UCA WAVES Youth Mental Health Collaborative

12/24/2025

🎄 Merry Christmas! ♥️

Looking back on this past year, we’re in awe of the connections we’ve built, the impacts we’ve made, and the immense growth we’ve experienced as an organization—and you helped make that possible. Despite the many challenges we faced on both organizational and national levels, we remain committed to advocating for Asian American voices, improving mental wellbeing, and helping save young lives. We’re excited to carry this mission forward into 2026 and beyond.

Thank you for being part of our community and for supporting our mission. From everyone at UCA WAVES, we wish you a holiday season filled with peace, love, warmth, and joy.

With deepest gratitude,

UCA WAVES

12/23/2025

Another powerful highlight from the CSAUS 15th National was a thought-provoking session led by Dr. Li, Professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, whose research centers on the lived experiences of orphans in 👧🏻🇨🇳

Dr. Li’s work challenged us to think deeply about in the classroom, and what it means to bring compassion, dignity, and emotional understanding into educational spaces. His presentation explored how systems can move beyond academics to intentionally support the whole child. The conversation centered around the theory of (PCEs) and the four foundational pillars that support , resilience, and long-term mental well-being📈

The session reinforced a powerful message: when education is rooted in empathy, cultural understanding, and positive experiences, become not just places of learning, but places of healing and growth. We’re grateful to CSAUS and our partners for creating space for these critical conversations and for continuing to elevate youth on a national stage🏫💙

12/23/2025

Grateful for time spent celebrating the season with our Team!🎄🌄

Last week, we held a luncheon filled with raffles, awards, and meaningful moments of connection over a delicious meal. We’re proud to have five workers—four of whom also serve as peer support specialists—bringing us to eight incredible peer support specialists in total. Looking ahead to spring, we’re excited to launch a new led by two young fathers, with another young father continuing to moderate our .

We're so beyond for the amazing people who make up WAVES. You make what we do possible!💜🌊

12/18/2025

Tonight, the conversation continues: The Alliance of North American Chinese Physicians (ANACP) is hosting another webinar focused on coping and recovery after gun violence, this time in English. WAVES has been particularly shaken by the recent shooting at Brown University, as one of our team members has family attending the school. In the wake of trauma—something that by nature induces a sense of helplessness—reclaiming agency is paramount, which is why we find immense meaning in being a co-organizer of this event. Here's everything you need to know:

❤️‍🩹 December 18 | 8:00 PM ET
❤️‍🩹 Webinar ID: 830 1044 7438
❤️‍🩹 YouTube livestream and post-event discussion groups available
❤️‍🩹 Scan the QR code on the flyer to join

Our hearts remain with the Brown University community. We encourage anyone impacted to seek connection, support, and care during this time. We also know that events like these are, unfortunately, not uncommon, and their emotional impact can spread far and wide. If you'd like to learn more about coping after a disaster or get connected to relevant resources, click on the link below⬇️

https://www.psychiatry.org/.../coping-after-disaster-trauma

12/17/2025

The are a real thing, as you may recall from our recent post on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). While there’s a myriad of reasons the colder months can take a toll, there’s a specific factor we wanted to focus on this : light, or rather, the lack of it thanks to shorter days. While we can’t make the world spin faster, ensuring you get enough a day can absolutely make a difference...here’s how!

☀️ Vitamin D Supports Mood & Mental Health ☀️

Vitamin D plays a role in regulating , a neurotransmitter tied closely to mood. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to increased risk of , especially during winter when sunlight exposure drops.

🔗 https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder

🧠 Sunlight Helps Regulate Your Internal Clock 🧠

Natural light helps maintain a healthy , which affects sleep, energy, and emotional regulation. Less daylight can disrupt this rhythm, leading to , low motivation, and mood changes.

🔗 https://www.sleepfoundation.org/circadian-rhythm/light-and-sleep

🦴 Vitamin D Supports Brain and Body Health 🦴

Beyond mood, vitamin D is essential for , immune function, and reducing inflammation—all of which can indirectly impact mental well-being and during colder months.

🔗 https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/

🌥️ Winter = Higher Risk of Deficiency 🌥️

Because the sun sits lower in the sky during winter, our bodies produce far less vitamin D, even on sunny days. Many people don’t realize they’re deficient, which can quietly contribute to and mood.

🔗 https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/vitamins-minerals/vitamin-d.html

How to Get More Vitamin D This Winter

✅ Get when you can: Even 15–30 minutes of midday light helps.
✅ Eat vitamin D–rich foods: Fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified milk or cereals.
✅ Talk to a provider about : Especially if you experience winter mood changes.
✅ Pair light with movement: A short walk outside boosts both sunlight exposure and .

We're curious to hear what helps you pass the snowy season. Drop your answer in the comments below!

12/17/2025

In the wake of the recent shooting at Brown University, many members of the community are experiencing fear, grief, and emotional distress. During moments like this, access to culturally informed mental health support and trusted information is essential.

Tonight, the Alliance of North American Chinese Physicians (ANACP) is hosting a webinar focused on coping and recovery after gun violence. While this session will be held in Chinese, an English version is to come, and we will share that information as soon as we have it. UCA WAVES is honored to be a participating organization in this important community effort. Here's everything you need to know about tonight's event:

❤️‍🩹 December 17 | 9:00 PM ET
❤️‍🩹 Webinar ID: 837 9950 0981
❤️‍🩹 YouTube livestream and post-event discussion groups available
❤️‍🩹 Scan the QR code on the flyer to join

Our hearts remain with the Brown University community. We encourage anyone impacted to seek connection, support, and care during this time. We also know that events like these are, unfortunately, not uncommon, and their emotional impact can spread far and wide. If you'd like to learn more about coping after a disaster or get connected to relevant resources, click on the link below⬇️

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/coping-after-disaster-trauma

WAVES is—and will remain—committed to helping build a safer, healthier, more hopeful tomorrow for all.

12/17/2025

WAVES had an absolutely amazing time in last weekend attending the 15th of the Chinese School Association of the United States (CSAUS)🏙️

We were honored to host a powerful panel titled “Asian Parents, American Children,” featuring our Founder and Executive Director Lily Chen; WAVES Board Member and Chief Medical Officer of Cartwheel, Juliana Chen; WAVES Acting Finance Director and CSAUS Board Member, Feng Xue; and high school student Tristan Liu. The discussion highlighted cross-sector collaboration and the value of shared in understanding real and family needs—especially the voices of young people themselves.

Our Peer Support Specialist and in training, Lei, also shared about WAVES’ peer support programs, while Haipei from United Chinese Americans - UCA, our National Partner, spoke to the critical role of and cultural identity in supporting mental well-being. We also screened the trailer to Silent War, sparking meaningful dialogue around parent–child relationships and .

All in all, it was a powerful conference marking a renewed commitment by nationwide to invest in youth mental health alongside cultural education. As long-standing strategic partners, CSAUS and WAVES demonstrated how schools, families, and community organizations can come together to advance and emotional well-being on a national platform📚🩵

12/11/2025

WAVES is excited to head to Boston this Saturday to present at the 15th National Convention and Chinese Education Conference!🏙️ Hosted by the Chinese School Association in the United States (CSAUS), several of our team members will be participating in a powerful panel, "Asian Parents, American Children" featuring experts and youth voices, including...

✅ Feng Xue, MS – Board Member of CSAUS, Moderator
✅ Lily Chen, PhD, MA, RN, CNE – Executive Director, UCA WAVES
✅ Juliana Chen, MD – Chief Medical Officer, Cartwheel
✅ Tristan Liu – Student Panelist

We can't wait to be a part of this important event. Boston, here we come!😁

12/10/2025

While it may not officially be just yet, it certainly already feels like it!❄️ Despite all the beautiful things that accompany this time of year, as we move into the darker, colder months, we wanted to take a moment to talk about (SAD). Here’s five things to know:

1️⃣ SAD is more common than many realize.

About 5% of U.S. adults experience every year, and symptoms often last for 40% of the year. Women are diagnosed at higher rates than men.

🔗https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder

2️⃣ Reduced sunlight has real biological effects.

Shorter days can disrupt and decrease serotonin levels, both of which play a role in mood, energy, and sleep.

🔗https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder

3️⃣ who move from sunny or mild-climate hometowns to places with strong seasons may be more at risk.

A study found that undergraduates from non-seasonal hometowns experienced significantly larger increases in symptoms during winter than peers from seasonal climates—suggesting that adjusting from low-seasonality to high-seasonality environments can raise vulnerability to SAD.

🔗https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8646863/

4️⃣ SAD impacts daily life—and work.

Individuals with SAD frequently report lower motivation, reduced concentration, changes in appetite, and greater . These symptoms can affect school, employment, and relationships, especially during winter’s peak.

🔗https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651

5️⃣ Treatment and support make a measurable difference.

Light therapy, talk , vitamin D evaluation, increased outdoor time, and support have all been shown to reduce symptoms. Early recognition and culturally-responsive care improve outcomes significantly.

🔗https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder

WAVES is sending love and warmth to everyone out there struggling a little extra during the winter months. We see you💜

12/09/2025

We've got an exciting event we wish to share with you: The 2026 Chinese American Convention hosted by United Chinese Americans - UCA!🥳

This year’s event is especially significant, marking both UCA’s 10th anniversary and our country's 250th birthday🇺🇸 The convention will bring together more than 1,000 community activists, elected officials, youth leaders, and business pioneers in Las Vegas under the theme “Thriving Together: Shaping the Future of Chinese Americans.”

Focused on connection, leadership, and building a stronger future for the community, this once-in-a-decade gathering promises meaningful dialogue and lasting impact. If you'd like to register or learn more, check out the link below⬇️

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-chinese-american-convention-tickets-1917674729739?aff=oddtdtcreator

12/08/2025

We know this time of year can be particularly difficult for those grieving. WAVES is sending love to all of those feeling emotionally heavier during the holidays. Thank you NAMI for this resource💜

December 2-8 is commemorated annually as . For many experiencing grief, he holidays can bring more heavy feelings and memories of their loved ones who have passed on. If you or someone you care about are experiencing this - you are not alone

Grief support groups are here for when you're ready to reach out. Find a support group near you today: nami.org/griefsupportgroups

12/08/2025

It's been a minute, but we’re back with another edition of ! Today, we’re exploring one you've likely all heard of: Talk Therapy, a modality that has supported , growth, and self-understanding for over a century.

🧠 What is Talk Therapy? 🧠

Talk Therapy—also known as —is a therapeutic approach where individuals work with a trained professional to explore their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and patterns. It creates a safe, supportive space to understand what’s going on internally and develop healthier ways of and relating to the world.

Unlike body-based or -based approaches, Talk Therapy is considered a top-down modality. This means it works through conscious reflection, language, and insight to create change. For many people, simply having a nonjudgmental space to process life experiences, , stress, , or identity can be profoundly healing.

⚙️ How Talk Therapy Works ⚙️

During , you and your therapist engage in open dialogue to explore what you’re experiencing internally and externally. Together, you work toward greater clarity, emotional , and personal growth.

Key elements often include:

✅ Insight building: Understanding the roots of , patterns, and behaviors.

✅ Emotional processing: Naming and expressing emotions in a safe, guided environment.

✅ Cognitive reflection: Examining beliefs, thoughts, or narratives that may be holding you back.

✅ Relationship-focused support: Using the relationship as a model for trust, boundaries, and communication.

✅ Skill development: Depending on the modality, therapy may include tools for , coping, communication, or reframing patterns.

🤔 Where does Talk Therapy fall short? 🤔

While Talk Therapy is incredibly valuable, it’s not without limitations:

‼️ May not address stored trauma in the body: For some people—especially those with —talk alone may not reach the deeper nervous system responses driving symptoms.

‼️ Can take time: Talk Therapy often builds insight gradually, which may feel slow for clients seeking quick, structured changes.

‼️ Not always enough on its own: Some individuals may benefit from pairing it with , brain-based, or skills-focused therapies.

‼️ Requires strong therapeutic fit: The quality of the relationship with the therapist often determines effectiveness. A mismatch can limit progress.

Despite these considerations, Talk Therapy remains one of the most trusted and widely used modalities for healing , anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, grief, and personal growth. For many, it’s the foundation of their mental health journey.

Want to learn more about Talk Therapy? Check out the link below⬇️

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/psychotherapy/about/pac-20384616