Something wonderful happened at the recent NAMI national convention in San Diego. Our opening plenary session focussed exclusively on recovery and the growing role of consumers in reforming our mental health system. The program, titled "Turning Promise into Practice: Recovering from Mental Illness" was exceptionally well-received. Three dynamic consumer speakers shared enthusiasm, strength and hope with the nearly 2500 NAMI convention attendees.
Suzanne Vogel-Scibilia, MD, of Pennsylvania, a psychiatrist and chair of NAMI's Consumer Council, led off. The extraordinary experience of being both a doctor and a patient has created some funny circumstances for Suzanne. She had the audience laughing at her anecdotes of sitting in the emergency room at the hospital where she trained, as the charge nurse kept saying, "you look so familiar"!
While most of her remarks were amusing reflections on her unusual situation, Suzanne made clear that her experience and openness about her bipolar disorder has made her a better psychiatrist. She's an amazing woman who runs a mental health clinic, is an active volunteer in her community and is the mother of five school-aged children! Suzanne is using her personal journey from illness to recovery to inspire others -- and to press her professional colleagues to examine their own attitudes and practices. Her energy and intelligence -- as well as her sparkling wit -- assure Suzanne's success.
Ramiro Guevara of California was our second presenter. Ray, as his friends call him, electrified the audience with his story of courage and faith. Speaking plainly and eloquently, Ray shared a poignant story. Born to poor Mexican immigrants; Ray grew up in a chaotic household. Alcohol, drugs and violence were childhood companions. He did poorly in school and was repeatedly suspended. By the time he was a teenager, Ray was estranged from his family and had spent time in juvenile hall and residential treatment. He was both a gang member and an addict.
Finally Ray got psychiatric help and was diagnosed with manic-depression. He eventually got medical treatment and connection to an addiction recovery program. This dramatic change in Ray's life was the foundation of his religious faith. Through these efforts Ray began to believe in himself. It was a long and difficult journey. Ray completed his education and reconciled with his family.
Today he works as a case manager, serving Hispanic residents in Modesto, California. Ray speaks to organizations all over the state about his experiences of mental illness, addiction and recovery. In San Diego NAMI members were inspired by his courage and deeply moved by his strength and dignity. In closing, Ray proudly told convention attendees that he is happily married and the father of two children. His powerful example of empowerment is a foundation for his professional advocacy work. Ray believes in recovery because he has lived it.
Ken Steele of New York was the closing speaker for the session. After nearly 30 years in psychiatric settings, Ken has become a nationally respected consumer leader. The new antipsychotic medications helped Ken conquer the worst symptoms of his schizophrenia and he began to re-build his shattered life. For Ken, empowerment became both a personal goal and a national agenda for change.
Readers of New York City Voices are familiar with Ken and his voter registration work. But many NAMI members heard this powerful story for the first time at the convention. Just as he fought his way back from psychosis and despair, Ken today fights apathy and discrimination. He founded the Voter Empowerment Project, achieving tremendous success in New York City. With over 35,000 consumers registered in New York, Ken took the program national.
The National Mental Health Association has held several voter registration training sessions. NAMI has adopted and promoted the program nationally as "I Vote, I Count." NAMI's Board of Directors honored Steele's work with the Ken and Rona Purdy Award at our Legislative Luncheon at the convention. This award is given each year to an individual who has made a significant contribution to overcoming stigma and discrimination.
Empowerment, says Ken, is more than a feeling -- it is ultimately about action! By registering consumers, educating them about candidates running for office, and getting them to the polls on Election Day, Ken is providing a vital example of responsible citizenship. Literally thousands of consumers have never exercised their right to vote -- and are potentially a powerful voting block. In our political system, organized groups get the most attention to their issues and needs. By organizing and serving consumers as informed voters, Ken and the national Voter Empowerment Project are truly changing the system.
In his remarks Ken urged NAMI members to help him achieve his dream -- a public policy that truly respects and serves consumers and their families. Only by getting active and involved, said Ken, can we get the services we deserve. Local NAMI affiliates can participate by helping get consumers registered and by helping the project compile information on the candidates. And all NAMI members can assist with transportation to get consumers to the polls on Election Day.
"There's never been a better time, or a more important time for us to speak up" concluded Ken, "There's so much at stake in this election. We must not, we cannot be silent."
Overwhelmingly, NAMI members agreed that this plenary was the best ever! I think it offered both inspiration and a practical example of recovery. Recovery is a term that is used a lot, but too often without clear meaning. Recovery must be more than simply using new medications to control symptoms. Real recovery means having a real life and a real future beyond illness management. That's why Suzanne, Ray and Ken were such effective speakers. They have enlarged our understanding of recovery. These leaders have gone from overcoming the symptoms of serious mental illness to actively working to help others. Yes, their example will encourage many consumers to reclaim their lives and renew their hope. But even more significantly, Suzanne, Ray and Ken have brought their personal experience back into the larger mental health system. Whether as a physician, case manager or political advocate, they have introduced powerful energy for change.
For NAMI this message is critical. As more and more of our members experience recovery, we must recognize and call on their strengths and talents within our organization. And we must insist that the mental health system use the experiences and the gifts of consumers too. Only by listening, learning and following the lead of recovery-oriented leaders like Suzanne, Ray and Ken will our movement succeed.