5th Annual RC SELPA Mental Health Symposium: Mental Health Matters

This presentation inspires staff to embrace purposeful actions, transforming their "why" into actionable "how." By recognizing the invisible impact of their efforts, it fosters a sense of purpose, reinforces intrinsic value, and builds a culture of care, empowering mental health and educational professionals to create meaningful, lasting change in their communities.

The desired outcome is for staff to feel inspired and empowered to approach their work with intentionality and purpose, recognizing the profound yet often unseen impact of their efforts. By aligning their actions with a sense of purpose, they will foster meaningful connections, enhance their intrinsic motivation, and contribute to a positive, supportive culture within their community.

Looking into how adults who work with students who have experienced trauma can manage themselves. Looking at ways that adults can recognize how a student's trauma may impact their own reactions when working with students.

Outcome:
Build capacity for understanding when working with students who have experienced trauma while also taking care of yourself.

Loneliness harms societal health. In adults, it is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, anxiety, and premature death. In students, a lack of friendship can result in academic underachievement, mental health issues, and impaired brain development. Current data on friendships in the workplace and schools and the growing role AI plays will be discussed. Participants will receive various swag.

1. Attendees will understand the wide-reaching impact of loneliness on both physical and mental health, with a focus on adults and students. This will emphasize the importance of social connections in promoting societal well-being.
2. A look into how the intersection of AI, human behavior, and social connectivity might evolve, offering a forward-thinking perspective on combating loneliness in future societies.
3. Attendees will learn practical strategies to combat loneliness in various settings (workplaces, schools, communities), with suggestions for fostering meaningful social connections despite increasing digital interaction.