This conference will help you understand youth mental health challenges and gain tangible skills to support youth. It also features a resource fair providing a wide range of tools and knowledge for all. Friday, April 28, 9-4 at Overlake Christian Church. Admission is free, but you must register here.
This year’s theme of “Speak your mind," alludes to one of the core missions of this conference and NAMI Eastside. The Youth Mental Health conference is built to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health for all age groups. Youth are leaders in this regard, and there are countless examples of young people sharing inspiring stories and insights. Reminding people to speak their mind is not only encouragement to be open and honest about your mental health, but it is also recognition that prior generations can learn from this one. Young people can – and should – speak their mind about social issues like mental health stigma, and when they do, everyone should be ready to listen. Knowledge will flow both ways on April 28, with students learning from teachers and teachers learning from students.
Presenters in the past have been leaders of all ages and backgrounds including news anchors, professors, elected officials, counselors, therapists, doctors and other mental health experts. The architects and drivers of this conference are always the brilliant youth.
What will I learn?
It will be a day filled with art, healing, and learning about a wide range of topics related to mental health, youth mental wellness, mental illness, and more. This year, events range from therapeutic painting to live comedy, but here are a few of the topics our panelists will discuss:
- Student mental health, stress, and coping mechanisms
- Issues facing LGBTQIA+ youth
- Finding a treatment that works for you
- Unique challenges and insights from BIPOC communities locally and nationwide
- Spirituality and mental health
And a whole lot more.
Resource tables will provide attendees with information and tools to improve their mental health, engage with the community, and connect themselves or loved ones with services. A full list of resource tables and presenters will be provided soon on Eventbrite and here.