DBSA 2009 National Conference

UPDATE: Thank you to our over 400 attendees. We are so pleased you were able to join us!

That's a wrap! Thank you to all who came to Indianapolis for the DBSA 2009 National Conference, "Peer Connetions!" As one attendee said, DBSA’s “Peer Connections” conference helped over 400 people make new connections to "information, inclusion, humor, acceptance, understanding, camaraderie, openness.”

96% survey respondents were very satisfied (75%) or satisfied (21%) with their conference experience.

HANDOUTS: Download 2009 speaker handouts here.

2009 ATTENDEE COMMENTS: (View more)

"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." ---- 2009 Conference Attendee

"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!" ---- 2009 Conference Attendee

"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." ---- 2009 Conference Attendee

We missed those of you who couldn't make it, but we hope to see everyone next year!

DBSA 2010 NATIONAL CONFERENCE ANNOUNCED! (learn more)

DBSA 2009 National Conference

Find empowerment through "PEER CONNECTIONS" this September as DBSA hosts a conference of compelling keynote presentations, educational workshops, and pre- and post-conference institutes. DBSA offers a unique peer-centered perspective for individuals living with depression or bipolar disorder, as well as for family members or health care providers looking for ways to best help their loved ones, patients, or clients by partnering with them on their path to recovery.

September 10-13, 2009 Hyatt Regency Indianapolis Indianapolis, Indiana GET ALL THE DETAILS...Download the FINAL conference brochure! Peek inside to learn all about who's presenting what, when. And start planning your trip so that you make the most of this inspiring weekend!

MAKE THE CONNECTION >>>
Join us for a weekend of:

INSPIRATION…through the unique perspectives of our KEYNOTE SPEAKERS.

Crystal Crawford CEO Educator Advocate Lay Minister	David Granirer Stand-up Comic Counselor Author Consumer	Bryce Mackie Filmmaker Student Advocate Consumer
Victoria Maxwell Playwright Actress Educator Consumer	Scott Nychay Political Cartoonist Author Visual Journalist Consumer	Darby Penney Researcher Advocate Author Ex-patient

KNOWLEDGE…through more than 16 peer-focused EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS led by leading experts, educators, authors, and consumer leaders.

SKILLS…through 4 in-depth PRE- OR POST-CONFERENCE INSTITUTES that offer recovery-based tools and strategies to consumers, peer specialists, and family members.

LAUGHTER (back by popular demand)…through a special STAND-UP COMEDY NIGHT put on by 10 conference attendees and comedian, counselor, author, and founder of Stand Up for Mental Health David Granirer. A huge hit at the 2008 conference--you'll be inspired, empowered, and quite possibly hysterical with laughter!

CONNECTION…through PEER ROUNDTABLE SESSIONS where peers share ideas and personal strategies based on their lived experience about a variety of wellness-focused topics.

ENCOURAGEMENT…through SUPPORT GROUPS held during the conference to provide a forum for mutual acceptance and self-discovery.

PEERS…through a conference COMMUNITY where you can connect with old and new friends to network and share stories, wellness tips…and hope.