Young Minds Matter
A community lecture series focusing on teens and emerging adults’ mental health, and how parents, educators, peers and community members can provide support and guidance in midst of a changing and complicated modern world.
Watch the third and fourth lectures:
Presented by the Ryder’s Fund of YMCA of Boulder Valley. We thank them for their generous support!
The rate of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and/or completion, stress and substance abuse are skyrocketing among this generation’s youth and young adults, in part due to the combination of contemporary challenges, such as heightened exposure to social media and risk of cyber-bullying and school violence, with more traditional stressors like school, family life, sports and friends. This concerning trend is spreading across Colorado, and the nation, leaving parents and family members, peers, educators, coaches and community members feeling helpless and confused.
In an effort to shed light on these challenges, as well as empower supportive members in teens and emerging adults’ lives, Mental Health Partners has teamed up with Hope Coalition, Parent Engagement Network and the YMCA of Boulder Valley to present a 4-part community lecture series titled, “Young Minds MATTER.” This free, community lectures series will feature insight from today’s teens and emergency adults, valuable information and resources for parents and educators, expert-led discussions and more. See detailed information below for each series’ topic. All sessions are open-to-the-public, but space is limited!
Please pre-register for each date by contacting Casey Riley at criley@mhpcolorado.org.
Lecture Series
Navigating Teen Depression
Wednesday, October 17 | 6:30 – 8:00pm
Hosted at: YMCA of Boulder Valley | 2800 Dagny Way, Lafayette CO
Presented by the HOPE Coalition of Boulder County and Colie’s Closet, teen leaders from Boulder Valley School District high schools will lead a discussion about depression and suicide. This is a chance for young people and adults to have an honest, open conversation about the warning signs of suicide and for families to receive valuable resources on the topic. Discussion will be encouraged, so please come with questions.
How Concussions in Youth Sports Can Lead to Mental Health Challenges
Thursday, November 1 | 6:30 – 8:00pm:
Hosted at: YMCA of Boulder Valley | 2800 Dagny Way, Lafayette CO
Dawn Comstock, PhD, professor of epidemiology at the Colorado School of Public Health, will present information on how traumatic brain injuries is linked to depression and anxiety among young people. Dr. Comstock’s expertise in the use of injury surveillance data has driven efforts to reduce the number and/or severity of brain injuries among young athletes. In 2014, she was invited by the White House to speak at the Healthy Kids and Safe Sports Concussion Summit to address the growing public health concern of concussions in adolescent sports. She currently serves on the Board of Scientific Counselors for the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control and as an ex-officio member of the National Federation of State High School Association’s Sports Medicine Advisory Committee.
Psychopharmacology and Youth Today
Wednesday, January 9, 2019 | 6:30 – 8:00pm
Hosted at: Mental Health Partners’ Ryan Wellness Center | 1000 Alpine, Boulder, CO
Presented by psychiatrist George Eliopoulos, MD and Betsy Cullen, RN., this informal presentation will discuss mental health issues and the use of medications in young people. It will also include ample time for discussion and questions.
How Stress and Strain Affect Today’s Youth
Thursday, January 24 | 6:30-8:00pm
Hosted at: Mental Health Partners’ Ryan Wellness Center | 1000 Alpine, Boulder, CO
Young people face tremendous, and sometimes conflicting, demands of school, sports, families, social lives. Join Chris Bader, PhD, Director, Psychological Health & Performance, University of Colorado Athletic Department for an informative presentation and conversation about the signs and symptoms of stress-overload and how parents can help provide relief, encouragement and guidance. Presented as part of Parent Engagement Network’s annual Stress and Anxiety Symposium.
Please pre-register for each date by contacting Casey Riley at criley@mhpcolorado.org.