The Mental Health Coalition in conjunction with FCC Behavioral Health is hosting a series of Lunch and Learn events in the month of May as part of Mental Health Awareness Month. The web-based events focus on self-care and wellness. Mental health professionals will discuss the importance of prioritizing mental health and self-care.
From noon to 1 p.m. May 11, 18 and 25, various agencies will join in the Lunch and Learn sessions. These will all lead up to the 2023 Mental Health Conference on June 8 at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, there has been an increase in demand for discussions related to wellness and self-care, according to session organizers. During the sessions, speakers will invite the audience to participate in question and answer segments related to mental health awareness.
Historically, self-care has been more of a theory than a reality, according to mental health organizers. The consensus seems to be, according to professionals, people often think about self-care but do not take the necessary steps to take care of themselves.
The definition of wellness involves an active process of increasing awareness and actively making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. It includes being aware of what is nourishing and depleting, moving toward what is supportive and being actively involved in the process. Resources used to move toward wellness will change over time and it’s essential to recognize boundaries, limitations and needs, they shared.
The first session, held May 4, emphasized the need to be aware of what nourishes the body and to practice gratitude. Mindfulness was also discussed as a way to be aware of one’s thoughts and feelings. Small gestures over time can have a significant impact on wellness.
The informational sessions are meant to encourage moving toward a healthy and fulfilling life and living by personal values, organizers shared.
As Mental Health Awareness Month continues, it is important to prioritize mental health and well-being. Anyone interested in attending future Lunch and Learn sessions should visitthecrc.org for more information.
The 2023 Mental Health Conference will be at 9 a.m. Thursday, June 8, at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center at Three Rivers College.
Keynote speakers at the event will include Carol Goodman and Moriah Joplin of FCC Behavioral Health, Corey Reynolds of Three Rivers Community College, Hannah Terry of the John J. Pershing Veterans Administration Medical Center and Carl Harbison of FCC Behavioral Health.
The focus topics of the upcoming conference will be “Risk and Resiliency,” where these experts on mental health will speak on topics such as “Welcoming Inclusive Safe Equitable Service Environments,” “LGBTQ+ Mental Health,” “Conversations for Suicide Safer Homes” and lived experience.
Reservations for the 2023 Mental Health Conference can be made online at www.eventbrite.com.