Annual NAMI Mercer Conference

Harvest of Hope:
Keeping Joy Alive

WHEN:
October 9, 2010
9:00 am to 3:00 pm

WHERE:
Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville
2688 Main Street (Rte. 206)
(Directions)

THIS YEAR'S SPEAKER:

Feature Speaker Lizzie Simon was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of seventeen. At that time, there was little information available for her and her family. When she was 23, Lizzie traveled across the country to interview people who had successfully managed their bipolar disorder.

She is the author of DETOUR, which was published by Atria Books in 2002. DETOUR was excerpted in TIME Magazine, and HBO Films optioned it for a feature film. Lizzie worked as an MTV consultant and field producer for an award-winning documentary inspired by DETOUR.

Lizzie works as a freelance travel and culture writer and has contributed to The Wall Street Journal, The Chicago Sun Times, The NY Sun, Time Magazine, CosmoGirl! and Men’s Journal. She has taught writing workshops all over the country, including the University of Pennsylvania, Media Bistro, SHEWRITES, Actors Equity in NYC and local chapters of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

She is currently finishing work on a new memoir, tentatively called Soldier’s Heart.

Additional Program Information:

The conference will offer attendees a choice of concurrent wellness workshops, with one session in the morning and another during the afternoon. The $10 registration fee includes lunch.

Workshops will provide a variety of interactive and hands-on wellness experiences. Topics include stress management, communication, employment, nutrition, journaling, art therapy, spirituality, exercise, reiki, caregiver self-care, humor, meditation, and massage.

Michelle Zechner, MSW, LSW, CPRP, faculty member from UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions and Family to Family instructor will conclude the conference with a message of hope.

Concepts Learned at Previous Conference:

When asked the most important concept they learned, last year's attendees answered:

• 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.