“Importance of Positive Mental Health” July 26

The Huntington County Chamber of Commerce will hold a mental health seminar on Wednesday, July 26, to discuss the most recent studies showing how mental health plays a large role in overall wellness. The studies went on to show when surrounded by negative home and work environments, the effect on a person’s mental health can cause or worsen physical symptoms and conditions. Maintaining a positive mental health environment, both at home and work, is vital to our relationships, motivation and quality of life.

Julie Kelch, business development specialist with the Bowen Center, will present at the seminar. Kelch works with various schools and companies throughout the state of Indiana with student and employee assistance programs provided by the Bowen Center. Active in chambers and community organizations, Kelch works to bring awareness to mental health issues, helps remove the stigma associated with mental health and will provide valuable information. She also speaks at various events throughout the state and provides professional development workshops, suicide gatekeeper training and critical incident debriefing support services.

The Chamber believes this will be a valuable seminar because of recent struggles in obtaining and retaining employees. Companies and organizations have discovered that company culture and image is just as important as salaries and benefit packages in attracting potential employees. Obtaining employees can be difficult, and the retention of those employees is vital for growth and development of the company and its image.

People in your personal and professional life seek environments that allow for healthy conflict resolution, increased effective communication, higher understanding and the opportunity to be heard. Allowing for this type of positive mental health environment helps nurture relationships that mean the most, and portray a sense of value to those within that environment. Learning and applying strategies that bring peace at home, and in the working environment, will help obtain that fulfilling life that everyone strives for.

Plan to join the Chamber of Commerce and learn how you can be an empowering, positive force at home and in the workplace to not only improve your life, but those around you.

This event will be held at the Faith Community Church of God, 3615 N. Norwood Road, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26. If you would like to attend this seminar, email skimmel@huntington-chamber.com. The seminar is $10 per person and will include lunch.