XCEL's Rise and Grind Series - It's Okay to Not be Okay
Zoom Webinar
* Registration open until 10/12/21 at 9:00 AM (EST)
Event Details
Join the XCEL Committee as they host the next session in their Rise and Grind Series.
Did you know October is Depression and Mental Health Awareness month? In light of the past 18 months the world has experienced the XCEL Committee decided to present this timely topic. We hope you’ll participate in this FREE webinar and spread the word that…
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
Mental illness: Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder. These words have shame and an enormous stigma attached to them. Although there is progress in the mental health field, it isn’t happening fast enough for mental illness sufferers. Often people don’t feel comfortable saying, “I need help” or “I’m really not okay.”
In this session, Archie Messersmith-Bunting details his own mental health struggles and reminds attendees “it’s okay not to be okay.” He encourages attendees to take personal action: tell someone and talk about your feelings. This is the beginning of true healing and happiness.
Learn how to identify signs your co-worker, family member, or peer may be struggling and how to connect them to support resources. Plus, discover action steps to encourage help-seeking while avoiding the less-than-helpful things many say to those struggling with depression.
Learning Outcomes
- Review the most commonly diagnosed mental health issues today and learn their symptoms.
- Identify non-verbal signs that a co-worker might need support.
- Evaluate your own self-care plan and brainstorm ways it could be improved.
- Empower: become empowered to engage in help-seeking behavior.
Sponsor Opportunity
There are two opportunities to sponsor this session. Click here for details.
For More Information:
Using dynamism and authenticity, Archie Messersmith-Bunting champions mental health awareness worldwide at corporations and universities. He challenges people to rethink complicated and emotional topics like depression, suicide, alcohol and drug addiction. Through his company ArchieCares, LLC, Messersmith-Bunting aims to reframe the narrative surrounding mental illness and addiction by facilitating honest and vulnerable conversations.
Messersmith-Bunting reaches individuals personally as he openly and honestly shares his own struggle with addiction and clinical depression. He weaves research of top therapists and addiction specialists into his storytelling, allowing audiences to understand the potential for loss and pain. Whether it’s a conversation with corporate employees about mental health in
the workplace or a student workshop on resilience, Archie delivers a vibrant mix of life lessons. Attendees are inspired, empowered and ready to make authentic changes in their life.
The Virginia native served as the Assistant Director of Programming at Illinois State University in 2010, and Fraternity Services Director at Sigma Phi Epsilon (SigEp) Fraternity headquarters in 2013. At SigEp, he created the organization’s first member safety curriculum focusing on consent, sexual assault prevention, and healthy relationships. Messersmith-Bunting also was the inaugural Vice President of Campus Operations and Health & Safety for the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) in 2017 where he championed the organization’s Health & Safety Initiative and the adoption of the NIC’s Alcohol & Drug Guidelines.
In 2019, he transitioned to full-time speaker and consultant providing leadership, mental health and alcohol & drug prevention education at corporations like Solenis and The Job Sauce, and college campuses including Clemson University, Iowa State University and The University of Southern California.
Messersmith-Bunting graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Samford University and a Master of Science in College and Student Personal Administration from Illinois State University. He was recognized by Illinois State University with the Outstanding New Professional award and Outstanding Faculty/Staff Advisor of the Year. He lives with his husband and son Kade in Charlottesville, Virginia and loves to binge romantic comedies, explore the outdoors and read to Kade in his spare time.
Messersmith-Bunting graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Samford University and a Master of Science in College and Student Personal Administration from Illinois State University. He was recognized by Illinois State University with the Outstanding New Professional award and Outstanding Faculty/Staff Advisor of the Year. He lives with his husband and son Kade in Charlottesville, Virginia and loves to binge romantic comedies, explore the outdoors and read to Kade in his spare time.