Robert Whitaker, award-winning author of Anatomy of an Epidemic, will speak on 'Curbing an Epidemic: What Helps and What Hinders in Creating Robust Recovery,' on Sunday, June 12, at 9 a.m., at the 'Creating Connections Through Dialogue' conference, which will examine the links between dialogue and community, wellness and mental health recovery. The conference - June 10-12, 2011, at Endicott College in Beverly, Mass. - is sponsored by the National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery (www.ncmhr.org) and the National Empowerment Center (www.power2u.org).
Whitaker will also participate in a panel that re-envisions the role of medication in mental health recovery, following the keynote. The press and general public are invited to these discussions on cutting-edge responses to severe emotional distress and psychosis. (All other sessions are also open to the public at no charge; overnight accommodations and meals are available for a fee. Click herefor details.)
Conference participants and speakers will include nationally renowned leaders with psychiatric histories, family members, health and mental health service providers, and advocates.
'As people who have experienced emotional distress and extreme states, we understand the pain of social exclusion, as well as the importance of connection with others as a factor in mental health recovery. We have learned how to collaborate in a way that the rest of our fragmented society could benefit from,' said Daniel B. Fisher, M.D., Ph.D., executive director of the National Empowerment Center.
Workshop topics include the art of dialogue, intentional peer support, trauma-informed practice, family perspectives, and more. Bruce Levine will speak about his books Get Up, Stand Up, and Surviving America's Depression Epidemic.
'At this conference, we will be modeling our values of inclusivity, diversity, and collective well-being,' said Lauren Spiro, director of the National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery. 'These include listening with an open mind and heart, as well as being willing to see things from another's perspective.'
The conference will feature a live performance of Sick by Seattle monologuist Elizabeth Kenny. The Cabot Street Cinema Theatre in Beverly is showing Tom Shadyac's documentary, I Am, to coincide with the conference.
Co-sponsors include the Transformation Center, and the Western, Central, Metro Boston, Metro Suburban, Southeast and Northeast Recovery Learning Communities of Massachusetts.
For details, see www.power2u.org/events, or click here.
Keywords: Mental Health, National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery, Psychiatric, Wellness.
This article was prepared by Psychology & Psychiatry Journal editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2011, Psychology & Psychiatry Journal via NewsRx.com.
