Workshops
This year, Got Your Back! is excited to offer six workshops on mental health, relationships, and social support. Each workshop is being presented by psychology graduate students, with support from professors and clinical psychologists.
Workshops are FREE to attend, and are open to all members of the Queen’s and local community. Refreshments will be served; please RSVP so we have an idea of numbers! Check out our Facebook page for more information on mental health workshops!
Let's Talk About Sex!
Common sexual problems and how to talk about them.
Monday, November 21 @ 6:00PM
Theological Hall, Rm. 203
Presented By: Robyn Jackowich and Stéphanie Gauvin, with Dr. Caroline Pukall
It can be hard to talk about sexual problems with other people, including friends and/or partners. In this interactive workshop, we will discuss why it’s important to talk about sex, what sexual problems are, and the impact that sexual problems can have on our wellbeing. Importantly, we will review communication tips and discuss how to be a good listener and supportive friend and/or partner. We’ll also be sure to talk about support and resources that are available to you at Queen’s University and in Kingston.
How to Support a Friend with Anxiety
Tuesday, November 22 @ 1:00 PM
SKHS (Kinesiology), Rm. 101
Presented By: Irene Hong and Jackie Huberman, with Dr. Meredith Chivers
We’ve all heard of “anxiety”, but what is it? How do you manage it or support an anxious friend? In this interactive workshop, we will review common types of anxiety. We’ll provide effective techniques for coping with anxiety and you’ll have the chance to practice some of them. We’ll also discuss ways that you can help support an anxious friend, including what to say and what not to say.
***
How to Support a Friend with an Eating Disorder
Tuesday, November 22 @ 6:00 PM
Stauffer Library, Rm. 121 (Ground Floor Seminar Room)
Presented By: Amanda Shamblaw, with Dr. Susan Buchanan & AuthenticallyU
In a culture that promotes healthy eating and dieting, how do you know when things have gone too far? In this interactive and educational workshop, we will review different types of eating disorders. We’ll discuss signs of disordered eating, its effects on the body and mind, and strategies for supporting a friend with an eating disorder, including how to open dialogues. We will also provide an overview of available treatments and resources, which you can use or provide to a friend in need.
***
How to Help a Friend (and Yourself) Cope with Big Emotions
Wednesday, November 23 @ 6:00 PM
Beamish-Munro Hall, Rm. 313
Presented By: Kalee DeFrance and Vanessa Schell, with Dr. Tom Hollenstein
Emotions are ubiquitous. We are always experiencing some level of emotion yet, due to social demands, we also try to regulate our emotions. Many of us struggle with emotion regulation, however, which can have negative mental health outcomes. In this interactive workshop, we will present techniques that have been found to effectively help people become more aware of their emotional experiences and develop successful regulatory practices. We’ll discuss the upsides and downsides of emotions and will review ways to build resources to help yourself or a friend through tough emotional times.
***
How to Support a Friend Who's Feeling Down and Depressed
Thursday, November 24 @ 5:30 PM
Stirling Hall, Rm. 412B
Presented By: Melissa Milanovic, Tanya Tran, and Chloe Hudson, with Dr. Chuck Vetere
In this workshop, we will talk about the experience of feeling down and depressed. Importantly, we will provide an overview of what it might look like when someone is feeling depressed, how it affects people day-to-day, and discuss some helpful coping strategies for low mood or depression. Through this interactive workshop, you will also learn strategies for supporting a friend who may be experiencing symptoms of depression – including helpful things to say or do, and the resources that are available to them at Queen’s University and in Kingston.
***
Tips on What To Do When You Can't Sleep
Facts, Strategies, and Debunking Myths.
Thursday, November 24 @ 7:00 PM
Theological Hall, Rm. 203
Presented By: Louisa Man and Nelly Matorina, with Dr. Hans Dringenberg
Are you always tired? Do you feel like you’re not getting enough sleep? In this workshop, we will examine prevalent sleep myths like “I catch up on sleep over the weekend” or ”Having a glass of wine before bed makes me sleep better”. Importantly, we will discuss facts about sleep and its impact on wellbeing. We will also review strategies to improve sleep hygiene, and go over evidence-based tools to help you learn about your own sleep patterns.