Working Minds: Promoting Resiliency and Preventing Distress at Work

Nov. 5, 2009 - PRLog -- Many are feeling the squeeze of the economic downturn not only in their wallets, but also in their general well-being.  As people are constantly on edge about the loss of financial stability or the increasing stress of doing more with less, mental distress results.  Insomnia, anxiety, agitation, and increased substance abuse are common symptoms that can spill over an impact the workplace.  A recently published US Labor Department report concluded that the number of workplace suicides rose by 28 percent over the previous year and suicide hotline crisis call-takers are reporting increased number of callers in desperate financial distress. To combat this concerning trend, the Carson J Spencer Foundation and CeDAR are co-sponsoring a breakfast seminar called “Working Minds: Promoting Resiliency and Preventing Distress at Work” from 7:00-8:30am on Tuesday, November 10th at the University of Colorado Hospital Lecture Hall (1693 No. Quentin St., Aurora, CO 80045. Cost $25 – to register www.Blacktie-Colorado.com, event code WorkingMinds).

Attendees participating in this breakfast workshop will be able to:
•   Appreciate the many ways that mental health conditions impact the workplace
•   Identify some of warning signs and risk factors for people in distress, and
•   Begin to develop a comprehensive approach to promoting mental wellness in the workplace.  
Participants will also have an opportunity to purchase the Working Minds Toolkit at a reduced rate, and will receive a free "Men and Depression" DVD.

Presenter Bio:  
As a psychologist, mental health advocate, Division of Business faculty, and survivor of her brother's suicide, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas sees the issues of mental health from many perspectives.  Currently, she is the Executive Director for the Carson J Spencer Foundation, a Colorado-based nonprofit that envisions a world where leaders and communities are dedicated to sustaining a passion for life.  She is the founder of the flagship program of this foundation, Working Minds, the nation's first suicide prevention program exclusively dedicated to suicide prevention in the workplace.  Dr. Spencer-Thomas is a professional speaker who travels nationally and internationally to engage a wide circle of people who want to change the conversation about mental health and suicide including the FBI Academy, the National Conference on Law and Higher Education, and the International Association of Suicide Prevention.  She currently serves as the Co-Chair Elect for the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado and as the Survivor Division Chair of the American Association of Suicidology.  She is the author and co-author of several books on suicide and violence prevention, and her story has been featured on NPR, 9 News, The Rocky Mountain News, and much more.

For more information about Working Minds visit: www.WorkingMinds.org

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About the Carson J Spencer Foundation - Sustaining a Passion for Life
The Carson J Spencer Foundation (www.CarsonJSpencer.org) is a Colorado nonprofit, established in 2005. We envision a world where leaders and communities are committed to sustaining a passion for life. We sustain a passion for life through:
• delivering innovative suicide prevention programs
• coaching emerging leaders how to develop sustainable social enterprises benefiting mental health initiatives
• supporting the education of young entrepreneurs and leaders