OHIO Southern conference tackles mental health with practical tools

Ohio University Southern's Community Mental Health Awareness Conference returns Friday, Oct. 9, built around a theme organizers say reflects the region itself: Resilient Appalachia.

"It really reflects on the people and communities that we serve," said Laura Holbrook, career development coordinator at OHIO Southern. "No matter what your background is, whatever your profession is, anybody could benefit from this."

This year's conference has shifted from a full day to a half day, a change Holbrook said was made to fit more easily into attendees' schedules. Three sessions anchor the morning, each shaped by feedback from past attendees.

Dr. Austin Raines, director of career services at Shawnee State University, opens the conference with a session on workplace stress and burnout. Holbrook said the topic reaches nearly everyone in the room, whether or not their job is the direct source of stress.

"All of us who are employed experience work stress and difficult situations," she said. "If you look at the bigger picture, there's something here for everyone."

Hannah Diehl, senior director, and Michael Hickman, Pickaway County behavioral health manager, both of Integrated Services for Behavioral Health, follow with a session on how social media shapes the mental health of teens and children. Holbrook said the session speaks to more than just parents and educators.

"Whether it's their own job, or a niece or nephew, or someone they know who's trying to navigate being a teenager and everything that comes with social media," she said, "there's something here that applies."

The morning closes with Jennifer Lloyd, assistant director of RecoveryOhio, who will introduce RecoveryRachel, a free resource that connects individuals, families, caregivers, behavioral health professionals and first responders with treatment providers in Ohio.

"It's designed to provide treatment and give people the tools they need to help their community and be prepared for facing issues with substance use disorders," Holbrook said.

RecoveryOhio approached the conference about participating last year, but the timing didn't work out, Holbrook said.

"We wanted to make sure they were able to come, especially in our community, because we know that it's a resource that people need and will hopefully utilize," she said.

All students and community members invited to attend

The conference also offers something specific to students, particularly those weighing a career in a human services field.

"If they're not sure what direction they want to go, this might give them some direction, because we have a very diverse group of people presenting," Holbrook said. "Sometimes they only see certain pathways for their degree, but being exposed to these presenters opens things up."

The Community Mental Health Awareness Conference runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1:10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, in OHIO Southern's Bowman Auditorium. Registration is free for students and $25 for community members.