NEWS and EVENTS

Major Lectures on Mental Illness this Fall

Aug 2011

This fall, NAMI Athens and the Friends of the Athens Public are co-sponsoring two major lectures on mental illness as part of NAMI's new Speaker Series.

DATES: September 29, 2011 and October 27, 2011

TIME: 6:30 PM

LOCATION: Big Meeting Room, Athens Public Library, 30 Home St, Athens, OH

See details below.

Thursday, September 29: Surviving Borderline Personality Disorder 

Our speaker Renee Kopache (MS, CPRP), Coordinator of Wellness Management for the Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, is a proud survivor of the most maligned and stigmatized of all mental illnesses, Borderline Personality Disorder. Her honest discussion of her journey begins with dismal depression, repeated suicide attempts, arrests, and hospitalization.  It ends with her current life of professional achievement and enriching pastimes.  Her story will inspire and give hope to all who suffer from BPD, their families and their friends. BPD is now very treatable!

Thursday, October 27: Recovery from Schizophrenia - A PhD Psychologist’s/Schizophrenic’s Perspective

Our guest speaker, internationally-renowned psychologist Fred Frese, served for 15 years as Director of Psychology at one of Ohio’s largest psychiatric hospitals, Western Reserve. He is presently Coordinator of the Summit County Ohio Recovery Project. However, over 40 years ago, while a young Marine Corps officer, Fred was diagnosed with severe schizophrenia and, over the next ten years, was in and out of mental hospitals, often on secure wards. Despite his disability, he earned various degrees including an MA and PhD in Psychology from Ohio University. His tale of sickness and recovery and his insight into his disorder will enlighten and inspire all who hear his presentation.

Please join us at the Athens Public Library at 6:30 PM, for one or both of the presentations above.