that they are not weak, and that healing is possible. If you’re ever concerned about suicidal thoughts, seek immediate help. You don’t need all the answers—just being there could be enough.

Key Facts:

  • Saying something is often better than saying nothing at all.
  • Depression can cause withdrawal—keep reaching out.
  • Tangible support (rides, errands, meals) is meaningful.
  • Don’t try to “fix” them—just listen.
  • Encourage professional help, but without pressure.
  • Be aware of suicide warning signs and take them seriously.
  • Call or text 988 if someone is in crisis.


Compassion is more powerful than perfection. If you show up with patience and empathy, you remind your loved one they are not alone—and that there is hope. Keep the conversation going, keep listening, and never underestimate the strength of simply being present.

Reference:https://www.verywellmind.com/what-to-say-when-someone-is-depressed-1067474?hid=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&did=17726325-20250518&utm_source=verywellmind&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=verywellmind_newsletter&utm_content=051825&lctg=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&lr_input=c24f0f82324dd205a457b795567a3fcc0905f5476a12d769963bdac7cec1fc7a

How to Get Started With Therapy

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Beginning therapy is a meaningful act of self-respect—it means you’re choosing to prioritize your mental well-being. While it can feel intimidating at first, just deciding to explore your options is already a major achievement. Therapy looks different for everyone, so think about what setting fits your lifestyle best. If you value privacy and flexibility, virtual therapy—through video or phone—might be the right fit. Whether you’re navigating daily stress or deeper emotional challenges, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The important thing is that you’ve chosen to start, and that alone is a powerful step forward.

Key Facts:

  • Online therapy offers flexibility and comfort at home
  • Health insurance directories can help locate covered providers
  • Recommendations from trusted friends and doctors are valuable
  • Therapist directories from mental health organizations (like ADAA, APA) are credible sources
  • Online platforms personalize matches based on your unique concerns

Taking the first step to seek therapy shows resilience. Whether you’re navigating stress, grief, identity, or simply seeking clarity, finding the right therapist can help you feel seen, heard, and supported. Healing begins when you choose yourself—and you’ve already begun.


自我关怀是很重要的。
Self-care is important.

Reference:https://www.verywellmind.com/therapy-7092217#toc-how-to-get-started-with-therapy

How Do I Stop Feeling Like I’m Behind in Life?

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It’s incredibly easy to feel like you’re falling behind in life—especially in a world filled with highlight reels on social media, relentless comparisons, and pressure to “keep up.” Whether it’s career milestones, relationships, financial status, or personal achievements, many people silently struggle with the belief that they’re not where they “should” be. But as experts like Dr. Carolina Casillas and leadership coach Ashley Rudolph point out, this mindset often stems from unrealistic comparisons, internalized timelines, and distorted definitions of success. What we label as jealousy or failure can actually be a window into what we truly want—and how far we’ve already come.

Key Factors:

  • Social comparison is natural but intensified by social media.
  • Feeling behind can show up in career, relationships, health, or personal growth.
  • Excessive comparison harms self-worth and can lead to anxiety, depression, or debt.
  • Jealousy can be a tool, pointing to your desires.
  • Self-compassion and goal clarity help shift focus back to your own timeline.

You are not behind—you’re just on a different path. Every journey unfolds in its own time, and your worth isn’t defined by someone else’s progress. By practicing self-compassion, examining your emotions honestly, and focusing on what truly matters to you, it becomes possible to find peace with where you are—and move forward with purpose, not pressure.

Reference:https://www.verywellmind.com/how-do-i-stop-feeling-like-im-behind-in-life-11729611?hid=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&did=17654617-20250512&utm_source=verywellmind&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=verywellmind_newsletter&utm_content=051225&lctg=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&lr_input=c24f0f82324dd205a457b795567a3fcc0905f5476a12d769963bdac7cec1fc7a

About Youth Violence

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Youth violence doesn’t just cause immediate harm—it can have lasting consequences on a young person’s physical, mental, and social well-being. Exposure to violence during adolescence can disrupt healthy development, impair decision-making, and create challenges with learning. It can also lead to difficulty forming positive connections with peers and trusted adults, as well as make it harder to manage stress and emotions over time.

The health and social effects of youth violence are deeply concerning, especially because they are not evenly distributed across all communities. Communities of color, particularly Black or African American youth, are disproportionately affected. Youth violence is linked to a range of negative outcomes including mental health struggles, substance use, obesity, risky sexual behaviors, depression, academic failure, and even suicide. It also increases the risk of future violence—both as a victim and perpetrator. On a broader level, violence strains community systems by raising healthcare costs, reducing property values, impacting school attendance, and limiting access to support services.

Every day, thousands of young people are affected by youth violence across the United States. This crisis touches every type of community—urban, suburban, rural, and tribal. The impact is widespread, both in human suffering and economic cost. Below are some key facts and highlights based on U.S. data:

Key Facts & Highlights:

  • Youth violence is common
    • Homicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for youth ages 10–24.
    • It is the leading cause of death for non-Hispanic Black or African American youth.
    • Over 800 youth are treated in emergency departments each day for assault-related injuries.
  • Some youth are more at risk
    • Sexual minority teens experience more types of violence than their heterosexual peers.
    • Black or African American youth are at higher risk for severe violence, including homicides, aggravated assaults, and fights causing injuries.
  • Youth violence is costly
    • In 2020, youth homicides and assault-related injuries cost an estimated $122 billion.
    • These costs include medical care, lost productivity, and reduced quality of life—not including criminal justice expenses.
  • Impact of COVID-19
    • The economic burden of youth violence increased by 17% from 2019 to 2020.
    • 2019: $105 billion → 2020: $122 billion

Prevention is not only possible—it’s essential. Protecting youth means addressing both the individual and societal factors that increase or decrease the risk of violence. Long-standing systemic inequities, like concentrated poverty, residential segregation, and racism, must be addressed to create safer, healthier environments for all youth. Effective prevention strategies consider the full context in which young people grow up, especially for those from racial and ethnic minority communities. Tackling the root causes of violence is key to breaking cycles of harm and supporting young people in becoming healthy, thriving adults.

Reference:https://www.cdc.gov/youth-violence/about/index.html

Yes, Stress Really Can Make You Sick —Here’s Why

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Can Stress Really Make Us Sick? Understanding the Mind-Body Connection

Yes—chronic stress can absolutely impact your physical health. In fact, 60% to 80% of primary care visits involve stress-related concerns. Health psychologists like Dr. Julia Kogan and functional medicine specialists like Dr. Patricia Mills explain that prolonged stress elevates cortisol levels, which can weaken the immune system, trigger inflammation, and exacerbate chronic conditions like arthritis, IBS, and fibromyalgia. Chronic stress also decreases white blood cells, disrupts sleep, and interferes with hormone production—leading to issues with menstruation, fertility, and even testosterone levels in men. Symptoms of stress-related illness include headaches, high blood pressure, lowered immunity, sleep disturbances, and reduced sex drive.

Key Facts:

  • Chronic stress weakens the immune system and increases inflammation.
  • Cortisol overproduction impacts hormone balance and immunity.
  • Stress can worsen chronic conditions like arthritis, IBS, and fibromyalgia.
  • Symptoms of stress-related illness include fatigue, poor sleep, tension, and frequent infections.
  • Activities like meditation, breathwork, yoga, walking, dancing, and aromatherapy can naturally increase oxytocin, the relaxation hormone.

While we can’t eliminate all stress from our lives, we can choose how we respond to it. Tuning into our bodies and incorporating daily oxytocin-boosting habits like mindful breathing, gentle movement, and social connection can help us build resilience. If stress is taking a toll on your body, it’s not just in your head—and it’s worth taking seriously. Prioritize your well-being and reach out to a healthcare provider if stress is affecting your quality of life.

Reference: https://www.verywellmind.com/yes-stress-can-really-make-you-sick-this-is-why-8350874

The Beauty of Cross-Cultural Friendships: Expanding Horizons & Building Bridges

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Friendships that bridge different cultures, languages, and backgrounds offer a unique and enriching perspective on the world. When we connect with people who have different life experiences, we expand our understanding, challenge stereotypes, and develop greater empathy. Learning about another person’s traditions, beliefs, and customs firsthand allows us to see the world from a more inclusive and informed perspective. These friendships break down barriers and foster global awareness, making us more adaptable and open-minded individuals.

Cross-cultural and bilingual friendships also provide tangible cognitive and linguistic benefits. Engaging with a friend who speaks another language or comes from a different background naturally enhances our communication skills and deepens our cultural intelligence. Exposure to different languages, even informally, can improve memory, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Additionally, bilingual friendships can encourage us to learn a new language, making us more effective communicators and strengthening connections across diverse communities.

Beyond personal growth, bicultural and multilingual friendships create stronger, more inclusive communities. These friendships promote cross-cultural appreciation and foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding. In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to navigate cultural differences with empathy and curiosity is invaluable. By embracing friendships that span cultural and linguistic boundaries, we build bridges instead of walls, fostering a world that thrives on diversity, connection, and shared humanity.

Jarrelle ( 杰遨 ）Jieao