For many years, Christy Brooks dealt with depression, self harm, and self hatred, but after getting the right support she was able to find health and overcome her own obstacles. This gave Christy a passion for equipping the next generation with the tools they need to succeed in life and to empower adults working in the trenches with young people.

A Nashville native, Christy spent several years in Australia, Vietnam, Thailand, India, and the UK working with disadvantaged young people. She then went on to be ordained through the Vineyard church, pastoring at an emergent church serving a community of college students, artists, and musicians. It was here she realized how ill-equipped communities are to meet the needs of those struggling with mental health and their own self worth.

So, with more than 10 years in youth work, and 15 in non-profit leadership roles, Christy founded and became the Executive Director of LIVEmpowered. LIVEmpowered seeks to empower young people to make positive choices and equip communities to meet the needs of young people. They do this through the Meant to Be curriculum - helping young people to understand their self worth, and training focused on addressing the struggles facing young people, particularly in the area of mental health. At the heart of their work is the message that every person is loved, valued, and empowered to make positive choices and achieve their dreams and goals. Through this work Christy has trained and resourced hundreds of people on subjects such as suicide prevention, depression, and self harm.

Christy's perfect day is spending time outside with her daughter, Ali, reading, swimming, or playing soccer.

The American College Health Association (ACHA) reports that the suicide rate amongst those  aged 15-24, has tripled since the 1950s. Suicide is the second most common cause of death  among college students ​and is getting increased media attention because it is such a  widespread issue. College can be a particularly stressful time - transitioning from living at home, trying to find  community in a new place mixed with social and educational pressures. This can make college students particularly vulnerable especially when other mental health issues are involved. It is essential that all of us understand suicide and suicidal thoughts and know the warning signs to  look for in those we work with and those we love.   

Learning Objectives.
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to: 
1. Explain the causes and contributing factors to suicidal thoughts and action. 
2. Explain depression and identify its warning signs. 
3. Identify groups at greater risk of suicidal thoughts and action. 
4. Explain the differences between self harm and suicidal behavior. 
5. Evaluate behavioral cues and then safely intervene. 
6. Demonstrate how to support someone who is suicidal, both in crisis and over time. 
7. Identify the right actions to support someone who doesn’t want to be helped. 
8. Dispel myths about suicide. 
9. Demonstrate how to support some who has lost someone to suicide.   

Intended Audience: ​fraternity members, sorority members, the entire student body.  

In 2015, the American Psychological Association (APA) reported that 15% of college students  had engaged in self harm at least once. The Journal of the American College of Nutrition  reported that 10 - 20% of female students and 4 - 10% of male students are affected by  clinical eating disorders. There are many who would argue that this statistics are a low estimate as not everyone will admit to these behaviors, especially young men. It is thought that going to college can trigger these behaviors due to all the uncertainty and new  pressures that young adults can face during this transition. In this presentation we explore  what causes us to turn to coping mechanisms that cause us harm and how we can support  those who are struggling with these issues.   

Learning Objectives.
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to: 
1. Explain self harm, its warning signs and methods. 
2. Identify different patterns of disordered eating and their potential diagnoses. 
3. Identify underlying causes that may cause a person to turn to these behaviors and  groups that may be more susceptible. 
4. Dispel myths about eating disorders and self harm. 
5. Demonstrate how to support someone who is self harming, both in crisis and over time. 
6. Demonstrate how to support someone living with disordered eating. 
7. Direct those struggling with these issues to professional help and available resources. 

Intended Audience: ​fraternity members, sorority members, the entire student body.