Parents invited to mental health event

Expert on hand to teach self-regulation techniques

Peterborough Public Health is inviting parents and caregivers to attend a free presentation on Nov. 27 on self-regulation techniques aiming at coping with children with mental illness.

The presentation, which will run from 7 to 9 p.m., is entitled Learn Self-Regulation Techniques That Can Lead to less Anxiety, Loneliness and Depression in Children and Teens and will be held at the main branch of the Peterborough Public Library on Aylmer Street.

The presentation’s aim is to teach coping mechanisms to the parents and caretakers of children and teens with mental illness to assist them in helping their child through the turmoil of their mental health, as well as helping them better understand their child’s condition.

“Parents and educators are telling us that more children and teens are struggling with feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and depression. Suffering elation techniques can be learned to help people understand and manage these feelings of stress,” public health nurse Leisa Baker said.

In the current day and age, she stated, as more children and teens deal with mental illness, it is important that parents learn how to help their children properly, instead of becoming frustrated with their condition.

“Children learn self-regulation through strategies as well as by observing their parents and educators,” which makes the workshop even more important to attend, as the better children learn, the less risk of mental illness, Baker said.

Brian Russell will talk about strategies and techniques parents and children can use to self-regulate and reduce feelings of anxiety, loneliness and depression.

Russell, the keynote speaker of the evening, developed the presentation for parents and family members, as well as professionals who work with children and adolescents.

He is the co-ordinator of Dad Central Ontario, an initiative to help fathers by supporting the connection between father and child, to advocate for issues affecting fatherhood, and to support local and provincial efforts focused on fathers.

Throughout the evening, there will be opportunities for attendees to speak to him.

There is no charge to attend the event and it is open to anyone interested in attending.

Registration is not needed, and there will be light refreshments provided for attendees.

The library is wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking available in front of the library.