The Pastoral Institute is partnering with local healthcare professionals and Presenting Sponsor W.C. Bradley Co. to host a luncheon and panel discussion on “Anxiety & Functional Abdominal Pain – the Brain-Gut Connection”. The event will take place on October 2, 2023, at St. Luke Ministry Center from 11:30-1:00. This event kicks off the Pastoral Institute’s “Week of H.O.P.E.” mental health awareness and support campaign. Tickets are $20 and include a boxed lunch.

According to the CDC, 10% of U.S. youth ages 3-17 have a diagnosed anxiety disorder and 1 in 3 children who struggle with behavior problems also experience symptoms of clinical anxiety. Chronic anxiety and stress can cause a wide variety of physiological symptoms, including functional abdominal pain – chronic gastrointestinal pain and distress that have no underlying medical diagnosis. Studies show that nearly 15% of school-age children suffer impairment from functional abdominal pain, with anywhere from 42-85% of those youth also experiencing symptoms of clinical anxiety.

Join expert panelists as they discuss the benefits of collaborative care and offer tips and resources to help parents, educators, and community members understand and navigate this complicated issue affecting our youth. Panelists will include Dr. Carter Wallace, Pediatric Gastroenterologist (Southeastern Gastroenterology), Krista Overby, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Pastoral Institute), Dr. Donna Yeiser, Pediatrician (Columbus Pediatric Associates), and Courtney Lamar, National Certified Counselor and School-Based Mental Health Coordinator (Muscogee County School District).

Capacity for this event is limited. Reserve your seat by September 17th to guarantee lunch availability. Please visit pastoralinstitute.org/hope or contact Mary Johnson at 706-649-6507 ext.1210.

About the Pastoral Institute: The Pastoral Institute is a leading provider of counseling and wellness services, dedicated to promoting emotional well-being, personal growth, and healthy relationships. We are a safe place for peace and healing where you can be heard without fear or judgement.