Thursdays with NAMI: Dr. Douglas Engelman shares journey of son’s mental illness and death in new book, ‘A Boy Broken’

7 p.m. February 17, 2022

Douglas Engelman, Ph.D. tells a compelling story about his son, Doug, who lived with schizophrenia. His book – ‘A Boy Broken: A Father’s Journey Through His son’s Mental Illness, Loss and a Search for Meaning’ – is written in a style that is deeply personal, reflective, and educational.

One anecdote captures the moment his son admitted to having a mental health condition. Specifically, Doug told his father there was a girl in the back of the car as father and son sat in front. There was no girl.

After struggling mightily, Doug was making strides. He was getting treatment, doing well in his job, and even had a girlfriend. Then a car crash on an icy road ended his life at age 28. The author and his son had been extremely close during the last eight years of Doug’s life. Dr. Engelman was caretaker, coach, father, and friend at different times.

Dr. Engelman is a visiting assistant professor of sociology at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He lives in Wilmington with his wife, Wendy. Join us to learn more about his journey. This event is free and open to the public. Find us on Facebook Live or register to participate on Zoom: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ry-Ox5JVTKqITT8Unp_YiQ