In early September 2024 I was interviewed by a member of youth-led, US-based "Peace of Mind Initiative" (https://www.instagram.com/peace.of.mind.initiative/), whose goal is to destigmatize teenage mental health challenges. [Note: For the purpose of having an authentic conversation, my responses to the questions were not prepared in advance, nor rehearsed. Apologies for the moments of low sound quality!] Key points in the conversation: 👇 00:07 - What inspired you to pursue a career in Psychology? 01:11 – What drove you to start your Instagram account (https://www.instagram.com/workwithcharis/) to share Mental Health resources? 02:25 – In your 22 years of experience, how do you think that shaped your perspective on Mental Health? 04:50 – In your experience, what are some common stressors you’ve seen in students and how do you address that as an Educator? 09:39 – How do you think schools could implement good mental health practices and which ones do you think are the best for students’ wellbeing? 10:55 – What signs of mental health struggles do you look for when children are going through something? Say a child is not feeling well, what are some signs that show they need help? 13:33 – What strategies do you recommend for youth to help them build a more healthy and stable mindset? 15:33 – Could you expand on the importance of positive adult role models in a young person’s mental health journey? 18:07 – How do you think friends play a role in a young person’s mindset and mental health? 20:18 – Did you experience any challenges while attempting to promote mental health policy changes in your school? 25:07 – What do you hope to achieve through your work and what kind of impact do you want to make? 29:56 – What advice would you give to someone, like a young student, who’s interested in Psychology or wanting to become a Mental Health advocate? 31:31 – Are there any specific mental health struggles you’ve been through personally that you’d like to share?

Most educational programs in the (western) world take place inside the walls of a classroom or other training spaces. Why? Because it's considered more convenient and controlled. Why would anyone bother to spend (perhaps more) time to prepare delivering or facilitating an amazing, meaningful lesson or training session outdoors, if they can stay in their indoor comfort zone? 👉 Well, because the value of partially or fully taking the learning outdoors can be huge for the learners and for the skillset of the teacher/trainer/facilitator! A distinction should be made regarding the options for learning using the outdoors: 🌳 1) Having a lesson outside a classroom instead of inside 🌳 2) Mixing elements of the outdoors in a lesson 🌳 3) Using the outdoors fully as the learning space In the images, I present the 3 options and my personal opinion on them.

"We had fun!" Most of the times, when reflecting with learners about the benefits of experiential learning activities, this is one of their first responses. What exactly do they mean by "fun"? There's a misconception out there that if learning is "fun" then it's probably not serious enough - WRONG! Schools, in particular, ought to be the "best party in town"!

One of the problems with present-day educational practices that still reflect 18th century principles, is that young learners have "lessons" in school, when the more accurate description would be that they have "planned periods of their precious time where they feel incredibly disinterested and demotivated". How can an event in our life be considered a "lesson" if it does not move us - mentally, emotionally, physically, and/or socially - especially when we are referring to instructional periods in school?! Anyone who remembers meaningful experiences of their life has gained "lessons" from those experiences, exactly because they were moving and memorable, and it is easier for them to explain what was the point of those experiences. In the example I give in this post's images, the theater performance the students watched was an impactful experience (I was there to witness it), therefore a good lesson for them.

❓ Which are YOUR life mottos?! ❓ ! I recorded mine during a lovely mid-year-reflection journaling workshop. Allow me to explain my mottos👇 🌈 Equanimity - the skill of remaining calm in the face of challenge, a lesson I learned through silent meditation retreats. 💡 Be LIGHT - as in feeling light and joyful, and being a guiding light for others. 🐐 GOAT goat - As a Capricorn, I tend to have determination and loyalty, so I might as well be the greatest at it! 🌟 Create magic - I use the "ingredients" I have to creatively produce the best possible result, inspired by the words of relational skills coach Matthew Hussey 💫 Even this shall pass - everything in us and around us is an incredible set of vibrating molecules, constantly arising and passing, something to remember when going through stressful times 🎈 Breathe! - Conscious breathing is a way to confirm we are centered, calm, in-tune with our body and focused ❤️ I love you - I did not grow up hearing this affirmation, so I have to remember to shower myself with self appreciation.