Ways to Support Lonely Adolescents presented by Gene Beresin, MD, MA A Special Live Webinar with Q&A Thursday, February 29, 2024 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm EST

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Ways to Support Lonely Adolescents presented by Gene Beresin, MD, MA

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WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

In May 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General sounded the alarm on an epidemic of loneliness in the United States, with some of the highest rates among Gen Z (those ages 11 to 26). Are you worried about a child or teenager who is struggling with loneliness? Do you know a child who may be at risk?

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, young people had been struggling with feelings of loneliness and isolation. Gene Beresin, MD, MA, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and clinical educator of more than 40 years, has been following and concerned about this trend for years. In this webinar, Dr. Beresin will outline the causes and risks for loneliness among adolescents, review recommendations for parents and caregivers from the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory and provide more depth and practical guidance on ways to implement these recommendations in everyday life.

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Learning Objectives

After this presentation, participants will be able to:

  • Be able to cite underlying causes and negative health consequences of loneliness
  • Understand the major components for secure attachment
  • Model healthy social connections for students
  • Help students to develop relationships with supportive adults
  • Encourage healthy social connections between students
  • Identify behaviors and experiences that may increase the risk for social disconnection
  • Recognize signs of a mental health concern in students

PRESENTER BIOGRAPHY

Gene Beresin, MD, MA is Executive Director of the Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Director of Education for the Division of Professional and Public Education in the MGH Department of Psychiatry, and a full Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. As a child and adolescent psychiatrist and clinical educator of more than 40 years, Dr. Beresin has focused on prevention, early intervention, and treatment of teens and young adults. He has been a keynote speaker at local and international conferences, and is often called upon by news media to weigh in on issues relevant to this vulnerable population and the unique impact of societal issues.  

Dr. Beresin has consulted with a variety of television shows including ER, Law and Order SVU, and Parentalogic by PBS NOVA. He was Consultant to the Emmy Award winning HBO children’s specials, Goodnight Moon and Other Sleepytime Tales  (2000), Through a Child’s Eyes: September 11, 2001 (2003) and Classical Baby (2005). Dr. Beresin currently co-hosts the Clay Center podcast, Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple.

In addition to his current role at The Clay Center, Dr. Beresin also directs the Elizabeth Thatcher Acampora Endowment, an outreach program to meet the needs of underserved youth and families in three community settings.  Dr. Beresin has served as a leader of many national organizations and has won a number of local and national teaching awards. He is currently serving a term as President of the American College of Psychiatrists.

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WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION In May 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General sounded the alarm on an epidemic of loneliness in the United States, with some of the highest rates among Gen Z (those ages 11 to 26). Are you worried about a child or teenager who is struggling with loneliness? Do you know a child who may be at risk? Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, young people had been struggling with feelings of loneliness and isolation. Gene Beresin, MD, MA, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and clinical educator of more than 40 years, has been following and concerned about this trend for years. In this webinar, Dr. Beresin will outline the causes and risks for loneliness among adolescents, review recommendations for parents and caregivers from the U.S. Surgeon General's advisory and provide more depth and practical guidance on ways to implement these recommendations in everyday life. Learning Objectives After this presentation, participants will be able to: • Be able to cite underlying causes and negative health consequences of loneliness • Understand the major components for secure attachment • Model healthy social connections for students • Help students to develop relationships with supportive adults • Encourage healthy social connections between students • Identify behaviors and experiences that may increase the risk for social disconnection • Recognize signs of a mental health concern in students PRESENTER BIOGRAPHY Gene Beresin, MD, MA is Executive Director of the Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Director of Education for the Division of Professional and Public Education in the MGH Department of Psychiatry, and a full Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. As a child and adolescent psychiatrist and clinical educator of more than 40 years, Dr. Beresin has focused on prevention, early intervention, and treatment of teens and young adults. He has been a keynote speaker at local and international conferences, and is often called upon by news media to weigh in on issues relevant to this vulnerable population and the unique impact of societal issues. Dr. Beresin has consulted with a variety of television shows including ER, Law and Order SVU, and Parentalogic by PBS NOVA. He was Consultant to the Emmy Award winning HBO children’s specials, Goodnight Moon and Other Sleepytime Tales (2000), Through a Child’s Eyes: September 11, 2001 (2003) and Classical Baby (2005). Dr. Beresin currently co-hosts the Clay Center podcast, Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple. In addition to his current role at The Clay Center, Dr. Beresin also directs the Elizabeth Thatcher Acampora Endowment, an outreach program to meet the needs of underserved youth and families in three community settings. Dr. Beresin has served as a leader of many national organizations and has won a number of local and national teaching awards. He is currently serving a term as President of the American College of Psychiatrists.