Mental Health Month Author Talk, Walk Sponsored By NAMI

FAIRFIELD — On Thursday, May 14, a cooperative of state NAMI chapters is presenting guest speaker and author David Lovelace who has written a book titled Scattershot: A Memoir of My Bipolar Family.

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Founded in 1979, NAMI has affiliates in every state and in more than 1,100 local communities across the country.

Connecticut established the organization’s first statewide chapter, which is coordinating numerous events in May, Mental Health Awareness Month.

Four out of five members of Mr Lovelace’s family have experienced bipolar disorder (manic depression) — his mother, his father, his brother, and Mr Lovelace himself.

In his speech he will describe his own struggles with the illness, including his initial denial of it, and will share his views about speeding up the process of obtaining help, which for him was “wrenching and difficult,” as well as why the fluidity of thought and expansiveness of mind that mania brings to people who experience it tempts them to “dump the drugs” they take to control it.

Mr Lovelace will also look at how the “creative gifts” that come with the disorder can be harnessed to achieve a more positive approach to therapy. The talk will be held in Wakeman Hall next to the town library from 7:30 to 9 pm.

In related news, Connecticut’s 6th Annual NAMIWalks for the Mind of America will be held at Bushnell Park in Hartford May 16, with check-in at 9 am, and the walk starting at 10 am. For more information, click on the Connecticut link at www.nami.org.