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Troy Regional Medical Center offered a virtual Mental Health Matters seminar featuring Dr. Elizabeth Dawson at noon on Tuesday.

The topic was Adolescent and Pediatric Mental Health and the Troy Resilience Project. Nurses, respiratory therapists and social workers were invited to join the seminar.

The seminar could be summed up in the words of L.R. Knost of the Gottman Institute. “When little people are overwhelmed by big emotions, it’s our job to share our calm, not join their chaos.”

Dawson said Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can have lasting, negative effects on a child’s health, well-being and on opportunities. The study has demonstrated an association of adverse childhood experiences with health and social problems across the lifespan.

However, ACEs and their associated harms are preventable.

Creating and sustaining safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments for all children and families can prevent adverse childhood experiences and help all children reach their full health and life potential, Dawson said.

Art, music and movement are therapeutic for children who are experiencing stress and anxiety. The promotion of relationships that offer compassion and kindness also play a role in relieving stress.

The goal of the Troy Resilience Project is for all community members to integrate trauma-informed and resilience-building practices into work, home, school and community  interactions, so that, the Troy community can heal and grown stronger every day.