24/7 CONNECTEDNESS TO TECHNOLOGY: Its Impact on our Students and its Role in Anxiety and Depression

24/7 Connectedness to Technology:
Its Impact on Human Development and its Role in Anxiety and Depression

Ann Duckless, MA
Community Educator and Prevention Specialist, NAMI, NH
1 Contact Hour

TIME: 4:35 to 5:35 (Immediately following DPHS Call)

** This webinar will not be recorded. 

PRESENTATION: The presentation will explore emerging research studies about the role that connectedness to technology, e.g. mobile-based and social media, plays in human development of all ages; communication and relationships with others; and how these factors relate to signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression in youth. As providers on the substance use continuum of care, we know that mood disorders may often accompany substance misuse, so being well-informed of the impact that connectedness to technology has on individuals of all ages is an important component for effective assessment and delivery of services. As a result of this webinar participants will be able to:

1. Discuss research related to the use of technology, its impact and implications for connectedness and communication with people.

2. Describe findings related to exposure of blue screen emissions on the neuroscience of the brain and effects on sleep patterns.

3. Explain the correlation of connectedness to technology to the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression in youth

PRESENTER: Ann Duckless, MA has worked for THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI) NH for the past 12 years in the Connect Suicide Prevention Program, providing suicide prevention, postvention, and mental health trainings to community, military, college, and tribal nation settings. She has also gained over 20 years of experience in the field of substance use continuum of care. Ann’s varied professional work experiences including teaching at the high school and college levels, inpatient and outpatient counseling for substance use disorders, youth prevention community work at the statewide level, and a collaborative systems perspective in dealing with public health issues.