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Mental Health Conference 2006

Introduction / Keynote & Featured Speakers / Schedule of Events / Sponsors / Testimonials

Schedule of Events

  • 11:45 - 12:45 p.m. Registration (Exhibits Open)
  • 12:45 p.m. Welcome: Rabbi Andrea London, Beth Emet The Free Synagogue, Evanston
  • 12:50 p.m. Opening Remarks: Lawrence M. Cohen, President, Naomi Ruth Cohen Charitable Foundation
  • 1:00 p.m. Keynote Address: Dr. Peter S. Kramer
  • 1:45 p.m. Featured Speaker: Terry Wise
  • 2:30 p.m. Question and Answer Session with both presenters
  • 3:00 p.m. Break... light sandwiches will be served
  • 3:45 p.m. Discussion Groups (see below)
  • 5:00 p.m. Concluding Remarks: “Taking Charge of Our Own Stress” Iman Abdul Malik Mujahid, Chairman, Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago
  • 5:30 p.m. Optional - Wrap Up and Sharing of Information

Discussion Groups

Attend one of the following small group discussion sessions at 3:45 p.m. Please indicate two choices on the registration form. Preference will be given to participants who register early.

  1. Depression Basics
    How clinical depression impacts a person's life, how it is treated, and how to ensure depression does not come back following its successful treatment.
  2. Depression Medication for Young
    Adults - When, Why, and Why Not? Available medical treatments for young adults with depression, including risks, benefits, and medication’s role in comprehensive treatment.
  3. Understanding the Links Between Depression and Addiction
    The connection between depression and addiction,treatment and self-help options, and strategies for maximizing health for individuals impacted by depression and addiction.
  4. Parental Stress
    How Much is Too Much? Explore the complexities of handling the stress of parenting.
  5. Parenting Children with Depression
    An opportunity to share experiences and ask questions. The impact of a depressed child on a family and the job of caring for that child.
  6. The Resilient Child
    How can parents help children cope with disappointments or more serious trauma? Setting guidelines and limits and allowing for healthy autonomy to foster resiliency in children.
  7. Post Partum Depression
    Distinguishing post partum depression from “baby blues;” treatment options including medication, finding support systems and planning for future possible pregnancies.
  8. Grief and Depression, What’s the Difference?
    Depression vs. grieving, complicated grieving, healthy grieving, coping with grief and determining when additional intervention is necessary.
  9. Suicide/Survivors
    A meeting place for individuals who have survived a loved one’s suicide, and professionals who work with these individuals. The process of bereavement, and finding resources that provide support.
  10. Depression and Illness... Must They Always Go Together?
    People with chronic and acute illness have symptoms of depression. Explore the ways depression and chronic and acute illnesses overlap one another.
  11. Coping with and Recovering from Depression
    Explore ways of dealing with negative thoughts, feeling overwhelmed, combating social isolation and managing stress.
  12. Holistic and Integrative Therapies for the Treatment of Depression
    Research-based interventions, including writing techniques, nutritional supplementation and biofeedback process.
  13. Update on Legislation and other Policy Initiatives
    Federal and State level initiatives undertaken by legislatures and government agencies to bring about mental health reform.
  14. Divorce and its Emotional Consequences
    There are inevitable emotions that one experiences when divorcing. Exporing the emotional rollercoaster resulting from divorce.
  15. Depression and the Impact on Couples Relationships
    Background information on depression and marriage; how to prevent marital distress which can cause depression.
  16. Depression in the African-American Community
    Within the African American community, depression is often referred to as ‘feeling under the weather’ or ‘having the blues.’ We will discuss the prevalence of depression, how to recognize it and how to get appropriate treatment.
  17. Faith Communities
    Ways a faith community can contribute to mental illness recovery and understanding; participants will share examples and activities from their own faith communities.
  18. Community Residential Options
    Learn about local housing options for adults with mental illness.