Mental Health Seminars
The Mental Health Seminar series offers students, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, faculty, and staff insight into the research and practice of mental health. They create a space for learning, reflection and discussion. The overall goal of the seminars is to empower campus community members to help influence the culture of mental health and well-being.
Two seminars are scheduled for the spring semester. CLE credit for students will be provided to attendees.
Digital Minds: Brain Development in the Age of Technology – Monday, February 17th | noon - 1:30 p.m.
Our increasingly connected world shapes mental and cognitive health. From screen time and social media to digital learning and virtual interactions, this seminar delves into the latest research on how technology influences brain development, attention, and emotional well-being. Join Dr. Eva Telzer, Psychology and Neuroscience Professor and co-director of the Winston National Center on Technology Use, Brain and Psychological Development, to explore strategies for harnessing technology's benefits while mitigating its potential challenges, empowering you to thrive in a digital age.
The Rhythm of Resilience: How Music and Creativity Influence Mental Health – Tuesday, April 8th | 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Explore the powerful connection between music, creativity, and mental well-being. This engaging seminar, presented by Dr. Natasha Parikh, an Assistant Professor in Psychology, will delve into how rhythm, melody, and creative expression can enhance resilience, reduce stress, and support emotional balance. Whether you’re a musician, artist, someone who already turns to creativity for self-care, or just curious to learn more - this session offers deeper insights and practical strategies to amplify the positive impact of music and art on your mental health.
Video Catalogue of Seminars
Individual seminar links go to the video recording of that seminar.
Listed in reverse chronological order:
Parisa Kaliush, M.D., guides us through the critical role of sleep in mental health and cognitive functioning. In this session, you’ll reflect on your own sleep habits and learn how enhancing sleep hygiene can improve focus, manage stress, and support overall well-being.
Megan Pruette, M.D., shares compassionate guidance and practical strategies to stay grounded and maintain resilience during the election season.
Desiree Griffin, Ph.D., leads us in an exploration of the intersections between social connections and mental health. In this session, you will reflect on how a sense of belonging relates to resilience and mental health.
Jayne Davis, Ed.D., LCMHS, dives into the challenges posed by financial instability, its profound impact on mental health, and practical strategies for managing financial stress while building resilience.
Rachel Goode, Ph.D., delves into the intricate relationship between food and mental health.
Jane Cooley - Fruehwirth, Ph.D., offers insights gleaned from her team’s research on COVID-19’s mental health impacts on college students and shares effective strategies to foster resilience and well-being even during tumultuous times.
Annie Maheux, Ph.D., shares insights into the ways technology can affect our well-being and offers strategies for promoting healthy tech use and digital wellness.
Dr. Donald Rosenstein provides perspectives on navigating trauma and grief as well as ideas to support individual and collective coping in the aftermath of tragedy.
Nicholas Fogleman, Ph.D., a child psychologist and director of the UNC ADHD Program explores the background of attention and focus as well as strategies that can help.
David Obergfell, DSW, LCSW and Executive Director for Student Well-being and Violence Prevention dove into understanding the nature of happiness as a dynamic result of recognizing, honoring, and attending to our emotional states.
Rachel Rifkin, LCSW. Rachel is a clinical instructor / psychotherapist at UNC School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry. We gathered to better understand your feelings, and learn strategies to explore and communicate about them.
Crystal Schiller, Ph.D., a psychologist and researcher in UNC School of Medicine. We gathered to better understand the theory and practice of mindful pauses, how to prioritize them in our own life, and how to inspire them in the community around us.
Expert talks building upon the discussion and suggestions from last semester's Mental Health Summit and kicking off our fall semester series of mental health seminars. This colloquium moves us from theory to practice, centering the discussion on Practicing Cultural Awareness and Humility, presented by Leah Cox, vice provost for equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer, and Trauma-Informed Engagement in the Community, presented by April Parker, clinical assistant professor in the School of Social Work.
Amy Johnson, Ed.D., vice chancellor for Student Affairs, and Samantha Meltzer-Brody, Ph.D. and chair of the Department of Psychiatry updating you on mental health initiatives on campus, followed by Ed Fisher, Ph.D. from the Gillings School of Public Health on peer support initiatives. The conversation examined efforts that have been made toward campus mental health including the spring mental health seminar series and considered the next steps towards creating a community of care and compassion.
The conversation was facilitated and framed by Christi Hurt, Ph.D., chief of staff to the chancellor, and discussed by a panel of practitioner experts on the intersection between interpersonal violence and mental health. It featured panelist Avery Cook, Shelley Gist Kennedy, and Holly Lovern.
The conversation was facilitated by Charla Blumell, Ph.D. and assistant director of health promotion and prevention with Student Wellness, and framed by a panel of experts discussing the role that alcohol and drugs play in mental health. It featured faculty presenter Stacey Daughters, Ph.D. and panelists Wendy Kadens, Dean Blackburn, and Heather Gallagher.
Aaron Bachenheimer, executive director of Off-Campus Student Life and liaison to Carolina’s Campus Ministers, facilitated the dialogue. The conversation was framed by a diverse panel of experts discussing the role that spirituality and faith can play in mental health. Panelists included Elizabeth Harrison, Rabbi Melissa Simon, Simon Stokes, Imam Abdul Hafeez Waheed, and Rev. Mary Cat Young.
Mental Health Seminar Playlist
All videos will play chronologically in this playlist or you can select the seminar desired.
