Shawn Amos

Mental illness is not contagious; however, its ripple effect extends beyond the person afflicted. Unfortunately, there is little light shined on friends and family impacted by those with mental illness.

Shawn Amos understands the ripple effect well: His mother committed suicide after years of battling a schizoaffective disorder, his wife battles anxiety, and his teenage daughter lives with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

“Mental Health Is a Family Matter” is a lecture and workshop that is heartfelt and will challenge you with an unexpected humor in the face of a daunting affliction. It’s filled with colorful, candid anecdotes stemming from Shawn’s personal journey through blast zones that can be created by mental illness. Shawn’s aim is to remove the stigma that shames and wounds not only those with mental illness but the community that supports them and each other.