Resilience Through Connection ECHO®
Target Audience:
Health and Human Service Professionals (i.e. case managers, DSPs, QSPs, agency leadership, etc.), Social Workers
Every Wednesday:
February 26, 2025 – April 30, 2025
11:00 am – 12:00 pm CST
View Recorded Sessions
ECHO Resources
View Participant Guide
Case Presentation
For more information, contact Krista Opstedal
krista.opstedal@minotstateu.edu
Research shows that our relationships and interactions with family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors are critical yet underappreciated contributors to our health. However, many Americans report feeling lonely and socially isolated, which contributes to poor health and other negative outcomes. Studies indicate that a lack of social connection can increase the risk of premature death as much as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day (Holt-Lunstad, Robles, & Sbarra, 2017). Loneliness and social isolation disproportionately affect people with disabilities. In 2021, research by the disability charity Sense revealed that nearly two-thirds (61%) of disabled people were chronically lonely, with loneliness significantly impacting their mental health and wellbeing.
The Resilience Through Connection ECHO® aims to provide a deep exploration of the various factors that impact social connection and the predictors of loneliness. Sessions will be tailored with strategies to increase life skills, resilience, and foster a sense of connectedness for people with disabilities and individuals with poor mental health. This includes enhancing knowledge of protective factors against suicide, emphasizing the importance of social connectedness, and raising awareness of ND resources and activities that promote a sense of belonging.
The Resilience Through Connection ECHO® aims to:
- Highlight the health impacts associated with loneliness among people with disabilities and individuals with poor mental health, while acknowledging the additional risk factors inherent in the intersectionality of this target population.
- Provide evidence-based strategies to increase protective factors against social isolation.
- Equip the target population with coping techniques and problem-solving skills based on best practices.
- Connect participants with North Dakota resources to enhance connections to friends, family, and community support
This effort is associated with North Dakota’s State Suicide Prevention Program, funded by the ND Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Behavioral Health Division (BHD).
Resilience Through Connection ECHO®
Target Audience: Health and Human Service Professionals (i.e. case managers, DSPs, QSPs, agency leadership, etc.), Social Workers
Every Wednesday: February 26, 2025 – April 30, 2025
11:00 am – 12:00 pm CST
| Session Title | Date | Archived Recordings |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1: The Epidemic of Loneliness: Finding a Sense of Belonging Research shows that social relationships are critical to our physical and mental health, yet many Americans, especially those with disabilities, experience chronic loneliness, contributing to poor health outcomes. This session will discuss the key factors that increase loneliness and social isolation, including barriers faced by people with disabilities. We will also introduce strategies for cultivating a sense of belonging and enhancing social connection, with a focus on resilience and mental health. Participants will learn about the role social connectedness plays in well-being, and how this series will provide tools to promote stronger, more meaningful connections for those at risk of isolation. As a result of attending, participants will be able to: Identify key factors that increase loneliness and social isolation, especially within marginalized and at-risk populations. Explore the importance of social connectedness as a protective factor against negative health outcomes, including mental health challenges and suicide risk. Discuss strategies and resources to help individuals cultivate a sense of belonging and resilience, focusing on enhancing life skills and social connections. Speaker:Dr. Meg McKelvie | February 26, 2025 11:00am - 12:00 pm CST | Recording will be available approximately one week after the session |
| Session 2: Autism & Relationships: An Auntie's Guide to Neurotypical Social Skills This session provides insights into how neurodivergent people, particularly those with Autism, experience and approach relationships. Neurodivergent social skills are often viewed as deficits rather than recognized as differences in how they interact with the world. Participants will explore these distinctions and gain practical strategies to bridge the gap between neurodivergent and neurotypical communication styles, promoting a greater understanding and empathy. As a result of attending, participants will be able to: - Understand the key differences between neurodivergent and neurotypical social skills and communication styles. - Explore how these differences influence relationships and social interactions. - Discuss strategies to support neurodivergent individuals in developing social connections and improving communication with neurotypical peers. Speaker: Sydney Zarlengo | March 5, 2025 11:00am - 12:00 pm CST | Recording will be available approximately one week after the session |
| Session 3: Autism & Relationships: Identifying and Handling Abusive Relationships This session will explore the unique challenges that individuals with autism may face in relationships, particularly in identifying and handling abusive dynamics. People with autism may have difficulty recognizing manipulative or harmful behaviors due to differences in social communication and understanding of social cues. As a result, they may be more vulnerable to abuse or unhealthy relationships. Participants will learn to recognize the signs of abusive relationships, understand how these dynamics can uniquely affect individuals with autism, and gain practical strategies for supporting individuals in navigating and responding to such situations. As a result of attending, participants will be able to: • Identify the signs of abusive relationships, including emotional, physical, and psychological abuse, and how they may manifest differently for individuals with autism. • Explore strategies to support individuals with autism in recognizing unhealthy relationships, building the skills to communicate their needs, setting boundaries, and advocating for themselves in relationships. Speaker: Sydney Zarlengo | March 12, 2025 11:00am - 12:00 pm CST | Recording will be available approximately one week after the session |
| Session 4: Emotional Literacy: Building Connections to Combat Loneliness Emotional Literacy is the ability to recognize, understand, and respond to emotions in oneself and others in a healthy manner. Emotional literacy helps us navigate relationships and create deeper connections, which can reduce feelings of loneliness. Participants will learn practical strategies for teaching emotional literacy in accessible and supportive ways, enabling their clients to better understand and express their emotions, manage social interactions, and foster stronger relationships. As a result of attending, participants will: • Define emotional literacy and its key components: recognizing, understanding, and expressing emotions. • Recognize how emotional literacy can help reduce loneliness and improve communication and relationship-building for clients with disabilities. • Explore strategies for teaching emotional literacy that are tailored to the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. Speaker: TBA | March 19, 2025 11:00am - 12:00 pm CST | Recording will be available approximately one week after the session |
| Session 5: Grief Literacy: How Grief Can Impact Loneliness ‘Grief literacy’ is defined as "skills and knowledge that enable thoughtful action and compassionate care for those in need." In this workshop, participants will learn tangible skills for normalizing grief and supporting others to navigate the multi-layered landscapes of loss. Through a combination of didactic and interactive exercises and discussions, participants will explore the various faces and sources of grief and learn empathy-bridging tools that encourage person-centered care that is connective and affirming. Speaker: Elizabeth Johnson | March 26, 2025 11:00am - 12:00 pm CST | Recording will be available approximately one week after the session |
| Session 6: The Science of Awe Awe is a profound emotional experience that arises when you encounter something magnificent, leaving you feeling awestruck and deeply connected. It might be triggered by a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon, a stirring symphony, or a powerful work of art. The experience of awe not only inspires a sense of wonder but has also been shown to have a significant impact on overall health and wellbeing. Research suggests that experiencing awe can reduce the risk of conditions such as depression, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Additionally, awe has been linked to increased prosocial behaviors, encouraging a greater sense of connection and empathy towards others. This session will explore how cultivating awe can improve emotional and physical health and how professionals can incorporate practices that evoke awe to promote wellbeing. As a result of attending, participants will be able to: - Define awe and recognize the various triggers that can lead to an awe-inspiring experience. - Understand the health benefits associated with experiencing awe, including its impact on mental and physical wellbeing. - Explore the link between awe and prosocial behavior, and how awe can foster empathy and connectedness in individuals. - Learn strategies for cultivating awe in everyday life to enhance overall health, reduce stress, and promote positive relationships. Speaker: Krista Opstedal | April 2, 2025 11:00am - 12:00 pm CST | Recording will be available approximately one week after the session |
| Session 7: The Impacts of Ableism on Loneliness This session will explore the powerful and often overlooked connection between ableism and loneliness. Ableism is the discrimination or prejudice against people with disabilities, which can exacerbate feelings of isolation and social exclusion. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how ableism manifests in both overt and subtle ways and how it impacts people with disabilities sense of belonging. As a result of attending, participants will be able to: - Define ableism and understand its various forms, including overt and subtle expressions of prejudice and discrimination. - Explore how ableism contributes to loneliness and social isolation for individuals with disabilities. - Identify societal, systemic, and interpersonal factors that perpetuate ableism and exacerbate feelings of exclusion. - Learn practical strategies for addressing ableism in personal, professional, and community settings to reduce loneliness and enhance social inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Speaker:Krista Opstedal | April 9, 2025 11:00am - 12:00 pm CST | Recording will be available approximately one week after the session |
| Session 8: Fostering a Sense of Belonging: Combating Othering This session will explore the concept of belonging and how we can actively foster it both individually and structurally. A sense of belonging is essential to our emotional well-being, yet many individuals experience othering, where they feel excluded, marginalized, or treated as different from the group. Whether in personal relationships, group dynamics, or broader organizational or societal structures, othering can significantly impact ones sense of self-worth and connection. Participants will learn how to recognize and address the subtle and overt ways othering manifests, and how to create inclusive spaces that promote belonging. Through both personal reflection and structural interventions, this session will provide strategies to combat othering and build environments where all individuals feel valued and included. Learning Objectives: - Define "othering" and recognize how it manifests in personal relationships, group interactions, and organizational structures. - Understand the psychological and social impact of othering on individuals sense of belonging and well-being. - Explore strategies to combat othering and promote inclusivity in personal, professional, and community settings. - Learn practical techniques for fostering belonging both individually (through personal behavior and attitudes) and structurally (through policies, practices, and environmental changes). Speaker:TBA | April 16, 2025 11:00am - 12:00 pm CST | Recording will be available approximately one week after the session |
| Session 9: Social Polarization and Loneliness This critical thinking session explores the relationship between social polarization and loneliness, with a focus on how media rhetoric and communication frames contribute to divisiveness. Participants will learn to analyze the rhetoric used in media to identify communication frames that perpetuate polarization and understand how personal biases share their perceptions. As a result of attending, participants will be able to: - Understand the role of social polarization in fostering loneliness and divisiveness. - Analyze the role of media rhetoric and communication frames. - Discuss strategies for bridging social capital across ideological divides to promote tolerance. Speaker:TBA | April 23, 2025 11:00am - 12:00 pm CST | Recording will be available approximately one week after the session |
| Session 10: Panel Discussion on Building Social Capital Join us for a panel discussion to gain insight into peoples lived experiences and real-life strategies for building social capital. Speakers:TBA | April 30, 2025 11:00am - 12:00 pm CST | Recording will be available approximately one week after the session |