Eighth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

The recent tragedy in Parkland, Florida where 17 people were shot and killed has left a devastating path of grief and loss. FBI Tom Fuentes said on CNN, “Guns repeatedly are falling in the hands of mentally disturbed people who commit these acts with far too much frequency.” Many families are reluctant or hesitant to receive counseling or therapy for their families in regards to dealing with a mental ill family member or child. This workshop will help identify areas where the family process is failing, identify how to respond, and provide research and practical approaches to help families cope with mental health, trauma, and family grief. There is a disparity between cultural beliefs concerning trauma, mental illness and therapeutic treatment approaches that work. There are also misconceptions about the power of grief and loss and how it’s experienced differently for men, women, children, and family as a whole. Our goal is to offer individuals, communities, and states timely, accurate information and useful tools and resources to keep people safe where they live, work, play, and learn.