Brooklyn Bureau clubmember and staff participate at American Psychiatric Association Wellness Symposium in Atlanta Dawne Miller, Metroclub member, shared her successes with a Whole Person Approach to wellness with hundreds of mental health professionals at the symposium. In May 2005, Dawne Miller, MetroClub member, Sue Buchanan, Assistant ARS Department Director and Dr. Lori Tannenbaum, Director of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, traveled to Atlanta and participated in a mental health conference during the American Psychiatric Association's Annual Meeting. Dawne was a guest speaker. The Compete Wellness: The Whole Person Approach Symposium was attended by more than 200 mental health professionals and focused on the progress being made by patients on a treatment plan that combines exercise, diet, and physiological monitoring designed to lessen drug side effects and improve medication compliance. "This approach is a successful way to manage the often severe side effects of antipsychotic medication," said Lori Tannenbaum. Some individuals taking certain antipsychotic medication experience side effects such as constant thirst, weight gain of 100 pounds or more, sexual dysfunction and the development of irreversible, involuntary body movements. This can lead consumers to stop their antipsychotic medication as they try to avoid the extreme side effects. Tragically, this action also ends the essential benefits of their medication. Symptoms of psychosis and associated behaviors recur. Hard-fought progress made by the patient to stabilize his or her life and integrate into the community can be lost. Fortunately, the opposite is also true: When side effects are lessened or avoided, consumers will likely remain faithful to their medication, leading to greater stability and continued progress. The Complete Wellness approach to mental health management requires psychiatrists - often the most consistent medical professional in the life of a mentally ill consumer - to monitor their patient's diet, waist circumference, weight, blood pressure, blood sugar and body fat levels. The Wellness approach is continued by the staff at Project Moving On (PMO), MetroClub, East New York Clubhouse, Supported Employment, Enclaves in Industry and the Adolescent Employment and Education Program (AEEP), who play a significant role in re-enforcing better life choices. Initially trained last year in a 3-day seminar, Brooklyn Bureau staff periodically receive further on-site training and support by Team Specialists from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. This broad application of the Complete Wellness approach led to the Brooklyn Bureau's invitation to participate in the Atlanta conference. "In fact, the approach may benefit our MRDD population, as well," Lori said. The highlight of the symposium was MetroClub member Dawne Miller's speech. The only consumer asked to address the audience, Dawne eloquently explained how the Complete Wellness approach has helped her cope with the added stress of caring for her parents this year. "I needed to eat well and exercise to maintain my mental health. Through speaking with the nutritionist and through the menu planning group held each week at MetroClub I began to learn what foods I could eat more of and what foods I should avoid. By participating in the clubhouse and getting my medication adjusted I have been feeling better than ever," she said at the podium. Dawne was salutatorian at her high school graduating class. Soon after, her illness took her on an unplanned path of hardship. She joined MetroClub, becoming an active member more than five years ago, and has since learned invaluable skills to help her manage her illness, become stable and lead a productive life. At the clubhouse, Dawne co-led a support group for individuals who were having difficulty coping with issues related to 9/11. She then continued as the primary leader of a support group for one year. MetroClub sponsored her training as a peer advocate. "I can now give back to others," she explained to the conference audience. Dawne shared the dais with celebrities of the psychiatric and acting worlds. They are from left, Dr. Jean-Pierre Lindenmayer, Clinical Director at Manhattan Psychiatric Center; Dr. Ken Duckworth, Medical Director, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI); and Ms. Linda Hamilton, acclaimed actress living well with bipolar disorder. Introducing the speakers is Betty Vreeland, Program Manager, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Dawne cuts up with acclaimed actress Linda Hamilton, who became a celebrity spokesperson for mental health wellness following her own diagnosis of bipolar disorder and efforts to manage the disease. She said a turning point was her discovery that her symptoms were greatly reduced while working out for her athletically demanding role in Terminator 2. Sue Buchanan, Assistant Director for Adult Rehabiliation Services, enjoys the show. Dr. Lori Tannenbaum, Director of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Linda Hamilton.