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Nov 29, 2021 · Brené Brown explains the difference between 'belonging and fitting in'. In her new book, “Atlas of the Heart," Brené Brown delves into the importance of understanding our emotions.
Jun 17, 2024 · According to a research study of American teens ages 12-15, those who used social media over three hours each day faced twice the risk of having negative mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety symptoms.
- kathy.katella-cofrancesco@yale.edu
Apr 14, 2020 · In this episode, we talk about how emotional literacy — being able to recognize, name, and understand our feelings — affects everything from learning, decision-making, and creativity to relationships, health, and performance.
Apr 3, 2020 · We all have patterned ways of managing our day-to-day anxiety, and these patterns often reflect the roles and expectations of our first families. In this episode, we’ll talk about over- and under-functioning in anxious times, why anxiety is contagious, and how we can cultivate a calm practice.
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- Brené Brown’s Research
- Her Impact On Mental Health
- Connect With Brené Brown’s Work
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For the last two decades, Brené Brown has been on a mission to foster deep human connection. A professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, she’s dedicated much of her research to topics such as vulnerability, empathy, love, and courage.
Her work has culminated in a series of New York Times bestseller books—which have been translated into over 30 languages—and you can catch her as the host of two award-winning podcasts: Unlocking Us and Dare to Lead.
Brown is also an internationally acclaimed public speaker, who’s served as a keynote at South by Southwest (SXSW), the United Nations, and TEDx. To this day, her TEDxHouston talk on the Power of Vulnerability is one of the most viewed in the world with over 60 million views and counting.
Brené Brown is one of our top 25 thought leaders, experts, and advocates making a difference in mental health.
See 2023 Honorees
Brené Brown focuses her research on human connection—our unique ability to empathize with others, our desire and ability to belong, and our capacity to love deeply.
As a doctoral student, she says that the power of statistics and "the clean lines of quantitative research" were appealing to her, but along the way she fell in love with the richness and depth of qualitative research.
“Storytelling is my DNA, and I couldn’t resist the idea of research as storycatching," Brown writes on her website. "Stories are data with a soul and no methodology honors that more than grounded theory. The mandate of grounded theory is to develop theories based on people’s lived experiences rather than proving or disproving existing theories.”
After 15 years of research, she says she was sure about one thing in particular: that human connection is why we are here. It's the very glue that gives us purpose in our day-to-day lives.
When I first realized and resented the importance of embracing vulnerability and living a Wholehearted life, I would tell people that I was hijacked by my own data. Now, I know that I was rescued by it.
— BRENÉ BROWN, PHD, MSW
To say that Brené Brown has profoundly impacted the mental health space would be an understatement. Her words are deeply compelling and shine a light on complex feelings such as vulnerability, shame, love, and regret.
Through her candor, humor, and storytelling, Brown is able to break down complicated topics in a way that resonates with people who’ve felt lost, hopeless, unsure, and unheard. She’s even tapped into the hearts and psyche of people who may have realized, through hearing her speak, they still had room to grow.
A viewer on her TEDxHouston talk writes, “She has been able to articulate feelings that I have had, but I have been unable to name. She has helped me understand my own personal battle with addiction better, and my struggles with anxiety. Her research is poignant, and her presentation style is engaging.”
Brown’s books have earned similar accolades from everyday people, as well. One reviewer who read "Atlas of the Heart" writes, “Brené explains emotions in a way I've never experienced, and I've been on my path to know myself for 30 years … Thank you Brené. You have changed 'me.’”
At the end of the day—through her books, podcasts, and speeches—she’s motivated and changed people by inviting them to dig deeper, find empathy for others, and live more meaningful, fulfilling lives.
The Health Benefits of Humor and Laughter
Since beginning her career in mental health, Brown has dedicated her time and research to understanding how humans connect and how we can be better for ourselves and for each other—and it's why we've chosen her as one of the Verywell Mind 25.
If you’re inspired by Brené Brown’s research, point of view, and unique approach, we encourage you to explore her work for yourself.
- Wendy Rose Gould
Sep 1, 2023 · The Kids Online Safety Act, a bipartisan bill introduced in April, establishes a duty of care for social media companies to protect minors from mental health harms, sex trafficking, narcotics, and other dangers.
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Jun 15, 2021 · How does social media affect teenagers’ mental health? Alina says teenagers on social media have “increased exposure to harm, social isolation, depression, anxiety and cyber-bullying.” The impact of social media on teenagers can be significant.
