Improving coping skills can reduce depression in teens,
according to expert

Ways to combat youth depression will be explored in a conference being sponsored March 11 by the Children's Resource Center and offered by BGSU.

Keynote speaker John Weisz, a professor of psychology, psychiatry and behavioral sciences at UCLA, believes many of the symptoms of depression result from skill deficits. He advocates that affected youths practice mood-boosting activities, use positive self-skills in social interactions, find silver linings, steer clear of rumination cycles and think positively.

Weisz will describe how counselors and therapists can use a cognitive behavioral program to help those suffering from depression to improve their primary and secondary coping skills. The goal of this approach is to help young people master—rather than be overcome by—the stress in their lives.

"Using Primary and Secondary Control to Combat Youth Depression" will be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 11 at the Stone Ridge Golf Club, 1553 Muirfield Drive. The $119 fee includes a treatment manual, CEUs and lunch.

For program information email Janet Womack at jwomack@bgnet.bgsu.edu or visit http://conted.bgsu.edu/html/programs/acad/docs/ullmanconf.pdf. To register, call 2-8181.

The conference is the fourth in a series on children's mental health, honoring and continuing the innovative work of the late Douglas G. Ullman. Dr. Ullman was a professor of psychology at BGSU and a founding member of the Children's Resource Center, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary community mental health program in Bowling Green.

'Grace under fire' earns Grilliot Spirit of BG award

A hardworking individual described by his staff as “at his best during trying and stressful situations” has been selected as the January winner of the administrative staff Spirit of BG award.

Jeffrey Grilliot, director of international programs, has enriched the lives of many international students across campus as well as the staff members with whom he works daily, his nominator said. In recognition of his contributions to the University, Grilliot received the award and a monetary gift.