The Teen Brain & Its Relationship to Mental Illness

4731 Willow Springs Rd,La Grange IL 60525

21 October, 2021

Description

Join us for this session with Barbara Barrett, R.N, B.S.N. for a discussion on the development of the adolescent brain. Presenter: Barbara Barrett, R.N, B.S.N. In this presentation, we will gain knowledge of the development of the adolescent brain, recognize the prevalence of mental health issues in the teen years, identify the most common mental illness in this age group, recognize typical teenage behavior and warning signs for mental health disorders, and establish coping strategies for helping teens during this transitional time of significant brain development. Barb is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Marquette University. Early in her career Barb practiced nursing in various clinical settings. With a passion for patient education Barb then worked at Hinsdale Hospital as an instructor developing and teaching health care education programs to patients and families. In 2005, Barb took a position as a Senior Health Educator at the Robert Crown Center for Health Education. Here she developed and delivered educational and scientifically accurate sexual health, substance abuse prevention and general health programs to parents, staff and administration, and students pre-K through high school (including students with special needs). Barb partnered with Autism Speaks to create the first national puberty health education programs for children with autism and special needs as well as programs for parents and staff. She was honored to be the keynote speaker at the Center’s largest fundraising event, “Happy to Be Me” presenting ‘How to be the hero of your own journey’ focusing on building self-esteem and confidence. She also piloted the first heroin prevention program to parents, students, and staff. In collaboration with the Dove foundation, Barb developed and facilitated the first national Girls Body Image/Self-esteem program. In 2016 she worked for NAMI as a Community Education Specialist developing and facilitating programs to educate the community on mental health and develop the necessary tools for overall wellness. She presently works contractually for NAMI facilitating programs promoting health education for mental health and illness. Attendance is free, 1.5 CEU's are offered for $15 Questions? Email [email protected]. NAMI Metro-Suburban is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental illness. We are a grassroots family and consumer self-help support, education, and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with mental illness, their families and friends within the communities of west suburban Cook County, Illinois.