SWI-AHEC's The Blues Café targets holiday depression, anxiety for professionals
Because depression, stress and anxiety are common and, often enhanced, during the holiday months, Southwest Indiana Area Health Education Center (SWI-AHEC) is presenting The Blues Café. The event is an opportunity for health professionals, faith-based community members, students and the general public to engage with a panel of professionals who will answer questions, provide resources and share new techniques for coping during this time of year.
The Blues Café will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, November 18, at Old National Bank's Blue/Gold Room in downtown Evansville.
The panel of experts includes Linda Evinger, USI clinical assistant professor of nursing emerita; Dr. Veronica Huggins, USI assistant professor of social work; Ange Humphrey, pastor of Fresh Air Community of Faith; and Rev. Lorinda Taylor of G.A.P. Ministries Christian Fellowship.
"Current or previous life events, such as divorce, terminal illness or loss of a loved one, separation from family or lack of employment can really make the holiday months difficult," said Kerseclia Patterson, academic outreach coordinator for SWI-AHEC. "Add to this, depression and anxiety, and the result is often a feeling of hopelessness or despair. Our hope for The Blues Café is to bring health professionals and the community together to discuss how to navigate what is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year."
Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch, and continuing education credits will be offered through the USI College of Nursing and Health Professions.
Registration is required and seating is limited. To register, visit www.USI.edu/swi-ahec.
SWI-AHEC began as a regional center in 2008, and it is hosted by the University of Southern Indiana in the College of Nursing and Health Professions. It is part of a national network with a mission to improve health by leading the nation in the recruitment, training and retention of a diverse health workforce for under-served communities.
For more information, call Kerseclia Patterson at 812-228-5048 or kpatterson@usi.edu.