June 27, 2015: attended a wonderful presentation at the Austen Riggs Center under the auspices of the Erickson Institute for Education and Research. Awards went to three writers whose work encompasses mental health issues: Alison Bechdel, creator of “Fun Home”; Stephanie McCrummen, Washington Post reporter on its national enterprise team; and William Todd Schultz, psychologist and author of several books blending narration and psychology. He spoke of “CANOE,” five traits we possess to different degrees: conscientiousness, agreeableness, neuroticism, openness, and extrovert/introvert. 50% inherited. He went into more detail about each trait. I could go on and on.

The writers represented journalism, psychobiography, memoir/cartoon and gave consistently fascinating information on their genres  and the role of mental health issues in each one. A stimulating afternoon for the summer-dulled brain! Actually, given the historical week we Americans experienced, I think our brains were primed!

 

 

 

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