Speech for Mental Health Association's 100th Anniversary

Hello Pam,

That was a great speech.

You should consider doing public speaking without Lynnie, if that's possible.

Look forward to more of your posts.

Chris

Pam I agree with Chris about your  public speaking. You could help us all because you could help to fight out stigma.

while we have never met I did read your book and found it quite interesting and so very true.

i would like to end my reply by thanking you for all that you do for all of us who are living with this illness!

I always love reading your writings.  You have such a clever turn of words and are deft at unmasking the truths about schizophrenia and stigma.  I have not been sick as long as you, only about 14 yrs for me.  But most of those years, as you describe about yourself, were simply taken away from me.  I felt like a moron because I couldn't read, watch TV or movies, or go into a room where there were people.  But guess what I am doing this weekend -- preparing Mother's Day lunch for my whole family.  I have not invited folks over for a meal I fixed in over a decade.  And I start today making teddy bears and pillows for a hospice center.  It feels good.  And this dramatic turnaround after less than 3 wks on the Geodon.  Finally a med I think I can stay on.  It was a real battle with Zyprexa.

Carolyn

Ms.Wagner, that was an awesome speech. I stand in awe. This last year I've been in transition. I volunteer at the Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier here in Broome county, NY as a speaker. I can relate to not being good in crowds or able to approach strangers, but when I get up in front of a room full of people to talk, the words flow like a river. The fear goes away. I know that by you standing there and speaking about things that really are important, you are doing a great service. Not only to others with illnesses but to yourself.

  I remember a time they had me tied to a bed so long that I wet myself. They yelled at me because I did that, but who was to blame?

  I've never read any of your books, but would very much like to. Can anyone give me the names of those books? I would so appreciate it.

  "A journey of one thousand miles begins with a sigle step."

Best wishes Ms.Wagner