Mental Health Awareness Month

May 7, 5:30–7:30pm at Northeast Family YMCA

If you’re a teenager, then you have definitely felt the struggle of learning more about yourself and your place in the ever-growing world around you.  Knowing how to navigate this world starts with knowing more about you and your own voice.  Speak up for yourself and be heard!  We plan to use guided visual art to help bring that voice to life in this group with other teenagers that struggle with these same things just like you. 

Presented by Joe Etterer, LPAT with Bridgehaven

May 8, 5–6pm at Floyd County Family YMCA

Join us for an empowering group session focused on mental health for families and teens, fostering open dialogue and understanding. We'll explore common perceptions and misconceptions surrounding mental health, encouraging participants to share their thoughts and experiences. Through interactive discussions, we'll delve into recognizing signs of mental health struggles and provide practical strategies for offering support and fostering resilience within our communities.

Presented by Karen Ellis, Chaplain

May 9, 1–2pm at YMCA at Norton Commons

People are social by nature, and social relationships can help them live longer and more fulfilling lives. Join our Norton Commons staff for an informative session to learn how social isolation impacts your health and ways we can support each other and our community to stay connected.

Presented by Paul Salmon, PhD. of Clinical Psychology and Lisa Flannery, Senior Membership Director

May 14, 10–11am at Republic Bank Foundation YMCA

Most view grief as something to get past or get over.  But have you ever wondered why we grieve?  Turns out grief has a purpose.  In fact, we are wonderfully and beautifully made to grieve.  It is both a reaction to loss and a healing, adaptive response to loss.  We invite you to join us for this conversation and take a look at grief with fresh eyes.

Presented by Joe Ferry, LPAT, CT and Jenny Martin, LMFT with Hosparus Health Grief Counseling Center

May 16, 5:30–6:30pm at Downtown Family YMCA

Addiction is a treatable, chronic disease that affects people of all backgrounds. Many people who have mental illnesses also struggle with addiction. Our society takes a punitive approach with people who struggle with addiction, but is it helpful? We will examine causes and best practices for treatment of addiction and how to support a loved one who may be struggling.

Presented by Julia Naiditch, LPAT, ATR-BC with Bridgehaven

May 20, 10–11am at Southeast Family YMCA

Providing care for a loved one is complicated. While it definitely has its rewards and benefits, it can be isolating, as well as physically, emotionally, and financially difficult. Please join us for the opportunity to connect with other caregivers to share stories, methods of coping, and learn about resources in our community that can provide some relief!

Presented by Molly Rucks, LPCC with Bridgehaven

May 20, 6–7pm at Clark County Family YMCA

Join us for an insightful session delving into the importance of recognizing and addressing child mental health needs. Through open conversation and expert guidance, we'll explore practical strategies for supporting children's mental well-being within families, schools, and communities. Gain valuable insights, tools, and resources to foster resilience and promote positive mental health outcomes for our youth.

Shelby Renner, School Based Clinician, Wellstone Regional Hospital

May 22, 6–7:30pm at Chestnut Street Family YMCA

Join us for an enlightening mental health panel discussion where we will discuss the significance of mental well-being and its impact on overall health. Gain valuable insights into recognizing and managing various mental health challenges, while discovering the importance of seeking support when needed. Connect with a network of mental health professionals that can help you take charge of your mental health.

Chris Isgrigg, LPCC-S, Deeply Rooted Counseling
Jerron Jones, Behavioral Health Professional (LPCC),
Annsley Frazier Thorton School of Education
LaShonda Sims Duncan, MAEd, MFT, LCHMHC, LPCC-S, NCC, RYT200, Sims Counseling and Consulting, LCC
Jaydee Graham, Clinical Outreach Manager, Aware Recovery Care

May 23, 10–11am at Oldham County Family YMCA

Music can be powerfully emotional; different songs and artists can carry us through the highest, and lowest, points of our lives. What if you could be more intentional about using music as a tool in your emotional processing and well-being? What if you could use the thing that taps into some of your deepest emotions in the therapy process? We invite you to join us for a hands-on experience with Music Therapy, a form of mental health support which utilizes the strength of music to aid in your journey towards improved mental health and well-being.

Presented by Ann-Morgon Conway, MT-BC & David Farsetti, MT-BC with Bridgehaven 

May 29, 12–1pm at Southwest Family YMCA

Financial Stress is a part of our life, seemingly now more so than ever.  Dwindling savings, inflation, and the needs of our families and those we care for can have rapid impacts on our budgets and on our mental health.  This type of stress can also cause our mental health to spiral downward as we try to stay on top of our bills and financial obligations.  Join us to learn 5 key tips to minimize the negative effects of financial stressors on your mental health.

Presented by Brad Leedy, MSSW, Chief Operating Officer with Bridgehaven