As we move into a season of longer nights and colder days, caring for the mental health of yourself and your loved ones is more important than ever. Learn from mental health professionals how best to mitigate mental health concerns as well as how to respond in a crisis.
WEDGWOOD MENTAL HEALTH SERIES
Featuring experts from Wedgwood Christian Services
Suicide Prevention
East Grand Rapids, Tuesday, September 26, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Everyone can help prevent suicide by learning the warning signs, promoting prevention and resilience, and committing to social change. Join Paul Breithaupt, LMSC, CAADC, to learn tools for discussing suicide, identifying warning signs and risk factors, and approaching someone who may be in danger. For adults.
Positive Youth Development
Cascade Twp., Tuesday, October 10, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Join Cathy Racalla, MA, SRAS, CHES, and Taylor Alvesteff er, BSW, SRAS, to learn what pressures today’s youth are facing, behaviors that put them at risk and skills that will help you as an advocate have important conversations about healthy choices and behaviors. For adults.
Overcoming Addiction
Cascade Twp., Tuesday, October 17, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Experience an honest conversation about addiction: how to identify it, have conversations with loved ones about it, provide healthy support and overcome it. Learn practical ways to support anyone in recovery. For adults. This session is presented in partnership with the Cascade Community Foundation.
Mental Health Practices
East Grand Rapids, Tuesday, October 24, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Join Asha Upakrwoth, LLMSW, and Emily Monsma, LLMSW, for an important discussion on how to identify if your loved ones are facing mental health challenges, how to talk about it, self-care practices and how you can get help for yourself or loved ones. For adults.
Trauma-Informed Parenting
Cascade Twp., Tuesday, November 7, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Join Trauma-Informed Therapist Jacklyn Eding, LLMSW, to learn how to identify trauma and
ways that caregivers can support children who have experienced it. This class will cover what trauma is, the effects of trauma, the feelings and behaviors that occur due to trauma and how to build a safe place to discuss the topic of trauma. For adults.
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Mental Health Expo
Kentwood (Richard L. Root), Saturday, September 23, 10:00 AM – Noon
Join local service providers and experts to learn more about mental health and the organizations available within our community. Ask questions, connect with providers and learn how best to support yourself and loved ones through this mental health first aid kit. For adults.
Reducing Your Child's Stress and Anxiety
East Grand Rapids, Monday, September 25, 6:00 PM
Amy Van Andel (Ada), Thursday, September 28, 6:00 PM
How do you help your child manage stress, anxiety and worry? Parents will learn practical strategies for helping their children build confidence and reduce anxiety from Dr. Janelle Youngdahl. For adults.
Community Conversation: Author Talk with Ellen Hopkins
Rockford High School Auditorium, Wednesday, October 18, 6:30 PM
Ellen Hopkins, author of What About Will, will share how she began her writing career, her desire to inform and support those whose loved ones are experiencing addiction, and how she develops stories for teen and middle grade readers. In partnership with Rockford Public Schools, Friends of the Krause Memorial Library, Epilogue Books and more. A book signing will follow the program. For teens and adults.
Just This 24: Mental Health Support for Family and Friends
Nelson Twp., Wednesday, November 15, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Seeing loved ones struggle can be hard. Learn how to raise awareness, provide support and be a friend. “Just This 24” is a motto developed from the Facebook group Greater Grand Rapids Scanner Calls. For adults.
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