Defying Mental Illness

Monday, July 23, 2012

Autumn Speaker Series for Defying Mental Illness

Andrea and I are in the process of setting up some public events during Autumn 2012.

Here's our basic program blurb:

Mental illness is a serious problem that is surprisingly common but usually misunderstood. The good news is that people can recover from depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and schizophrenia.  In this one-hour presentation, local authors Paul Komarek and Andrea Schroer will help take the mystery away from these illnesses and identify common sense recovery strategies that work for you, your children and your family members.
If your group is interested in booking us, we're available, and can customize programs for your needs. Please contact us at paul.komarek@humanintervention.net.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Special Needs Book Review recommends Defying Mental Illness

Special Needs Book Review recommends Defying Mental Illness.
It is easy to understand and complete so it is suitable for people in recovery, caregivers, faith-based, church and community outreach workers who work in mental health.  Readers will appreciate the chapters on finding treatment, paying for mental health care, housing, employment and disability, involuntary hospitalization, the criminal justice system, and links to allies and advocacy groups.
The case studies describing a few journeys towards recovery bring hope to the readers.
Read their very kind review here.

 http://www.specialneedsbookreview.com/2012/06/18/defying-mental-illness-finding-recovery-with-community-resources-and-family-support/

An interview with Paul Komarek

Thanks to Special Needs Book Review and Lorna d'Entremont for the opportunity to talk about my life and work. Here's the link to my interview.

http://www.specialneedsbookreview.com/2012/07/05/interview-with-paul-komarek/

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Meet Paul Komarek Sept 18 in Cincinnati

Empowerment Conference 

POSTPONED

“Connecting Service System Users with Opportunities in the World”

We are inviting people who use any sort of "service system" (and their allies) to come together and have a conversation. Sponsored by Human Intervention and HOPE4Change. Two sessions, Noon and 6 PM on September 18, 2012.
Download the conference preliminary brochure
Reserve your seat via Eventbrite

Professional Learning Opportunity

“Fostering solutions outside of systems we control.”
What might happen if we left our credentials at the door? Professional caregivers, treatment teams and public servants want people to succeed in the larger world, but all systems have their limits. At their best, system boundaries keep clients safe. But sometimes they just ration out resources. And at their worst, systems trap and disempower the very people they are meant to benefit. Paul Komarek, author of Defying Mental Illness: Finding Recovery with Community Resources and Family Support will lead a conversation about solutions within the expertise of ordinary citizens. What can we create in the larger world to help people achieve success in their lives? Free to attend. $50 with CEUs. Reserve your seat today.