From Languishing to Flourishing

A Guide to Managing Your Mental Health Amidst Times of Uncertainty
CIC Domain E: Human Resources

Languishing, a term first coined by Sociologist Corey Keyes, is the antithesis of flourishing.  It is apathy, a sense of restlessness or feeling unsettled, an overall lack of interest in life or the things that typically bring you joy and is an ever present feeling in society since the height of the pandemic. 

In the events industry it strikes a chord.  The industry has gone through immense turmoil with job losses, stressful work situations and constant uncertainty.  As we begin to return to live events with an increased demand, event professionals are switching from one stressor to another.  How do we mentally prepare ourselves? How do we begin to flourish again?

This panel discussion features mental health specialists, wellness leaders, and provincial program experts for a thoughtful conversation about mental health, stress, and the specific impact the pandemic has had on those in the events industry.  We will discuss tools to identify, address and move beyond stress so that we can be mentally prepared for the future of events and our careers.

Panelists: 
 Karn Nichols (She/Her/Elle)
 Executive Director, Canadian Mental  Health Association Nova Scotia Division

Along with a deep compassion for those facing mental health and addiction issues, Karn Nichols brings over 25 years of leadership experience in both the ‘for profit’ and ‘for impact’ sectors to the role of Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association of Nova Scotia. 

A committed professional, who combines a broad range of leadership expertise and experience in human resources and operations disciplines, Karn has a collaborative leadership style and a proven ability to build solid relationships and gain buy-in within a diverse set of stakeholders. She enjoys opportunities to address new challenges requiring creativity, breaking existing paradigms and thinking strategically.  

Karn has always been deeply committed to both her family and community and has held several volunteer positions throughout the years. These would include Board Chair, MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning; Member of Board Executive for Junior Achievement Nova Scotia; Vice President External, Saint Mary’s University MBA Society; Co-President Families with Children from China; President Metro Immigrant Learning Society; Human Resources Association of Nova Scotia; Feed Nova Scotia; Blue Nose Marathon; Manulife Dragon Boat Festival and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.  

Karn is the proud mother of Saya (New Zealand) and Ming (Halifax) and lives with her husband George in Hubley. When she is not working, she is running, hiking and travelling the world. She has an MBA from Saint Mary’s University, a BSc. in psychology from Dalhousie University, and a Certificate in Adult Education from Henson College. 

 Dr. Heather Patterson, Registered  Psychologist (she/her)
Counselling and Psychological Services, Student Health and Wellness
Dalhousie University

Dr. Heather Patterson is a Registered Psychologist and faculty member of Dalhousie University’s Student Health and Wellness in addition to operating her own successful private practice. She completed a B.Sc. (Honours) from Mount Saint Vincent University (2006), and her M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology from Acadia University (2008). She finished her pre-doctoral residency at Memorial University's Counselling Centre (2014) before graduating in 2016 with her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) from Memorial University. Throughout her career, Dr. Patterson has worked extensively in the areas of interpersonal relationships, resilience, stress, motivation, burnout, and career-related mental health and wellbeing.  

$25.00 for Members; $50.00 for Non-Members

Zoom