On Wednesday, Sept. 11, the halls of Minnesota North College’s Itasca campus were filled not only with students, but with community members and professionals as well. More than 550 registrants had come eager to learn more about mental wellness, the subject of The Good Life, A Mental Wellness Conference, which was free and open to the public.
Close to 40 sessions addressed how to live “the Good Life,” a life of happiness and fulfillment. From sessions that examined the concept of happiness in different philosophical systems to facilitated discussions about research findings on what leads to a happy life, experts from the college, community, and other institutions shared their insights and knowledge. Other sessions discussed what happens in a mental health emergency and explored how to connect with other people or improve relationships. In addition to lectures and facilitated discussions, attendees had the opportunity to hear music from Sam Miltich, enjoy comedy from Rob Fairbanks, and try out different practices that improve well-being, such as yoga, meditation, exercise, and artistic expression.
Alumnus of the college and financial advisor, Tom McBride, gave one those presentations, titled “Making Smart Financial Decisions with Confidence,” to a packed room. He shared, “I enjoyed being able to be part of such a cool idea at a college I love so much.”
A Resource Fair showcased over 20 area organizations in our community that directly address mental wellness or challenges that impact mental wellness, like poverty and substance-abuse issues. Two therapy dogs and their trainer-owners interacted with folks as well.
Kelly Campbell, who represented Grand Itasca at the Resource Fair, commented, “It was amazing! I was really impressed with the scope of information, resources, and how smoothly everything went. I hope it turns into an annual event.”
On a post-conference survey, students reported learning research findings like “A good life is strongly influenced and measured by the quality of relationships with other people.” They were exposed to information like “what to do if someone I know is in crisis mode and what they would experience if they needed help.” They also picked up new tools for wellness, like “if I’m stressed or overwhelmed by something, meditation can help me feel better.” And they saw ways to apply the conference to their lives. For example, one student wrote, “I will really work on keeping my existing relationships, and strengthen the ones that need work.” Another commented about applying learning about sleep and nap cycles. It was “a good experience and a really good time,” summed up another student.
Minnesota North-Itasca Campus Director Lisa Marcis said of the day: “It was inspiring to see our students and community come together in support of mental wellness. It was such a positive day.”
Some of the sessions were recorded and will be broadcast on Itasca Community Television (ICTV) and ICTV’s website at watchictv.org.
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