Pittsburgh – NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania’s 2023 Child, Adolescent, and Transition Age Youth Mental Health Conference, Pursuit of Perfection and the Impact on Youth Mental Health, will take place on Friday, February 10, at The Westin Pittsburgh. The conference will address the research and trends related to perfectionism, the challenges young people are facing, and how adults can offer support in reframing the concept. 

“Young people are under enormous amounts of stress,” said Christine Michaels, CEO of NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania. “They feel as though they have to be the best at everything they do from academics to athletics, but they aren’t sure what that means and how to cope when they don’t succeed. All that pressure is taking a toll on their mental health.” 

The annual conference is geared toward parents, educators, and mental health professionals. This year’s topic and speakers will also have helpful information for students. “Our speakers and panelists will talk about the differences between healthy and unhealthy pressure and expectations, as well as healthy ways for young people to cope,” said Michaels.  “And those coping skills are really important.”   

The conference will also recognize the winner of NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania’s 2023 Youth Mental Health Leadership Award Essay Contest, Mohammad Shedeed, from South Fayette Township School District. Mohammad will read his essay and accept his award, which includes a $1,000 scholarship.  

“We received essays from across the state and every single writer shared a personal experience that was very moving,” said Michaels. “It’s wonderful to see young people engaged in mental health advocacy and seeing their words on paper made their feelings come alive.” 

 
What: NAMI Keystone PA’s annual Child, Adolescent, and Transition Age Youth Mental Health Conference 

Location: The Westin Pittsburgh | 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 

Date: Friday, February 10, 2023  

Time: 7:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Conference Agenda) 

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