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BIO

About Me

I've lived in Newton, MA my entire life, but Newton is not the only community that has raised me. I grew up in the suburban Chinese American community through my parents, grandparents, Chinese School, and Chinese Dance company. I connected to Boston city life through the streets of Chinatown in the heart of downtown. It wasn't until my high school years that I confronted self-doubt, internalized guilt, and eventually depression. Understanding why my mental health suffered through these years involved understanding the tensions between my Asian American background, school life, home life, and the strange things I cared for growing up.  

Advocacy

Teen Speaker 

Families for Depression Awareness


JUNE 2018 - PRESENT

Co-Founder

NNHS Active Minds Chapter 


NOVEMBER 2018 - PRESENT

NNHS Mental Health Awareness Day


ARIL 2019 - UPCOMING

A Story?

There wasn't a sudden change in mood nor a tangible loss in my life. Other than a persistent feeling of numbness or regret, I was normal. I woke up to feelings of guilt. I slept. I doubted I had close friends. 

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To me, depression wasn't sadness. Depression was emptiness. Depression made me feel hollow, contained, and somewhat insane. Unable to express my emotions. I worked to relearn my language of imperfection, culture, belonging and expression. 

Contact Info

E- jessicachen2018@gmail.com

T- 617-899-240*

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