Conference Testimonials

What Your Peers Say
about DBSA National Conferences

Each year, we hear from conference attendees that one of the best things about our conferences is the opportunity to connect with others...to confirm and realize that they're not alone and to learn from each other how to develop their own path to recovery. Listen to what attendees at past DBSA National Conferences had to say about their experiences.

Audio Testimonials

Consumer Story    
> Kristen Finn
     
Family Member Story   
> Bill Coussons  

DBSA Chapter Member Story
> Lew Yago 

Evaluation Statistics

• 96% of 2009 conference survey respondents were very satisfied (75%) or satisfied (21%) with their conference experience.
• 97% of 2009 conference survey respondents would recommend this conference.

Written Testimonials

2009 Attendee Comments

"This was the most important experience I have had since I was first diagnosed--I finally found others who understood--even without having to say a thing. I don't feel so alone."

"The conference turned out to be much, much, much better than what I expected. The speakers, the workshops were fantastic. I have a better understanding of my son's illness. Thank you!"

"The breakout session choices/options were excellent.  ‘Ask the Professional’ was the best ever at a conference."

"The information, the people, the hope! Well done!"

"The variety of speakers and peer roundtable sessions were great."

"Really motivational keynotes just excellent! So honest and brave. Best keynotes of all 8 conferences I have been to!"

"That there are people of all races, ages, and socioeconomic status that are feeling the effects of mental illnesses from a loved one.  I like the camaraderie. People let down their guard. They were very sincere and compassionate. I saw a lot of tears and that was touching."

"The facilities are fabulous. Service great. DBSA staff are wonderful and top quality. Content is perfect to motivate and instruct. Excellent conference. A+"

"Everything I learned was pertinent and stimulated ideas to implement at the local chapter."

"Knowing that people understood."

"The variety of topics and the inclusion of art and comedy and literature; also I liked the peer support roundtables. "

"New approaches for managing my illness."

"Ever since my burnout/breakdown/whatever, I have felt like a bad person who was too weak and stupid to prevent this from happening. I've given up a coveted coordinator position for our school system and my consulting and training position for a national reading company. I've felt tossed around by the system as though I had no choice. This conference has empowered me to go back and hold my head up high and stand up for my rights as an individual. I've been inspired by the stories of successful return to productivity."

"Wonderful conference! I plan to attend next year. Please, keep up the great work. All of the staff really extended themselves to us. Much thanks! "

"The energy generated by these conferences will have a wellness ripple effect throughout all those touched by the attendees when they go home. For sure, an event that will "improve the lives of those living with mood disorder." What a concept. It is really a blessing for me to be here at the conference. I couldn't come without Rebecca's Dream. I guarantee you that I'll do a world more good with what I've gained from the conference. Thank you! You're helping many through me. "

"By attending the DBSA conference, I have been able to meet and network with other peers who have a plethora of knowledge, insight, and resources on how to run a successful DBSA chapter."

"I cannot thank you enough for enabling me to attend this conference. It revolutionized my desire to continue to help others in their recovery. Without this scholarship, I would not have had the opportunity to be so inspired to continue to reach out to so many hurting people. Thank you again for your gift of inspiration. I am in the middle of a divorce of a 29-year marriage."

"It is reinforcing to know that others have coped and recovery is a reasonable goal. I am thankful to Rebecca's Dream for providing my scholarship. It was wonderful to finally meet her parents and am thankful to them for carrying on her legacy."

"The variety in keynotes & breakout sessions. I like the fact that the handouts are available on the DBSA website. I'm looking forward to sharing some of the information I learned about with the members of the Grand Rapids support group."

Attendee Comments from our 2008 National Conference

“Somewhere in the course of the DBSA conference, I made a paradigm shift from a survival mentality to a recovery model. That changes everything about my future outlook.”

“I just had to contact you to say how phenomenal and appropriate the ‘Stand Up for Mental Health’ with David Granirer was as an ending to an informative, helpful and … entertaining conference. I was able to attend with my husband Friday and Saturday. We are so glad we came. We both found the classes and speakers to be wonderful. The ‘Peer Roundtables’ on Friday were amazing. You could see the light-bulb moments for people with the exchange of ideas! My only dilemma was WHICH topic to attend when all 3 were applicable! Victoria Maxwell was an incredible speaker. No one can ever know the depths of [bipolar disorder] until one hears their triumphs and ongoing challenges. "

“Thank you, thank you! It is giving me hope to see that I am not ALONE!”

“Thank you! I don’t feel so alone now. I have made friends that are dealing with the same issues as me (my children have bipolar/depression). I feel more empowered to help them and to help others.”

“The conference really helped my mom understand what I have been going through and the challenges I face. Before the conference, she was not supportive of my illness at all."

“I have attended many conferences, and this was the best! I felt cared for, the information was interesting and applicable, and the support and networking were unbelievable to me as a parent and provider. Thank you!”

“My experience in attending the past conferences has been awesome! I've always come away with learning so much more than I thought possible. The people that I've met and stayed in contact with have helped me learn more and more each day. I'm very glad to have started attending the DBSA conferences.”

“Very uplifting and motivational. Got great ideas and met some fantastic peers. The DBSA staff is always so organized and so friendly and helpful.”

“I enjoyed the whole conference and was absolutely amazed when the DBSA Board of Directors introduced themselves and practically all of them stated having mental illnesses like myself. The conference offered everything I had hoped for and more with the breakout sessions, the keynote speakers and meeting great people. I loved it.”

“Very powerful, educational, and healing.”