Monday, July 12, 2010

Thoughts from NAMI 2010 Convention

Six members of NAMI-Montana were among the 1300 NAMI members who participated in the annual NAMI Convention in Washington, D.C., June 30th thru July 3rd. Of course the highlight of the convention was NAMI-Montana's own Quentin Schroeter was presented the Lionel Aldridge Award, which recognizes and individual with mental illness who has exhibited courage, leadership and service on behalf of all people living with mental illness. CONGRATULATIONS QUENTIN

We also participated in an awards ceremony in the Russell Senate Building where NAMI presented Senator Max Baucus and award for his role in healthcare reform and his continued advocacy on behalf of individuals and families who live with serious mental illness. Thursday was Advocacy when we met with our Congressional Representative on Capitol Hill. We were able to meet personally with Senator Baucus and his staff, Representative Denny Rehburg and his staff and the staff of Senator John Tester.

There are always so many presentations and workshops that educate and inspire. I would like to mention three.

The research plenary discussed the NIMH RAISE Study: Altering the Course of Schizophrenia. The presenters were Tom Insel, M.D.. Director of the National Institute of Mental Health and the lead researchers, Dr. Jeff Lieberman Chairman, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University and Dr. John Kane, Chair Schizophrenia Research, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Glen Oaks, N.Y. RAISE is a large scale research project to explore the effectiveness on early and aggressive treatment in reducing the symptoms of schizophrenia and preventing the gradual deterioration of functioning that is characteristic of chronic schizophrenia. In other words, early intervention and treatment can prevent cognitive deficits and promote a higher level of recovery. We hope to have a leading researcher at the Montana State Conference on Mental Illness in October in Billings.

The panel of Dr. Xavier Amador, Jonathan Stanley, J.D. and Delaney Ruston. M.D., presented a overcrowded presentation on "Confronting Anosognosia: How to Get Help to Those Who Don't Know They're Sick." It was interesting and provocative. Remember: TREATMENT WORKS IF YOU CAN GET IT!" Hopefully. Dr. Ruston will be a presenter at the Montana State Conference in October. She will screen her documentary film, "UNLISTED" which will premiere on PBS in October. It is a film about her relationship with her father who lived with schizophrenia. She will also present a workshop" Psychiatric Advanced Directives: Giving a Voice to Consumers."

But the "Ask the Doctor" session are always great. My favorite was "Recovery and Neuroscience by Jill Bolte-Taylor Ph.D., author of My Stroke of Insight (For $15.00 a must read), and spokesperson, Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center. Dr. Jill is a Harvard trained brain scientist, a NAMI members and former National Board member whose brother lives with schizophrenia. Her book was on the New York Times best seller list, she has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show and at a reception last Saturday we learned they will be making a movie of her life. The movie will star Jodie Foster and the only problem is that Jodi Foster is not as good looking and Dr. Jill. Dr. Jill currently teaches at the University of Indiana Medical School. She has been a featured presenter at two Montana State Conference on Mental Illness and she is a friend. On December 10, 1996, she suffered a massive stroke in the left hemisphere of her brain. Complete recovery took eight years. Her presentation stressed the similarities of recovery from a brain injury (stroke) and mental illness. The most memorable quote from the convention for me was:

'SLEEPING TIME IS HEALING TIME!"

TEN PRINCIPLES FOR RECOVERY; For Individuals who live with mental illness and their families. Maybe even for mental health professionals.

1. Honor the healing power of sleep.
2. Treat me like I will recover completely.
3. Challenge my brain systems immediately.
4 Love me for who I am now.
5. Help me define my priorities for energy use.
6. Focus on my abilities.
7. Give my brain years to recover.
8. Divide every task into small action steps.
9. I am not stupid, I am wounded. Repeat for me!
10. Come close. Do not be afraid of me.

Lastly, I am not deaf. I am wounded. Raising your voice will wound me.

2011 NAMI Convention, Chicago, Illinois
2012 NAMI Convention, Seattle, Washington CLOSER!!!!!!!


Dr. Gary Mihelish
NAMI Montana