September 10, 2024

🌍 World Suicide Prevention Day is today — and as event professionals, we have a unique opportunity to raise awareness and foster meaningful conversations about mental health.

Disclaimer: if you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to others for help—call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for more.

As September 10 marks World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), it’s more important than ever for event professionals to focus on mental health. The day is a powerful reminder of our vital role in raising awareness and promoting health and wellness. With the increase in mental health challenges globally, your event could be the space where life-changing conversations begin.

In this newsletter, you’ll discover how your events can make a difference during this critical time. We’ll share key symptoms to be aware of and how you can contribute to mental health awareness. We’ll also introduce expert keynote speakers who specialize in mental health, stress management, and mindfulness. These speakers can help your audience engage meaningfully with these essential topics.

World Suicide Prevention Day is a meaningful moment to reflect on the signs of mental health struggles, especially within professional circles where the pressures of deadlines, client expectations, and constant multitasking can weigh heavily. Being aware of the key symptoms of mental distress can make all the difference, particularly with close colleagues or team members.

Symptoms to Watch For in Colleagues

Prolonged Sadness or Irritability: If a colleague who is usually upbeat becomes unusually quiet, withdrawn, or easily agitated over a sustained period, this may indicate emotional exhaustion or depression.
Social Withdrawal: Not attending social gatherings, skipping team meetings, or isolating themselves from regular interactions can indicate that someone is struggling.
Increased Anxiety or Stress: Exhibiting signs of being overwhelmed, overly anxious about small tasks, or frequently expressing feelings of dread or worry could point to mental health challenges.
Mood Swings or Drastic Behavioral Changes: Sudden and unexplained behavior changes— extreme irritability, anger, or even excessive joy—can signal an underlying issue.
Expressions of Hopelessness or Helplessness: Statements like “I don’t think I can handle this anymore” or “I don’t see the point” are clear red flags that should not be ignored.
Decline in Work Performance: Difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, missing deadlines, or making mistakes that are out of character for them might indicate cognitive overload or emotional distress.

Ways Event Professionals Can Contribute to Mental Health Awareness

Event professionals significantly influence creating environments where mental health is prioritized. Here are some ways you can contribute beyond booking expert speakers:

Foster a Culture of Openness: Create spaces within your events where participants can engage in meaningful, honest conversations about mental health. Consider setting up quiet zones, wellness lounges, or mental health break rooms where attendees can relax, recharge, or speak to a professional in a low-pressure environment.
Incorporate Mindfulness and Wellness Breaks: Schedule short breaks for meditation, deep breathing, or stretching throughout your event agenda. These practices help reduce stress and encourage mental clarity, enhancing overall event experiences.
Support Mental Health Initiatives: Partner with mental health organizations, display resources like helplines and counseling services or offer wellness workshops during your event. You can also promote mental health-focused activities like journaling, nature walks, or group exercises that focus on reducing stress.
Offer Mental Health Training for Event Staff: Equip your event staff with mental health first aid training so they can recognize the signs of someone in distress and understand how to offer initial support or guide them to appropriate resources.
Promote Work-Life Balance in Event Planning: Event professionals are often under immense pressure, and leading by example in promoting balance can make an impact. Encourage team members to take time off when needed, avoid excessive overtime, and set realistic expectations for workload to prevent burnout.

By integrating these practices, you show empathy and care for your attendees and staff and contribute to the more significant movement of normalizing mental health discussions within professional settings. Your event can become a platform for transformation and mental well-being through these efforts.

Keynote Speakers Who Make a Difference

Event professionals can also bring in voices that resonate with audiences and inspire positive change. Here’s a lineup of keynote speakers who offer practical, impactful, and compassionate insights on these important issues:

Frank King: Known as the “Mental Health Comedian,” Frank King masterfully blends humor and heartfelt storytelling to tackle mental health issues. His approach helps break down barriers, encouraging audiences to have open conversations about mental health and suicide prevention. Watch our full interview.
Johnny Crowder: Founder and CEO of Cope Notes, Johnny Crowder’s fresh perspective on mental health stems from his personal journey with mental illness. His innovative text-based support system and actionable resilience strategies make him a dynamic speaker who leaves audiences with practical tools.
Suze Yalof Schwartz: As the CEO of Unplug Meditation, Suze Schwartz makes mindfulness accessible. Her stress-reduction techniques are simple yet powerful, helping attendees incorporate mindfulness into their lives, even during their busiest moments. Tune in to the full interview.
Clif Smith: A mindfulness expert at EY, Clif Smith offers evidence-based strategies for stress reduction and improving focus. His teachings on presence and balance provide powerful takeaways for corporate and personal wellness alike.
Eliz Greene: Eliz focuses on stress management’s impact on heart health. Her practical tips help individuals and teams manage high-pressure environments, creating healthier and more productive workplaces. Watch our full podcast here.
Dr. Drew Ramsey: A psychiatrist and author, Dr. Drew Ramsey explores the connection between nutrition and mental health. His holistic approach integrates diet, lifestyle, and psychology, offering audiences a fresh perspective on maintaining mental well-being.

Take this opportunity to elevate the conversation on mental health at your next event. To book any of these outstanding speakers, contact us at The Keynote Curators. Seth’s expertise ensures a seamless experience, and his commitment to your event’s success makes him an invaluable extension of your planning team.

Make a difference. Start the conversation.

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