NAMI Keystone PA Hosts Virtual Statewide Mental Health & Wellness Conference

Pittsburgh - On Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania will host its annual Pennsylvania Mental Health and Wellness Conference, Finding Our Path Forward. The virtual event is an opportunity for peers, caregivers, advocates, and mental health professionals to experience a one-of-a-kind conference that will provide a platform to learn, share, and network. 

“Since the pandemic hit, a lot of people have experienced higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression,” said Christine Michaels, CEO of NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania. “One thing that has helped people get through, is hearing others share their stories. This has made people feel less alone.” 

The morning keynote discussion will feature NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., who will interview Shanti Das, creator of Silence the Shame, Inc. an organization that works to normalize the conversation about mental illness to empower and educate communities on mental health and wellness. Das spent decades in the music industry working with famous artists including Prince, Usher, and OutKast. But despite her rise to the top, her experience with anxiety and depression caused her to step away from the spotlight.

“The interview with Dan and Shanti is going to be very revealing,” said Michaels. “She is going to talk about leaving her high-profile career, the powerful connection between mental illness and shame, her experience with suicidal ideation, and a lot more.”

The conference will also feature Dese’Rae L. Stage, creator of Live Through This, an online collection of portraits and stories of suicide attempt survivors, and 12 breakout sessions covering timely topics such as health and wellness, telehealth, substance use, family crisis planning, and more.

 “We wish we could have met in person, but because of the pandemic, we didn’t think we could create an environment where people felt safe enough to gather,” said Michaels. "So instead, we are focusing on a virtual program that provides people with thoughtful discussion, insight, and information that can help them move forward during these challenging times.”

Standard registration to the 2021 Pennsylvania Mental Health and Wellness Conference is free. There is a $30 registration fee for participants seeking continuing education credits. Registration will remain open until Thursday morning. 

To learn more about the conference and to register visit: https://www.accelevents.com/e/pennsylvania-mental-health-and-wellness-conference.

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