Tennessee Tech will host a two-hour panel discussion Saturday for educators about the issues of anxiety and depression.
Department of Curriculum and Instruction’s Kinsey Simone said this is the second year for the forum that’s been dubbed “Mad Topics.” She called it a chance for educators to deal with issues that they see in the classroom and their own life.
“These are very relevant in today’s time also because especially within education and with the increase in social media use, which has been proven to be significantly related to stress, we have things like burnout, life happening,” Simone said. “Comparing ourselves to others on social media. Everybody is a little mad, but I’m sure that we all also had to deal with anxiety and depression in the past.”
Simone said the discussions will include both professionals and folks who want to share their life experiences with the attendees. Simone said they are expecting attendees from all backgrounds and of all ages to attend the event. That includes students, teachers, caregivers and medical professionals.
“This event has something in it for everybody,” Simone said. “And my goal is that it can slowly work towards changing the world, towards one of compassion, no judgement where we are all unique and we love this.”
Simone said she is hopeful residents will walk away from the free event feeling these three things.
“First, that I’m not alone, second, that I’m right where I need to be and third, that I am loved and I deserve to be who I want to be,” Simone said.
This year’s topic, anxiety and depression in education, was the result of an exit survey from last year’s event. The group plans to do an exit survey again this year. The forum takes place this Saturday from 3-5pm in Stonecipher Hall.
