December 28, 2022

Mental Health & Wellness Event with Dennis Gillan and Mental Health First Aid Training: January 27 & 29

On January 29, Dennis Gillan, with the Half a Sorrow Foundation, will be coming to speak to BSUMC and community members about Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention. Dennis’  captivating presentation will share the signs of a suicidal mindset and how to spot signs of someone in distress. The powerful message shared at this event will be valuable to everyone (ages 6th grade – adulthood), as you never know when you may encounter someone in crisis. The presentation will begin at 5:30 PM. An optional dinner will follow in Drake, during which Dennis will be available for conversation and questions. This event and dinner is free of charge, but let us know you plan on eating by registering here.

Dennis Gillan is a national thought leader on the topic of suicide prevention and mental health advocacy. He travels internationally speaking, raising awareness, and opening up the conversation of mental health. Dennis has been deeply touched by suicide after the losses of his brothers to suicide 11 years apart.

We have an impactful opportunity for 4th and 5th graders to be a part of this Mental Health Event too!

Join us on Sunday, January 29th at 5:30 as we hear from Dr. Jennifer Hall, LPC as she shares with us the effects of depression and anxiety on our brains, as well as how to spot the signs with others and utilize coping strategies throughout our daily life. We will also have a time of fellowship with games and homemade ice cream. Dinner will be provided. Registration is required.

*This event will occur in conjunction with the Mental Health Event for youth and adults.*

Dr. Jennifer Geddes Hall, LPC, RPT, ACS, is an assistant clinical professor at Clemson University. She has over 17 years of experience as a child/teen therapist and school counselor. Jennifer has provided clinical supervision to interns in community and school settings in diverse, urban communities as well as rural areas. She utilizes creative interventions both in counseling and supervision. She has presented on play therapy as well as using creativity in supervision at several regional and national conferences. Jennifer is currently on the board for the Association of Child and Adolescent Counseling (ACAC), a division of ACA and the South Carolina Association for Play Therapy (SCAPT).

Interested in Mental Health First Aid Training?

Most of us would know how to help if we saw someone having a heart attack–we would start CPR or call 9-1-1. But too few of us would know how to respond if we saw someone having a panic attack. Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. It takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health by improving understanding and providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential issue.

BSUMC’s Scout Troop 9 and Prisma Health will host a FREE training session on January 27 from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Sign up here!

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