Speaker Series
In Honor of National Wellness Month, High School Student/NAMI CC Volunteer, Vinan Adhikesavan, Will Share Epigenetic Mental Health Resources
Meeting Information
The meeting was held over Zoom on August 20th, from 7 PM to 8:30 PM.
Speaker(s)
NAMI CC Volunteer, High School Student
Vinan Adhikesavan
Meeting Description
For our August 2026 General Meeting in Honor of National Wellness Month, The College Preparatory School student and NAMI CC volunteer, Vinan Adhikesavan, has created two youth mental health resources, which take different approaches to the issue of mental illness. The main ideas of these projects are connected but presented differently. Trauma, Genes, and Brain Health discusses how early childhood experiences shape stress-related genes, the impact of trauma on the human brain, and the brain’s amazing ability to heal. A Mind Check-In is a teenager-friendly guide that helps to recognize internal emotional struggles, de-stigmatize common issues, and get professional help. Epigenetics refers to how your behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way your
genes work. Every August, National Wellness Month encourages individuals to make self-care a priority, build healthy routines, and support their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Whether you’re focusing on hydration, movement, mindfulness, or simply slowing down, this month is
your reminder to put yourself first. Vinan Adhikesavan is a high school student at The College Preparatory
School interested in neuroscience, mental health, Al, and public health. He is curious about how the brain influences behavior and how technology can improve mental health care. Vinan hopes to help make mental health support more accessible and effective. Outside of school,
he enjoys hiking, billiards, and exploring new places.
Questions and Comments
If you have questions or comments for our speakers during the presentation, you may contact Gigi Crowder at 510-990-2670 or gigi@namicontracosta.org.
Requesting Closed Caption Translation
Closed Caption Translation is available in various languages for any of NAMI CC’s General Meetings on ZOOM. Attendees can select the language of their choosing. RSVP to gigi@namicontracosta.org if you require audio language translation.
