May 19 - Normalizing Mental Health

Day 139 of a year of Kindness

I saw bravery and kindness in action tonight and I showed up for it. I spent the evening at a youth mental health summit at the University of Rhode Island. During the event, high school students across the county courageously shared their mental health challenges and their advocacy work on behalf of their peers. They are lobbying for and demanding a kinder world. They want to live in a community where talking about mental health is a normal part of a conversation. They want adults to listen, give them the space to talk about topics that matter to them, and invite them into conversation. 

I attended the event with friends who work with students and joined them in giving these students - and their mentors - a standing ovation. We left feeling inspired by the depth and determination of these students to make the world a better place.

Science of kindness: My own research shows that showing up, listening intently and giving high school students a standing ovation makes them feel seen and valued. It’s one heartfelt way to connect them to a community of people who care. #kindnessiscontagious #kindnessisfree #kindness #peertopeercounseling #URI #chriscollinsfoundation