Live Design International (LDI) 2023

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative - btshelp.org/mentalhealth
WE’RE SHINING A LIGHT ON MENTAL HEALTH AT LDI 2023
We’ve got a safe space for you as we Shine a Light on Mental Health at LDI 2023. This year, give yourself the gift of self-care by joining Behind the Scenes at the Shining-A-Light Wellness Lounge on the show floor from December 3-5. Being an individual in the hardest working industry can leave you feeling empty. If you are curious about yoga and meditation, you can fill yourself up with our “no experience required” yoga and meditation each morning. In the afternoons, industry colleagues offer insight in their short presentations on sleep, nutrition, mental health, physical health, recovery, and mindfulness. Visit the Behind the Scenes booth in the Wellness Lounge to learn about our Mental Health Initiative and receive valuable information you can post at work. Our safe space provides an alcohol-free environment where attendees have opportunities to talk one-on-one with the presenters and ask questions about nutrition, sleep, mindfulness, physical health, and mental health.
Experience these talks at the Shining-A-Light Wellness Lounge:

Overview of Mental Health Tools & Resources

• BTS Executive Director, Lori Rubinstein, will provide an overview of the many tools and resources available under the charity’s Mental Health Initiative, including suicide prevention resources, substance use information for all those impacted, the entertainment Industry Therapist Finder, resources to fight bullying and harassment, an anonymous self-assessment tool, and sample language on mental health for safety briefings and meetings.
• Intro to Mental Health First Aid
• BTS MHFA Trainer Steven Michelman will provide an introduction to Mental Health First Aid. This skills-based training course teaches how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. MHFA takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations and teaches how to listen non-judgmentally.
• Staying Sober at the Bar
• Vice President of Marketing for ETC, David Lincecum asks, “Are you sober or sober-curious?”  One of the more challenging times may be when you are in social situations – parties, bars, and dinners. This 20-minute workshop will offer strategies for having a great time – and being sober while doing it.
• The Biology of Sleep: What Goes on in our brains and bodies while we sleep.
• Most of us are woefully unaware of the myriad of processes in our bodies while we sleep. In this session, we will talk briefly about why we get sleepy and some of the healthful things that occur in the various stages of sleep.
• The Effects of Sleep Deprivation in the Entertainment Industry.
• In an industry structured around “efficiency” and pragmatism, little or no credence is given to the long-lasting damage done to our brains and bodies when we are regularly deprived of proper sleep. In this session, we will look at various afflictions caused by this reality and some strategies to get better sleep.
• Integrating Meditation into Your Workday
• Lighting Designer and University of Tennessee Professor Kenton Yeager will offer a 30-minute discussion, including an introduction to moving meditation exercises, such as Tai Chi and Qigong, that you can do anywhere during your work day, at home, and on the road.
• Strategies for Overcoming Stigma Surrounding Mental Health Challenges
• BTS MHFA Trainer Steven Michelman uses his journey with mental health challenges and recovery to help others manage the discrimination and language around mental health in their lives and the workplace.  Steven will discuss how, as individuals, businesses, and an industry, we can open the door to supporting mental health challenges just as we do for physical challenges.
• A Layman’s Guide to Eating Healthier on the Road
• Industry Professional, Luther Bell, offers easy-to-implement information to guide you through the basics of making better food choices.  From gas stations to grocery stores, you'll learn about food combinations that you can adapt to your situation. Luther is joined by Registered Dietitian Molly Michelman, who will add her expertise to support you in making healthy choices and avoiding nutrition pitfalls with convenience food.
• Physical Wellness and Pain Management to Support Your Mental Health
• Physical Therapist, Mickey Mazurowski, discusses typical pain patterns in your shoulders, neck, and back. Mickey will review proper body mechanics and offer methods for avoiding and mitigating these typical pain patterns.
• Proper Stretching Techniques on the Job and in Your Life
• Physical Therapist, Mickey Mazurowski, will lead an interactive session where you will learn stretching techniques for typical aches and pains you may experience in your daily work routines.  Join Mickey for this informative session and leave with a toolbox of skills you can bring with you anywhere.
• Mental Health First Aid (Tuesday, December 5, Instructor Steven Michelman)
• Mental Health First Aid takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems by teaching how to recognize the signs and symptoms that suggest a potential mental health challenge, how to listen non judgmentally and give reassurance to someone who may be experiencing a mental health challenge, and how to refer a person to appropriate professional support and services.
• Cup of Coffee Yoga
• If you have time for a cup of coffee, you can do this brief yoga practice. No special costumes, props, yoga mats, or experience are required. This simple combination of small movements and breathing can be your first cup of coffee every day. Come wearing jeans, a business suit, or a skirt/kilt.
  
• Breathing and Meditation with Kenton
• Join us each morning for an introduction to breathing and meditation, where you can learn techniques and skills you can use anywhere.  Bring yourself and leave with additional tools in your toolbox for your self-care and well-being.
• One-on-One Discussion Sessions
• Visit the Wellness Lounge for one-on-one experiences with our presenters and contributors.  Ask questions, learn more about their area of expertise, or stop by and make a connection. Our Wellness team will be around to discuss Sleep, Nutrition, Meditation and Mindfulness, and Mental Health and Recovery.