UCA WAVES Youth Mental Health Collaborative

02/05/2026

WAVES will be out and about in the community this Lunar New Year season, and we want you there for every minute of it!😁

Below, you can check out the various places WAVES will be. For additional information about the events, individual fliers, and registration, visit the landing page at the link below. We hope to see you there!🧧🐲

https://ucawaves.org/2026/02/05/lunar-new-years-event-list/

02/04/2026

We don’t talk about our nearly enough, even though it’s at the heart of so much of what we do🔬 That's why we're extra excited to share this update from our Mental Health First Aid ( ) Research Team!

Dr. Cixin Wang, Xiaohong Gao, Jie Chen, Emmanuel Amoako and Lily Chen are in the final stage of data analysis for a 3-year randomized controlled pilot study evaluating the MHFA) Chinese compared with the English curriculum📚 We are currently finalizing how best to report outcomes across four time points (pre-training, post-training, 3 months, and 6 months), including whether to model over time in addition to traditional statistical comparisons. In other words: we are making sure the is as strong and meaningful as possible!

We hope to submit for within a week after 3 years of hard work, but this study has already changed what we do. When we saw a dip in between immediate post-training and 6-month follow-up, we used that evidence to launch MHFA groups to help sustain learning and real-world application. That’s research doing what it’s meant to do: shaping better care🩵

Want to learn more about our research? Click on the link below⬇️

https://ucawaves.org/research-corner/

02/02/2026

We’re back with the eighth edition of Modality Monday! Today, we’re exploring Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ), a mindfulness-based approach designed to help people live a meaningful life while managing difficult thoughts and .

🧠 What is ACT? 🧠

ACT is a form of that focuses on accepting internal experiences (like thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations) while committing to actions that align with one’s values. Unlike approaches that try to eliminate , ACT encourages psychological flexibility—the ability to be present, open, and effective even in the face of challenges. ACT can help individuals struggling with , depression, chronic pain, trauma, stress, and life transitions. By learning to accept uncomfortable experiences rather than avoid them, clients gain the to pursue meaningful goals.

⚙️ How ACT Works ⚙️

ACT is guided by six core processes that work together to enhance :

✅ Acceptance: Making space for unpleasant thoughts and feelings without trying to control or avoid them.

✅ Cognitive Defusion: Learning to see thoughts as just thoughts, rather than absolute truths.

✅ Being Present: Cultivating awareness of the current moment.

✅ Self-as-Context: Observing thoughts and emotions from a perspective of “you are more than your experiences.”

✅ Values: Identifying what truly matters and what kind of you want to lead.

✅ Committed Action: Taking steps guided by your values, even when discomfort arises.

Through these processes, clients learn to respond flexibly to life’s challenges, behaviors, and increase engagement in meaningful activities.

🤔 Where does ACT fall short? 🤔

While ACT is highly effective for many people, there are some considerations:

‼️ Not a quick fix: ACT emphasizes gradual change and consistent practice; progress may take time.

‼️ Requires active engagement: Clients must practice and values-based actions outside sessions.

‼️ May feel abstract: Some clients find the focus on acceptance and mindfulness challenging if they prefer more structured problem-solving.

‼️ skill matters: Effectiveness depends on the therapist’s ability to integrate ACT principles in a relatable, supportive way.

ACT offers a unique path to growth by embracing life’s challenges rather than resisting them, helping clients live with and resilience. Want to learn more about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or find a certified ? Check out this resource⬇️

https://contextualscience.org/act

02/02/2026

"If you think someone is thinking about su***de, assume you are the only one who will reach out."

Whether you're the one struggling or it's someone you care about, a truth remains: It can feel really hard to talk about su***de—but having a guide can make it a little easier.

We want to share this resource from our friends at the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention (AFSP) that goes over how to navigate conversations like these, and provides relevant resources. It provides clear, direct steps that can be taken to help mitigate risk and restore a sense of connection and safety.

You can access now by clicking on the link below. Thank you, AFSP, for your continued commitment to su***de prevention💚

https://afsp.org/what-to-do-when-someone-is-at-risk/

***deprevention ***de

If you think someone is thinking about su***de, assume you are the only one who will reach out. Here’s how to talk to someone who may be struggling with their mental health.

02/02/2026

February marks , a time to honor the strength, brilliance, and impact of Black communities, past, present, and future. We celebrate the leaders, artists, educators, advocates, and everyday people who have shaped history through courage, creativity, and perseverance.

Black History Month began as a way to ensure Black history was studied, honored, and remembered, and it continues to remind us that these stories are essential to understanding our shared past and shaping a more just future. At UCA WAVES, we believe in uplifting voices, honoring lived experiences, and building a world where every person is seen, valued, and supported. We hope this Black History Month, you find yourself inspired to do the same.

If you're looking to learn more about Black History Month, or curious to know how you can celebrate, check out the link below⬇️

https://asalh.org/about-us/about-black-history-month/

🖤♥️💚💛

01/28/2026

We're delighted to share this upcoming event by Tarang!

Join them for Mental Health 101, a virtual, beginner-friendly space to learn the basics of mental health tailored to the Asian American Pacific Islander community🌄

This presentation will cover what mental health is, how to help someone who is struggling, and where to find resources in simple, conversational English. While this webinar is tailored to the AAPI Community in North Carolina, anyone who may be interested is welcome and hope to share a recording in various languages after the event. Here's what you need to know⬇️

⏰ When: January 31st | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
💻 Where: Virtual
🔗 Register at tinyurl.com/TarangJanMH101

We hope to see you there!

01/28/2026

Our team had a blast on Sunday attending, "Zen + TonIQ: Online Leadership Lounge", a wellness experience that blended stillness, laughter, and community energy for leaders to recharge their power and thrive🔋😊

We're grateful to Dr. Harvey, Dr. Z, and Ingrid Saddler-Walker for leading this virtual event, creating a safe space for us to connect with ourselves and each other. We look forward to carrying what we learned into our personal and professional lives. Thank you!🩵🪷

01/27/2026

The official press kit for Silent War: Asian American Reckonings with Mental Health is now available! It includes a short and long synopsis, director’s statement, crew bios, contact information and key statistics that ground the film’s message in real-world impact. Feel free to view or download at the link below⬇️

https://ucawaves.org/2026/01/27/the-silent-war-official-press-kit-is-here/

Everything You Need to Know About the Film The official press kit for Silent War: Asian American Reckonings with Mental Health is now available! It includes a short and long synopsis, director’s st…

01/26/2026

Friday night, WAVES had the honor of connecting with the Buddhist participating in the , a long-distance walking pilgrimage led by monks to promote peace, compassion, unity, and as they travel across communities🌄 The monks walk slowly and mindfully, engaging with people they meet and offering symbolic blessings like simple bracelets to remind others of and presence.

Their presence brought warmth to our team—even in the cold—and reminded us of the power of . The oldest monk among them is 70 years old—a beautiful testament to a lifetime of 🤍

We were honored to share homemade cookies baked by our team member, Laura, and red envelopes filled with chocolate gold coins to symbolize and blessings for the 🧧✨ We wish them all the best on their journey, and hope they feel our solidarity in their mission.

01/25/2026

The recent in Apex was a powerful reminder that fear does not have the final word, and WAVES was honored to be in attendance.

We heard moving stories from speakers who have been directly impacted by and the deep fear, sadness, and the subsequent uncertainty experienced by . Susan Chung, therapist, advocate and WAVES advisor, shared the story of a 17-year-old former client whose mother was while they lived in New York. She reminded us that while we cannot control the system, we can care for ourselves and each other. She also led the audience in and self-care strategies to help us navigate these overwhelming times.

Gerald Givens drew a powerful connection to , reminding us that in 1924 were legally excluded from this country, and that the same patterns of fear and division still echo today. As a symbol of solidarity, he shared yellow whistles we sponsored, representing our collective stand against hate and .

As one of the organizers, Rep. Cervania spoke with and strength, urging us to harness our own agency, stay engaged, and remember self-care as an act of . This gathering brought together a myriad of communities standing side by side to say “We belong.”

To everyone who spoke, attended, and supported, thank you for showing that even in the hardest moments, community is our greatest source of strength. If you find yourself looking for help or guidance in response to the recent events happening in our country, check out this resource by Immigrants Rising by clicking on the link below⬇️

https://immigrantsrising.org/support-for-immigrant-families-targeted-for-deportation/

01/23/2026

Three years ago today—just two days after the Monterey Park mass shooting—tragedy struck in Half Moon Bay, with gun violence taking the lives of seven Chinese and Latino farmworkers. Today we remember those lives lost and continue to mourn with their families.

01/23/2026

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, February 18th, because Silent War is hitting the big screen in Lancaster!🍿

Beginning at 6:15 PM at the Ware Center for the Arts, a pre-show panel will take place featuring Margaret Thorwart, Director of MU Center for Health Education & Promotion; Meagan Howell-Brogan, Head of Counseling Services, Franklin & Marshall College; Irma Do, Coordinator, (MSW) Faith Communities Partnership, Mental Health America of Lancaster County; and Sandy Chen, whose own journey is featured in the documentary.

At 7:00 PM, the film hits play. After its conclusion, the screening will be followed by a Q&A with Director Dr. Changfu Chang and Assistant Director A.C. Brooke.

This event is open to the public and FREE! All you need to do is reserve your spot at artsmu.com🎟️ ASL interpretation and captions will be provided.

We hope to see you there!😁🎬

https://artsmu.com/event/on-screen-in-person-film-series-silent-war-asian-american-reckonings-with-mental-health-free/the-ware-center/