HOW IT STARTED

LORELEI

Before the pandemic, I was starting a Wellness Club at my high school in Ridgewood, NJ. It was clear we needed to address the kinds of things that would make us feel better. Studies revealed many of my peers were struggling with mental illness, and my school was very attentive to these students. But, more students, while not given a diagnosis, were struggling with stress and the emotional and physical ramifications. Then, Covid-19 took over and things went from bad to worse. Personally, I felt down and apathetic toward school during remote learning. Living life through a screen, I lost interest in things I used to love. When we got back to school, I slowly started to feel more engaged and hopeful. With some of my classmates, I tried again to make a change with a school-based club, but in the chaos of the return to in-person, it was hard to get started. We simply wanted to make small changes and start conversations about what could improve the culture at our high-pressure school, but we failed to gain traction. That failure taught me a lot about the importance of planning ahead, pre-approval and organization. The result was the development of this easy to use, plug and play, "get-happier, feel better" curriculum. It is designed to be used at any school. I asked my mom, a physician and wellness coach, to get involved as an advisor. She helps to make sure these offerings are credible and useful. I am also lucky to have the support of my local YMCA. I have learned a lot about myself during these past few years, and it is my belief the little things make a big difference. I hope you'll help me by learning more about The Helium Project and by getting involved.

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KAREN

For some time, both personally and professionally, I have been concerned about the mental health of our kids, and have been engaged in making a change. It isn't only the serious, diagnosable cases that worry me. I am concerned for the general wellbeing of the next generation. Their stress levels are through the roof and their happiness is fragile. Somehow along the way, the joy of childhood was sacrificed for greater (perceived) success, more connectivity, and a compare and despair culture. True depression and anxiety is a job for the experts, but this project is a job for everyone. I'm excited to help Lorelei find ways to lift spirits, increase happiness and reclaim the lightness that used to be childhood. The adult world is serious enough, there is plenty of time for it. If success is to be the benchmark, people who practice self care, value balance, and appreciate a great laugh are among the most successful. I agree with my daughter, little things make a big difference ... and so, here, we start with the small stuff.

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LORELEI GRASSI is a a student at Ridgewood High School in NJ, class of 2023. She is the middle child, plays soccer, danced before the pandemic, babysits and waitresses to support her Starbucks habit and has no idea what she wants to be when she grows up ... other than useful and happy.

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KAREN LATIMER is a family physician, wellness coach and mother of five. She is the author of the Audible Original, Take Back the House ... Raising Happy Parents. She truly believes laughter is the best medicine.

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