Butler County Community Resource Council, FCC Behavioral Health and Three Rivers College joined forces Thursday to host a mental health conference at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center. The event aimed to shed light on crucial aspects of mental health, promote inclusive and equitable service environments, encourage gun-safe homes, as well as address the LGBTQ community concerning mental health, according to organizers.
The conference kicked off at 9 a.m. with Carol Goodman and Moriah Joplin from FCC Behavioral Health as the keynote speakers. Drawing from their professional expertise in the counseling field, they delved into the importance of language and the avoidance of assumptions and stereotypes when discussing mental health diagnoses. They stressed the need to recognize the wide-ranging nature of mental health disorders among individuals, emphasizing that no two experiences are the same.
During their presentation, Joplin and Goodman introduced the concept of the “window of tolerance.” This framework highlights how people’s ability to handle challenges and emotions can differ based on several factors.
They emphasized individuals have varying capacities to cope with stress, explaining what may be overwhelming for one person may be manageable for another. To illustrate this point, Goodman shared a story about not getting a proper night’s rest, which dominoes into pressing snooze several times, causing one to run late, not eat breakfast and have a spat with a partner reducing her window of tolerance, therefore when she arrived at work and is reprimanded she is reduced to tears.
“You see, now that window of tolerance has gotten a lot smaller,” said Goodman.
Goodman further emphasized the necessity of approaching the topic of trauma with sensitivity.
“Traumatic events can be defined and perceived differently by each person, making it crucial to acknowledge and respect their unique experiences,” said Goodman.
She recounted her own childhood house fire experience and highlighted how memories and reactions can differ even within a single family.
“You know what I remember about our house burning, I remember my grandma’s house the next morning and the hotel rooms the insurance paid for and I got a new Mickey Mouse toothbrush,” she recalled. “My sister was 15, do you think that is how she remembers it? or my parents? No, because those experiences are different for everyone,” said Goodman.
One of the primary challenges discussed at the conference was the reluctance individuals face to seek help for mental health issues. The enduring stigma surrounding mental health remains a significant obstacle, as many fear judgment or discrimination if they disclose their struggles, according to the discussion. Moreover, limited access to mental health services, especially in rural areas, transportation issues, income and personal insecurities can further deter individuals from seeking the support they need.
Throughout the conference, the importance of acknowledging the diversity of experiences and approaching each person’s mental health journey with empathy and understanding was repeatedly emphasized.
The mental health conference is intended to raise awareness about mental health barriers, assist in opening up the lines of conversation and promote mental well-being, according to organizers. By addressing the significance of language, individual differences and barriers to seeking help, the event helps to provide a platform for attendees to deepen their understanding and compassion for those facing mental health challenges as well as link them with necessary resources for themselves, family or friends, they shared.
For more information on mental health or services in the area visit fccinc.org.