NAMI Washington 2020 State Conference

Life is messy! At some point, we find ourselves in places we never expected, facing uncertain futures. Adjusted Expectations is a vulnerable telling of our family story and struggle with adverse realities outside our control, including mental illness, difficult relationships, deep disappointments, and devastating losses. Lean in and learn how you too can build resiliency, promote prevention, and make progress amid the mess. You will be encouraged and empowered to move from surviving to thriving. 

We present stories of people who had to think outside of the box to find recovery, and did so. We offer a conversation on how our own stories might shine a light on what needs to change in the mental health system to help everyone, including marginalized communities

This panel and workshop will address how mental illness and the prison system intersect. Mental illness is highly criminalized in our communities - especially for Black people and other people of color. This criminalization and stigma are made further blatant by the poor treatment of mental illness inside prisons. The panelists will speak from their lived and/or professional experience, having either spent time in Washington state jails and prisons or worked alongside those who have. Panelists will then ask participants to reflect in small groups. We’ll end with a share-out of thoughts and additional resources.

Hear from a Clubhouse member's first hand lived experience how their Clubhouse not only changed their life, but saved their life. Best practices in starting and sustaining a Clubhouse will be shared. Goals include providing tangible, takeaway steps to start a Clubhouse in your community with resources provided.