Beaumont Grosse Pointe Offers Forums with Focus on Youth Stress

As the new school season starts up, Grosse Pointe parents and teens are being encouraged to attend a series of four talks exploring the causes of stress and depression in young people that’s being organized by the Beaumont, Grosse Pointe Health Coalition.

According to Suzy Berschback, manager of community affairs and advocacy for , the inspiration for the series was the “firestorm” of calls coalition members received after the Grosse Pointe Academy’s of “Race To Nowhere,” a documentary about the stress the nation’s educational system is placing on students. The coalition, which is comprised of more than a dozen organizations concerned with the mental, physical or economic health of area residents, realized that there was a need for more education about stress.

“People called [coalition members] saying ‘This movie really helped me see I’m not alone in this situation,’” Berschback said. “Stress is a huge party of what’s making society ill and we need to learn coping skills, which society never teaches us.”

To get the community ready for the discussion series, “Race To Nowhere” will be screened again this month, although Berschback said the date and location have not been determined yet. The four talks that follow will be:

Wednesday, Sept. 28, 7 p.m.

“In the Voice of Our Teens: A Dialogue Supporting Resiliency.” , 240 Chalfonte Ave., G.P.F.

This first session seeks to identify the issues that are causing the greatest stress for community youth. Teenagers are being encouraged to attend and share their problems and coping skills with the audience.

Register online with CARE of Southeastern Michigan or by calling (313) 332-0972.

Wednesday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m.

“Are Your Teens at Risk? Responding to Youths and Parents." Grosse Pointe Congregational Church, 240 Chalfonte Ave., G.P.F.

Based on the youth feedback gathered at the first session, this talk, which parents are encouraged to attend, will help the community’s adults better understand teen stressors. “There’s a lot of ‘not my child’” in any community, notes Berschback. “Usually the audience we get at these events are the very parents who think that it is their teen who is suffering or that it’s possible it could [one day] be their teen. The people we want to attend this session are the ones who don’t believe their teens are susceptible.”

Register online at with The Family Center or by calling (313) 432-3832.

Wednesday, Oct. 12, 7 p.m.

“Volunteerism: Building a Stronger Sense of Self.” Connelly Auditorium, Beaumont Hospital, Grosse Pointe, 468 Cadieux Road G.P.

Bill Wenzell, manager of volunteers and community outreach at Focus: HOPE, will speak about the power of volunteer work to boost self esteem, create social connections and give life meaning. The session is targeted to high school students, Berschback said.

To register, call (313) 473-1737.

Wednesday, Oct. 19, 7 p.m.

“Community Education in Healthcare: A Growing Need.” Wayne County Community College District-University Center, 19305 Vernier Road, Harper Woods.

The content of this discussion is still being finalized.

Register by calling (313) 579-6917 or by e-mailing ktownse1@wcccd.edu.

Rebecca Fannon, a spokesperson for the Grosse Pointe Public School System, noted that with September being National Suicide Prevention Month and October being National Depression Awareness Month, “the timing is perfect to have these deliberate, honest and open dialogues. While community involvement here in the Grosse Pointe Public School System is enviable, the pressures on our children are very real and expectations are high. This year you will see a number of programs that ask each of us if we’re placing too much pressure on our children and if we know how to recognize signs of distress. Bringing children, parents, teachers and community members together in an environment where it is safe to ask questions and be honest is critical; these are the sorts of courageous conversations we need.”

Berschback said Beaumont Hospital, Grosse Pointe is also collaborating with The Family Center on a series of talks for the spring focused on improving the mental and physical health of our community youth.

The Beaumont, Grosse Pointe Health Coalition was created in December 2010, “to enable the entire community to reach their potential by preventing disease and promoting wellness through prevention education and developing solutions for positive health,” according to the organization’s mission statement. It’s members include Beaumont Hospital, Grosse Pointe, The Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce, The Grosse Pointe Public School System, The Family Center, Services for Older Citizens, The Grosse Pointe Public Library, Grosse Pointe Moms Club, CARE of Southeastern Michigan, Young Life, GP Lions Club, LocalMotionGreen, Wayne County Community College District, The Grosse Pointe News, The Grosse Pointe Times, the office of Rep. Hansen Clarke, and local law enforcement.