What are the challenges in talking about and taking care of the mental health of our communities, churches, and ourselves? How can we do better? Let’s talk about it!
Topics of Discussion:
- Managing the impact of Social Media on Mental Health
- The Connection between Mental and Physical Health
- The Challenges and Opportunities of Finding Community Resources
- Pastors and Their Mental Health
- Supporting Children and Youth with Mental Health Struggles
Schedule:
7:30 - 8:00 Registration & Breakfast
8:00 - 8:30 Opening / Introduction
8:45 - 9:30 Session 1
9:45 - 10:30 Session 2
10:45 - 11:30 Session 3
11:45 - 12:15 Closing
Topics and Speakers:
Opening / Introduction
Speakers: John Buckley and Dave Eckert
Session 1
Accessing & Navigating Mental Health Services: The Ins and Outs of Finding Help – Anna Trout
In this workshop, attendees will have the opportunity to learn the basics of navigating support for themselves or a loved one: who to call and what to expect? Importantly, discussion will also include how to navigate getting stuck, alternative support options when resources aren't available, and ideas of "what to do while you way wait" when faced with the reality of waitlists.
Social Media and Mental Health – James Mast
Supporting People with Mental Health Struggles in Your Congregation and Community – Dave Eckert
This training will provide clergy and faith community members approaches to making their congregations a welcoming and supportive space for people with mental illness. Particular attention will be given to public communication, relationship development and partnering with external mental health providers.
Session 2
Ways the Christian community can help a family – John Buckley and Vicki Chandler
John and Vicki will describe from their experiences how life is not like everyone else's when you live with someone who struggles with mental health. Families facing a similar journey will learn what they can do to help their loved one. Supporting those whose lives are impacted by MI involves tackling the monumental job of learning what can be done to help, realizing what hurts, and endeavoring to help others understand the journey. The speakers' personal and professional experiences include lessons they learned that will shed light on what can be done to help you in your day-to-day journey.
Supporting People with Mental Health Struggles in Your Congregation and Community – Dave Eckert
Social Media and Mental Health – James Mast
Session 3
Supporting people with mental health in your congregation and community - LeeAnn VanBuskirk
Mental health is a challenge for those who live with it in many ways we are and are not aware of but there are also blessings. Come join us as we share a family affected by Mental health and the lessons learned, resources used, and the challenges faced along with some helpful resources.
Boundaries: Why they are important, noticing when we have them and when we don’t, and some ideas about getting some - Mark Boorse
Often, we see a need and want to help, but then worry that it will become too much. Or we get into it and realize it's become more than we anticipated. Concern about these experiences sometimes keeps us from reaching out or creates anxiety as we try to do a really good thing. Join us as we talk about maintaining boundaries in our ministries while we seek to live out our faith and show the love of Christ to those in need.
Self-Care - Lauren Kuehlewind
Physical and Mental health challenges are hard for both the one struggling and the one who loves them. This workshop will be focused on learning how to use what the Bible says and self-reflection skills to navigate self-care in God-honoring ways.
Closing
Surveys, one follow-up thought, & dismissal