Depressed Moods in a Depressed Economy: Connections between Life Events,
Stressors, and Mental Health

Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Multi-Purpose Room
Ann Arbor District Library, Downtown
353 S. Fifth Avenue

We all know that environmental and social factors can have an impact on our moods – but for people who have a genetic or other predisposition, stress and anxiety brought about by life situations can trigger a serious illness such as clinical depression. The good news is that depression is very treatable. However, many people never seek treatment because they may not realize that they have depression, or because of the stigma associated with the illness.

To provide greater understanding of the ways in which life events can impact our mental health, and how to identify when additional support may be needed, the University of Michigan Depression Center and the Ann Arbor District Library will present a Bright Nights community forum entitled, “Depressed Moods in a Depressed Economy: Connections between Life Events, Stressors, and Mental Health” on Wednesday, April 8, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room of the downtown Ann Arbor District Library (corner of S. Fifth Ave. and William).

Melvin McInnis, M.D., will present a brief overview on the causes of depression, signs and symptoms, and strategies for overcoming barriers to accessing support and treatment resources. This will be followed by questions from the audience and a discussion with panelists from the U-M Depression Center, including John F. Greden, M.D., Depression Center Executive Director; John Kettley, MSW, ACSW, Clinical Manager, Psychiatry Emergency Services, U-M Hospital; and Carol Burrell-Jackson, Ph.D., LMSW, Clinical Director of POWER Inc., a Washtenaw County faith-based community development organization.

Bright Nights is open to the public and there is no charge for attendance. For more information, contact Trish Meyer, 763-7495, or meyerpa@umich.edu.

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