Need a good laugh?

2011 NAMI Convention: Need A Good Laugh? is the subject header in the newsletter I received today from NAMI. Imagine my thrill when I saw that the first newsletter item was Anosognosia. I thought to myself, prematurely, as I discovered, that NAMI has finally figured out what a crock its belief in anosognosia is. Well, as you can see, anosognosia to this organization, continues to be no laughing matter.

Dealing With Anosognosia

Anosognosia, or the inability to perceive that one is ill due to impairment to the brain's ability to process certain data, will take center stage at the 2011 convention.

Dr. Xavier Amador, who spoke on anosognosia to a standing-room only crowd at last year's convention, will return to address the subject again on Friday evening, July 8. Anosognosia has been identified as the single biggest reason why some people living with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder do not seek treatment or do not comply with prescribed treatment.


Dr. Amador, a clinical psychologist, professor at Columbia University and founder and director of the LEAP Institute, will address this thorny problem, explain how it differs from denial or simple stubbornness and help family members and others begin to learn how to deal with it.

NAMI, a collectivity of hand wringers which could stand a good injection of laughing gas during its conventions, takes up the serious matter of laughter as newsletter item 2. I'm bored already.

Need A Good Laugh?

Debbie Ellison, certified laugh yoga leader, will present a special session at the 2011 NAMI Annual Convention on the benefits of laughter for individuals who live with mental illness. In this fun, hands-on session, you'll learn how laughter:


increases the "happy" chemicals in the brain and fosters a positive and hopeful attitude;


decreases depression, stress and negative thoughts and feelings;


improves many chronic medical problems; and


makes you feel good.


The session is part of the convention's Wellness Center--information and activities designed to increase well-being.
 
Notice (above) that NAMI likes them certifiable.