Experts, breakouts ready for MCS’ second workshop for ‘Mental Health Matters’

MADISON – The audience of school families will ‘dive deeper’ in the second-in-a-series workshop for ‘Mental Health Matters.’

Madison City Schools and Madison City Council of PTAs are working to present the second workshop, “Mental Health Matters for Families, Part 2: A Deeper Dive,” on March 30. The event will open at 5:30 p.m. in Zompa Auditorium at Bob Jones High School.

This series started in September 2021. Any family seeking support can attend free of charge.

At 5:30 p.m., visitors can browse tables with materials and talk to staff from local organizations that deal with varying issues about mental health. At 5:45 p.m., the first breakout session will start.

Parents will move to the next session at 6:15 p.m. The next breakout session will run from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Attendees will wrap the workshop from 7 to 7:30 p.m., and the resource tables will be available for parents to gather any additional printed materials.

Parents and guardians will select two sessions of most interest to their family:

* “Dealing with Anxiety” — The Enrichment Center will present this session. Speakers will explain different ways in which anxiety affects children and teenagers. Parents can learn about symptoms of anxiety and tools to help young people cope.

* “Depression in Youth” — Dr. Aparna Vuppala, child and adolescent psychiatrist and Medical Director of SPEAK, will lead. He will discuss how depression can impact youth. Parents can learn about warning signs of depression and suicide in young adults. Vuppala will discuss ways to support friends or relatives who are struggling with depression.

* “Supporting Children and Teens Through Loss” – Presenters will be Angel Utt, LMSW, and Kim O’Leary, CCLS, with Caring House. Different types of loss can significantly impact youth. The audience can learn about the best methods of support for death of a loved one or other loss. Group discussion will include helpful tips for different developmental ages and needs.

* “Family Communication Skills” — Audrey Rankin, ALC, will focus on building healthy communication skills between parents and children/teens. Individuals can learn about love and logic parenting, understanding misbehavior and improving relationships with communication skills.

* Trauma and the Teen Brain” — Jessica Murphy with National Children’s Advocacy Center will lead. This workshop will explore trauma’s impact and caregivers’ coping skills and healing.

* “Building Self-Confidence and Self-Image in Your Student” — The Enrichment Center will present. As children emerge into adolescence, self-image and confidence play a vital role in mental health. Practical ways can help youth increase self-confidence and improve their self-image.

Visit Facebook/Mental Health Matters.