Attendance at the 2008 NAMI Indiana state conference broke all recent records as attendees poured in to hear the mesmerizing presentation by Dr. Frederic Frese. As a renowned psychologist, writer, advocate, and consumer of mental health services, Dr. Frese stirred the audience with his keynote address.

Dr. Frese shared the compelling details of his personal story: his initial diagnosis of schizophrenia, his experiences of being told that he would never recover from his illness, and his subsequent recovery. Dr. Frese offered the audience insight and hope from his unique perspective.

"Dr. Frese was by far the most educated, most inspiring and humorous speaker I have had the honor of hearing," recounted Rev. Michael McKinney, Sr., pastor of Rome City United Methodist Church. "He was able to blend his real-life experiences with the topic of mental illness to keep the audience's attention and leave us wanting more."

After Dr. Frese's opening address, attendees participated in over 15 concurrent sessions on a wide variety of topics including specific diagnoses, legal topics, advances in treatment and medical record keeping. Nearly 20 organizations participated in an exhibit area for conference attendees.

NAMI Indiana member Ted Coburn engaged the audience in the second main session with his story of experiencing a manic episode aboard a commercial airline flight that resulted in a lengthy incarceration. Ted shared his thoughts about the experience and a subsequent period of time when he rejected treatment for bipolar disorder. He also told about the recovery that resulted when he finally received treatment for his illness.

Planning already has already begun for the 2009 NAMI Indiana annual state conference.