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

Gut Brain Connection – Tony Blasco
A discussion on the anatomy, physiology, neurology, and symptomatology of a healthy gut and a not-so-healthy gut and the effects they have on our gut-brain connection, mental health, and overall health and wellness. Tony will dive deep into the things that have a negative effect on our gut like infections, trauma, toxins, genetics, diet, and stress. We will also look at how to avoid and fix these issues through lifestyle changes, diet, nutrition, and stress management. Tony will include his favorite bio-hacks that will help the gut-brain connection to heal and maximize mental health. Participants will walk away with the principles of gut health and actions they can start to implement into their daily lives immediately.

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.

Gut Brain Connection - Tony Blasco

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 Help - Lauren Kuelewind
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