The Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY) is pleased to announce that it is sponsoring a hybrid in-person and virtual conference, “Balancing the Risk, Finding the Hope,” to help educators better serve youth with mental/behavioral health challenges including depression.
WHEN:
Wednesday, Jan. 25; Registration is from 8:15 to 8:45 a.m.; Conference is from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
WHERE:
Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School, 565 Maple St., Danvers
WHAT:
MPY will be hosting a conference titled “Balancing the Risk, Finding the Hope.” Approximately 280 educators, including psychologists, guidance counselors, social workers, adjustment counselors, administrators, and teachers, are registered to attend, either in-person or virtually.
A psychiatrist and a clinical psychologist will present best practices to support youth with depression and prepare them for the future. The presentations also will highlight how to proceed if there is concern that the student might be thinking about self-harm, including suicide.
The afternoon session will feature a discussion of the benefits of positive psychology. Participants will learn how to help their students change their moods, minds, and thoughts through physical behavior and how to feel happier.
“We all need to mobilize to engage our students and provide hopeful strategies and relationships to combat depression and suicide,” said Nancy Rappaport, M.D., an associate professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.
Speakers include:
- Nancy Rappaport, M.D., Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School
- Christopher Willard, Psy.D., a faculty member at Harvard Medical School
- Pam Garramone, M.Ed., a positive psychology speaker and life coach
Massachusetts State Senator Brendan Crighton will provide introductory remarks.
“Even before the pandemic, we saw a frightening rise in mental health issues at younger and younger ages,” said Willard. “Although the pandemic exacerbated the mental health crisis, it finally broke the stigma in many ways, as public consciousness and awareness are finally starting to take mental health seriously.”
“Depression can be devastating in both adults and children if left untreated, but with proper supports at home and in school, those with depression can still find happiness, thrive and overcome their challenges,” said Director Daniels. “This conference will focus on recognizing depression in students and equipping educators with the tools they need to help students with mental and behavioral health issues prepare for a bright future.”
“Social connection, learning, laughing, and new experiences are all happiness boosters,” said Pam Garramone, a positive psychology speaker and life coach. “Let’s get happier together!”
About the Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth, Inc.
Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides training, fosters collaboration, and develops programming to increase the health and safety of students. MPY is committed to bringing cutting-edge information and high-quality trainings to constituents and endeavors to provide solution-oriented, community-based, multi-disciplinary approaches to reducing and ideally eliminating risky behaviors for youth.
Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth is governed by a Board of Directors made up of school superintendents, police and fire chiefs, and other community leaders who work closely with MPY staff to deliver this mission. To learn more, visit: https://massachusettspartnershipsforyouth.com/.
