Public Health in the Rockies 2026

In an increasingly individualistic society, the prevailing narrative suggests that "self-care" is the primary antidote to burnout and trauma. We are told that if we only practice enough mindfulness or take enough bubble baths, we can endure any professional or systemic stressor. However, for a social mammal, the idea of regulating purely in isolation is a biological fable. Human beings have survived and evolved through the ongoing process of co-regulation—the process by which our nervous systems settle and find safety through the presence and support of others.

This interactive workshop challenges the "self-care" myth by introducing the framework of Co-Care. While individual wellbeing is foundational, the most impactful resilience occurs within our professional relationships and relational ecosystems. How we navigate emotions and interpersonal dynamics at work directly dictates the quality of our outcomes and the sustainability of our missions.

When we lack the tools to support one another through conflict, we often fall into maladaptive social patterns such as gossip, triangulation, or conflict avoidance. These behaviors don't just damage morale; they stifle curiosity and diversity of thought. Conversely, when a team learns to regulate through emotions and engage in healthy conflict, the collective capacity for growth expands. By staying regulated in the presence of conflict, we allow our biases and judgments to be challenged, leading to more innovative and equitable public health solutions.