There is an undercurrent of stress rippling through most of our lives. Some days, the stress feels like tidal waves coming from all directions; other days, it’s small tremors that help keep us alert and motivated. It’s how we manage the stress that makes a difference. Just as we can choose the way to react to situations, we can choose how to deal with stress.
There’s good stress—that which motivates and focuses us; and there’s bad stress—that which causes anxiety and anguish. Stress is inevitable. Lately, however, it seems that we are more and more enveloped with negative stress. We don’t have to feel like we are drowning, though.
Mountain Youth is lightening the load of stress with October’s Eat Chat Parent workshop, presented by Eagle Valley Behavioral Health and Vail Health. Alex Yannacone, director of community programs at the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center, will return to Eagle County, virtually, to help teach families ways to cope with stress. The mission of the Depression Center is to improve the lives of people with depression and mood disorders through clinical excellence, innovative research, community programs and education.
“This interactive talk focuses on recognizing the function and method of stress and how to understand the essential ways to reduce stress,” shares Yannacone. “During this workshop, participants will learn practical tips and tools to manage stress and change unhealthy habits.”
This interactive workshop is designed for everyone and will teach young people, caregivers and trusted adults how to better manage stress, tools to address the current stressors in life and provide preventative and proactive tips for stress.
“Stress is nothing new, but the more we learn about stress—how it affects us and how we can manage it—the better,” says Amy Baker, Mountain Youth’s family education manager. “We are committed to helping families find the best ways to manage stress, which ultimately will create a more peaceful home life—whether in a pandemic situation or just ‘normal’ life.”
Alex Yannacone has an extensive background in implementation and trainings for prevention and intervention of mental health services and education. She is also a master trainer in suicide prevention training including QPR and Working Minds.
Prior to her work at the Center, Alex contributed to the oversight, management, and delivery of a statewide child abuse and neglect prevention program. Additionally, Alex has provided therapeutic services to at-risk families and the refugee population within Colorado. Alex currently serves as co-chair of the National Network of Depression Center’s (NNDC) Community Education and Awareness Programs Task Force.
“Everyone is coping with some level of stress in their lives,” said Chris Lindley, Executive Director of Eagle Valley Behavioral Health, an outreach of Vail Health. “Rather than ignore it, we must find tools and ways to address it in a healthy manner, and Alex’s expertise in this field will be very beneficial to our community members.”
Thank you to our sponsors Vail Heath, Eagle Valley Behavioral Health • Alpine Bank • Vail Resorts Epic Promise • The Slifer Smith & Frampton Foundation • Eagle County Schools • Town of Avon, Eagle, Gypsum and Vail • Eagle River Foundation • Vail Valley Cares • SAMHSA • Wells Fargo • Colorado Office of Behavioral Health • Eagle County Government for all of your support.
Mountain Youth was founded in 2001 and has grown over the decades, creating a safe place for conversation, giving young people a voice, providing accurate information and creating a community where all youth thrive. In 2020, Mountain Youth embraced the virtual world in response to COVID-19, while keeping a pulse on the community’s needs, health and well-being.
One lucky attendee will win the Ultimate Stress Relief Package valued at $500 must be present at the conclusion of the Eat Chat Parent to win.
If You Join:
Thursday, October 8th
Zoom Virtual Meeting
6 to 7:30, presentation
Spanish interpretation.
Children ages 10 and older are welcome to join with an adult.
Learn more: www.mountainyouth.org/eatchatparent
Register:https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rs3kuxBzSASkpM_zR2fJVQ