Ever scrolled through Instagram or TikTok, carefully curating the image you project? Online, it’s easy to shape who we are, highlight our best moments, and filter out the rest. In real life, we do something similar—we wear masks that protect us from judgment, disappointment, or rejection. But how much of what we show, whether online or in person, is truly us?

Life often presents us with challenges that shake the very foundation of our mental and emotional well-being. Whether it’s navigating personal loss, facing unexpected adversity, or adapting to significant changes in our communities, the road to healing can feel overwhelming. Yet, in these moments of hardship, we often find the opportunity for growth. This concept, known as Posttraumatic Growth (PTG), reflects how individuals and communities rebuild themselves in the face of adversity—emerging stronger, more resilient, and more connected.

February brought us the theme of “invite”. Although it seemed natural to approach the monthly theme of invite with some type of big party metaphor, it was not in my blood to do so. I am an introvert and therefore do not become energized by daily socialization. Continued socializing drains me; I can feel the energy leaving my body when I spend a lot of time with people. The closest metaphor I can give you in the name of “Invite” is a reference to J.R.R. Tolkien.

It is our hope that our readers and followers will acknowledge that we are holistic, complex, and multi-faceted human beings. Our wellbeing is conscious and self-directed. The wellness wheel reminds us that wellness is not merely the absence of suffering or illness, but the personal, meaningful, and intentional striving for positive wellbeing.

September is a month of anxiety. New school. New teachers. New subjects. New schedule. New classmates. New routines to be established. Separation from our families. Learning how our homes function compared to other kids’. Socializing after so many months of being isolated and communicating through screens. Missing our families. Being exposed to different personalities.

For six months, phrases like "social distance" and "new norm" have replaced courtesy hellos and casual dinner time talking. Many of you have been scrutinized, criticized, and minimized for your response to chronic stress, uncertainty, loss, and the risk of mortality. These factors, compounded by political discord, have created a perfect storm for a mental health crisis.