In The News

September 2025

Chatbots, Media, and Mental Health

With the rise in the use of “AI” chatbots and the persistent presence of social media, the use of language learning models (LLM) have been increasing due to its ease of access. Particularly, teens and young adults have turned to these LLMs as a form of digital support during times of mental health crises.As professionals and adults, we need to be more present in the lives of teens and young adults as we all continue to navigate this new era of technology.

March 2025

Toxic Friendships: creating healthier, supportive environments for individuals affected by bullying

This month our coalition meeting focuses on toxic friendships, bullying, and the impact on mental health. We tend to hear these terms often, either in conversations or on social media. But what do these actually mean?

Friends are an important aspect of life - they provide support emotionally and socially. Studies have also found that they can contribute to your wellbeing. However, there are some friendships that can impact you negatively. Here are some signs of a toxic friendship

November 2023

Accessing Basic Needs at Your School

Basic needs (housing, food, clothing, water, safety, healthcare, connection …) are essential to our mental health and well-being. Many of the colleges and universities here in Orange County have programming that can help with temporary and transitional shelter, clothing, food, diapers, and clean water, along with referrals to community partners who provide other basic needs-related services. Read more for a list of local college and university basic needs resources.

September 2023

The Multi-Ethnic Collaborative of Community Agencies (MECCA)  - Youth Drop-in Center Substance Use Services

The Multi-Ethnic Collaborative of Community Agencies (MECCA) is looking to combat the increase in opioid overdose by giving out Naloxone (Narcan) Nasal Spray, Test Strips (Fentanyl and Xylazine), overdose reversal trainings, and referrals for free/low-cost treatments. They will be providing this through a Drop-In Center held every Wednesday, from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

August 2023

Project Why Podcast: Mental health and homelessness

Arielle Zappia speaks with Partners4Wellness/Connect-OC Project Coordinator, David Paddison, about the effects of mental health on society as a whole, and specifically about how mental health connects to homelessness.

May 2023

The Impact of Sharing Your Story: Your Voice Creates a Brighter Future

Sharing your mental health journey can have a powerful impact on your own mental health, while making a difference in the lives of others. Your voice has the potential to make a profound impact: offering hope, support, and a sense of connection.

January 2023

Attachment: Relating to ourselves, others, and the world

Recently, there has been an increased popular interest in attachment and the ways our attachment experiences and corresponding attachment styles impact our relationships. In this article, Project Coordinator David Paddison explores a bit about attachment, how it helps us relate to ourselves, others, and the world and shares additional resources for further information.

November 2022

Project WHY (We Hear You)

In this article Connect-OC Young Adult Advisory Committee Member Arielle Zappia shares about her non-profit, Project WHY (We Hear You), and how she became passionate about advocating for reducing the stigma surrounding homelessness in Orange County , Ca.

September 2022

The Power of You : Recognizing the Hope in Recovery

September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month and in a world full of social media and comparison it’s so important to recognize the power and hope that lies in being you. In this article Connect-OC intern, Joy Medina, discusses how one can identify their strengths and individuality and utilize them as reminder to oneself and those around them that we all have something unique to bring to this world.

July 2022

Eating Mindfully

July 24th is International Self Care Day and often times when we think of ways to improve our mental health, activities that come to mind could be exercise more, spend time with those you love, or reach out to a trusted therapist. While all of these can definitely improve our mental health and push us toward the right direction, we should also consider another important factor that is accessible daily, our nutrition and the food that we consume on a daily basis.