Over 120 participants representing the academic, medical and educational communities attended the conference entitled ‘Neuropsychology of Young People’s Mental Health – Facts, Tools, Collaboration’. The event was organised in collaboration with the University of Economy in Bydgoszcz, the Dr Józef Bednarz Provincial Mental Health Hospital in Świecie and the Psychological and Pedagogical Clinic in Świecie.
The meeting provided an important forum for dialogue on one of the most significant challenges of our time – the mental health of children and young people. Participants emphasised the importance of responding early to the first signs of a crisis and the need to build genuine, systematic cooperation between specialists, schools, parents and support institutions. It was precisely this openness to conversation, the exchange of experiences and the willingness to act together that were most evident throughout the event.
The Department of Psychology at WSG was represented by Dr Magdalena Zubiel, who gave a lecture entitled ‘The adolescent brain under pressure – the neurobiology of anxiety, stress, impulsivity and risky behaviour. ADHD, trauma, school and family’. The programme also included an expert panel discussion entitled “From the first sign to the clinical decision – mental health crises and addictions in children and young people. Who, when and how does one react?”, in which Assoc. Prof. Robert Lauks took part. The discussion was also attended by specialists in child and adolescent psychiatry: Dr Sławomir Biedrzycki, Dr Katarzyna Wojciechowska and Dr Dagmara Piekarz-Raca.
The Centre for Mental Health at the University of Economy was represented by Dr Marcin Jaracz, a specialist in clinical psychology and a cognitive-behavioural psychotherapist, who in his presentation “How to talk to a child experiencing anxiety? Effective methods of emotion regulation in the work of psychologists, teachers and parents”, presented practical tools to support the day-to-day work of specialists and parents.
The University of Economy’s participation in the conference provided an opportunity to showcase the institution’s academic perspective and teaching experience, as well as to offer students the chance to take part in an event of high substantive value and an inspiring nature. The organisers emphasise that this meeting should not be seen as a one-off initiative, but as the start of long-term cooperation aimed at more effectively supporting the mental health of young people.
