This seminar is designed for participants engaged directly within the field of mental health or education. Mental health challenges at any stage of life carry with them not only personal suffering and collective grief, but they may also keep hidden the society-building capabilities latent within each person. In North America we are seeing growing rates of depression, self-harm, anxiety, substance use, and other mental health challenges. In a continuation from the last several thematic seminars we will consider: What current conceptual models are used to understand mental health and illness and to inform treatment approaches, and what are their limitations and assumptions? What constitutes a vibrant community with respect to emotional and psychological well-being? What supports do communities need to better foster the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals and groups? What current barriers exist to accessing mental health resources in our communities? Who are our vulnerable and historically underserved demographics within our communities? What support would institutions such as Local Spiritual Assemblies need to better address complex mental health challenges within our communities?
