Key Takeaways
- Ohio State’s SOAR Study is taking mental health research beyond the lab and into the community through two public conversations in Jackson, Ohio.
- Findings from more than 15,000 Ohioans show that sleep, connection and trusted support can help young people build resilience.
- Researchers say strong relationships and healthy routines can help youth navigate stress, overcome challenges and thrive.
JACKSON, Ohio – The State of Ohio Adversity and Resilience (SOAR Study) invites community members and media to attend two Community Conversations that will share research findings directly with the communities that helped make the research possible
Led by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, SOAR is exploring not only mental illness and addiction but also resilience, or the ability to cope with challenges and recover from difficult experiences
Modeled after the Framingham Heart Study, which transformed the understanding of heart disease, SOAR examines mental health, addiction, and the factors that help people cope with challenges and stay emotionally healthy
“We are committed to sharing findings directly with communities and making sure the research leads to useful tools, conversations and resources for Ohio families,” said Scott Langenecker, PhD, principal investigator of SOAR and psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine. “We want to share what we have learned and hear from community members what they think the findings mean, why the findings matter to them and what actions families, community leaders and organizations can take next to build resilience.”
Community Conversations locations
- Monday, Aug. 24, 4:30-6: p.m. at Holzer Medical Center, 500 Burlington Rd., Jackson, OH;
- Tuesday, Sept. 15, 5-7 p.m. at Stockroom 601, 601 E. Main St., Jackson, OH
The Aug. 24 event at Holzer Medical Center will focus on “Back to School: Building Resilience in Youth.” The Sept. 15 event at Stockroom 601 will discuss ways to build resilience and help prevent suicide
SOAR research results
Through surveys of more than 15,000 Ohioans and detailed study of more than 2,400 participants, SOAR identified factors linked to good mental health and the ability to recover from challenges. These findings can help researchers understand what supports mental health and strengthens people’s ability to cope with life’s challenges
“For families heading into the school year, this means there are practical steps that can help children, adolescents, and young adults start the year on a stronger footing emotionally, socially and academically,” Langenecker said. “But there is no one-size-fits-all path to resilience. Families can help children find activities, people and routines that make them feel connected and supported. Those connections can help children learn and build confidence.”
5 tips to help build resilience in youth
- Prioritize sleep Sleep is one of the strongest and most consistent predictors of mental wellness in the SOAR studies. Establish regular bedtime and wake-up routines.
- Help kids find connection Encourage children to participate in sports, clubs, music, volunteer work, faith groups, scouting or arts programs where they can make friends and feel connected.
- Identify trusted and supportive adults Every child should be able to name several adults they can turn to when they need help, such as a parent, teacher, coach, counselor, family member, neighbor and/or mentor. Talk with these adults about how they can best support the child when help is needed.
- Reduce excessive screen time Setting limits on phones, social media, television and other devices can create more time for sleep, exercise, family activities, friendships and in-person experiences.
- Make time for fun and purpose Children need opportunities to enjoy themselves, explore interests, build skills and experience success. Hobbies, recreation, creativity and meaningful activities are important ingredients of resilience.
SOAR also found that loneliness, repeatedly dwelling on negative thoughts, poor sleep, ongoing stress and social isolation were linked to higher rates of depression, emotional struggles, substance use problems and suicidal thoughts
K. Luan Phan, MD, professor and chair of Ohio State’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Heath launched SOAR in collaboration with the state and several of Ohio’s public universities, including Ohio University and a private institution of higher education
The next phase of the study, SOAR 2.0, continues tracking study participants to learn more about how people adapt to challenges over time
For more information or to register for the study, visit https://soarstudies.org/
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988
Media Contact
Eileen Scahill, Ohio State Wexner Medical Center Media Relations, Eileen.Scahill@osumc.edu
