Mental Illness as a Spiritual Journey: Creating Caring Congregations (Media Center)
Rev. Susan Gregg-Schroeder, Founder and Coordinator of Mental Health Ministries www.mentalhealthministries.net

As a consumer and a member of the clergy, Rev. Gregg-Schroeder brings the wisdom of her ongoing journey and struggles with depression to offer universal truths about spirituality during difficult times.  In sharing six gifts of the shadow, she encourages others to discover opportunities for growth, change and transformation. 

Rev. Gregg-Schroeder will also provide a brief history of how mental illness has been understood since Biblical times, suggest ways to integrate spirituality into the treatment and recovery process and present a five step model of ministry to help congregations begin or expand an outreach to persons with a mental illness and their families.

Writing as a Way of Healing (AM & PM Sessions)
Sharon Bray, Ed.D., author of A Healing Journey: Writing Together through Breast Cancer www.wellspringwriters.org
Sue Diaz, award winning journalist and leader of writing workshops for war veterans at the San Diego Vet Center. Author of Mine Fields of the Heart: A Mother's Stories of a Son at War (in press) www.suediaz.com

Writing is an art form that belongs to all of us and is a powerful tool for healing. This session will explore the practical applications of writing as a way to reduce stress, gain perspective, and cope more effectively with life's hardships.

Art...Good for the Soul (AM & PM Sessions)
Josie Gable Rodriguez, Artist and former Hospital Chaplain www.josierodriguez.com

Join artist Josie Rodriguez as together we explore creativity through collage. You will create your own book of images important to you.

NAMI - "In Our Own Voice" (AM & PM Sessions)
www.namisandiego.org
Julie Benn and Glenn Brannon will be representing NAMI San Diego, telling their stories of recovery.

 "In Our Own Voice, Living With Mental Illness" is a very powerful story of recovery that shows a new face of Mental Illness; provides hope for people with mental illness and their loved ones, shows providers how their treatment works, educates the public and hopefully breaks the stigma attached to Mental Illness.

Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program® (AM & PM Sessions)
Stan Collins, Youth Coordinator, San Diego Chapter www.yellowribbonsd.org

Learn about our Be A Link!® Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training and Ask 4 Help!® Suicide Prevention for Youth. Two programs training adults and youth alike through safe and effective suicide prevention messaging to ask for help for themselves, how to respond to others asking for help and reduce stigma associated with asking for help while strengthening the link between young people and professional help.

Food and Mood: Nutrition For Good Mind and Body Health (AM & PM Sessions)
Kendra Grinde, Registered Dietitian - County of San Diego at Edgemoor Hospital DPSNF; Compeer San Diego Board Member  

The expanding role and need for good nutrition for physical and mental wellness. The connection between vitamins, minerals and mind/body health. The impact of daily nutrition and wellness practices on long term health and wellness.

Alcohol and Drug Use Among Individuals with Mental Illness: Challenges to Effective Diagnosis, Treatment, and Healthy Living
Susan Writer , MA, Community Outreach Liaison, Aurora Behavioral Health Care www.aurorabehavioral.com

A high percentage of individuals who have mental illness also use drugs and alcohol, which can change the presentation of their illness and be a hinderance to effective treatment.  Some individuals "self-medicate" with drugs and alcohol as a way to manage their symptoms before ever seeking treatment, and others develop symptoms as a result of chronic drug and alcohol use.  This presentation will address the clinical, social, behavioral, and familial issues that are unique to this population and discuss ways that our community can help support their health and well-being.

When Children Grieve
Rob Booth, chaplain and a father of infant loss (RobandRebecca@cox.net)

Is your child or teen, or one you know, grieving a loss or a trauma?  Rob will explore with you ways to help children and teens that are grieving loss, including loss to suicide. We will learn how to identify their grieving and how to help them in age specific ways.

Movement that Brings Joy and Relaxation (Media Center)
Sharon Kearin, Movement educator, body worker and performing artist

Sharon Kearin Soulscape Dance http://soulscapedance.blogspot.com/ and www.Soulscapedance.com

This breakout session (done in a chair) gives you a chance to sit back, take a breath, move to some fun tunes and feel the healing that happens through movement. The intention is to enjoy yourself and feel the balance that exercise can bring into your day.

What's in Their Grocery Cart?  Alcohol and Prescription Drug Abuse Among Our Parents and Grandparents

Susan Writer , MA, Community Outreach Liaison, Aurora Behavioral Health Care www.aurorabehavioral.com

In children, we understand that "a little goes a long way", in that small amounts of alcohol and medication can have a profound effect on the body; but what we don't consider is that the same may be said for adults as we get older.  As a result, we are seeing an insipid increase in substance abuse among our older adult population, which can have staggering costs to their physical health, financial security, and familial relationships.  This presentation will discuss substance use and abuse as we age and the warning signs, risk factors, and obstacles to living a healthy, happy life well into our golden years.

The Journey: Navigating the Currents of Loss
Chip  Whitman, Pastor of Care & Counseling, Emmanuel Faith Community Church , Escondido www.efcc.org/ministries/care-and-counseling

This workshop will offer a brief overview of the journey through grief, applicable to any loss in life.  Participants will learn to recognize emotional, spiritual, psychological and relational currents affected by major losses, and what it takes to navigate through this challenging and sometimes confusing journey. 

Writing as a Way of Healing - 2nd Session
Sharon Bray, Ed.D.
Sue Diaz

Art...Good for the Soul - 2nd Session
Josie Gable Rodriguez

NAMI - "In Our Own Voice" - 2nd Session
Sally Shepherd
Glenn Brannon

Food and Mood: Nutrition For Good Mind and Body Health - 2nd Session
Kendra Grinde, RD