Annual NAMI Mercer Conference

Watch for information on our second Annual Conference, coming in the fall of 2010!

More than 120 NAMI Mercer family members and friends gathered to learn about recovery at our first annual Harvest of Hope Conference in October 2009.

Keynote speaker Dr. Sharon O’Brien, author of The Family Silver: A Memoir of Depression and Inheritance, gave a moving and enlightening lecture on her personal struggles with depression and stigma in American culture. Later, guests participated in small-group workshops to learn ways to promote wellness and recovery.

When asked the most important concept they learned, attendee answers included:

• Anyone can recover from mental illness.
• I’m not the only one and shouldn’t be embarrassed.
• There is great support all around for people living with mental illness and great hope for living fulfilling lives.
• The power of sharing your story.
• With silence comes stigma and shame carried on the inside.
• There is hope for maintaining my mental health if I have a structured plan.
• The importance of self-direction and empowerment.

2009 Program Details:

• Keynote. Dr. Sharon O’Brien, author of the award-winning book, The Family Silver: A Memoir of Depression and Inheritance, delivered the opening address. She is the James Hope Caldwell Professor of American Cultures at Dickinson College, where she teaches courses in American Studies, American literature, and creative writing. Currently she is working on a book about depression and stigma in American culture.
• Workshops. Attendees were offered a choice of concurrent wellness workshops dealing with aspects of recovery.
• Lunch hour. Wellness activities were available.
• Conclusion. Michelle Zechner, MSW, LSW, CPRP, faculty member from UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions concluded the conference with a message of hope. Zechner, who chairs the Conference Committee, also is a NAMI Mercer Family-to-Family teacher.

Program details for  2010 will be available here and on our online registration page when the next annual program is announced.