TOWARDS HOLISTIC WELL-BEING: RAISING AWARENESS, ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES, AND BUILDING RESILIENCE

During this presentation, we will review the meaning of well-being and the various facets typically considered parts of one's well-being, with a focus on mental health well-being. We will begin by increasing awareness of and addressing mental health challenges within the STEM fields. Common concerns and issues will be discussed. We will review empirically based strategies to build resilience against challenges one may experience in their STEM fields. We will then review a holistic approach to mental health by considering the interconnectedness of various factors that influence our well-being. This will include a review of the social ecosystems. We will conclude by discussing ways we can collectively support our community’s well-being to create a foundation for success, innovation, and a thriving STEM community.

At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to:

- Define the various facets of well-being, with a focus on mental health well-being

- Identify some of the mental health challenges within STEM fields

- Understand the interconnectedness of factors that influence our well-being

- Describe ways we can collectively support community well-being