Author B. C. Scott and NAMI Speaker

The Library will offer a presentation on “The Challenges of Mental Illness for Individuals and Families” on Thursday, March 31, at 4 PM. Speakers are local author B. C. Scott and Jackie Lane, director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Cape Cod. Attendance is free.

Ms. Scott will share her story and the process of writing her new book, “Knockabout, Mental in Massachusetts.” Books will be available for purchase and signing; they are also available online through the Harvard Book Store at harvard.com.

In 2004, at the age of 50, Ms. Scott ended up committed to a psychiatric hospital. After a two-week stay, she was diagnosed with bipolar, post-traumatic stress, social anxiety, borderline personality, and eating disorders. The five-year process of writing her book, which describes her journey toward healing, gave her the courage to address the childhood trauma that had slowly unraveled her mind.

Ms. Lane will share information about NAMI Cape Cod, a nonprofit organization that serves the families and friends of people with mental illness. Learn more about NAMI Cape Cod at namicapecod.org.