From the Director
 |
| John F. Greden, MD Executive Director of the U-M Depression Center |
Early diagnosis and treatment are fundamental starting points if we are to conquer depression and bipolar illnesses. They are treatable illnesses, and recurrences can be prevented. But first they must be diagnosed. Clinical depressions and bipolar disorders most often begin during adolescence and young adulthood, so to lessen their burdens we must focus on these younger years.
To accomplish this, Depression Center faculty members from various disciplines have worked together for the past five years to develop, improve, and refine educational programs and screening strategies that are being more widely used in school clinics, college student health clinics, pediatricians’ and family physicians’ offices, and counseling centers. Web sites such as ours are providing confidential screening tools for those who seek them. Partnerships with families, school officials, teachers, obstetricians and pediatricians are essential if earlier detections are to occur. We are excited about recent alliances that have been forged with the Gull Lake Community Schools and the Ann Arbor Public Schools in Michigan. These initiatives will allow us to work with teachers and other school personnel to help them more easily identify and refer students who are at risk. And we are eager to broaden the use of the Center’s screening tools among clinicians who can benefit from them.
We have made a good start but still have much to do. Additional voices are needed. We thank you for your interest and involvement. This issue also lists our many supporters in recognition of their outstanding generosity and commitment. If you have contributed to the University of Michigan Depression Center in the past, we are extremely grateful. Your gifts do make a difference. We hope that you will continue to learn from the initiatives we have underway, turn to us should you need help, and support us again with a financial donation this year. If you have not given previously, we ask that you consider joining us in our efforts to truly conquer these life-threatening illnesses.
We have an opportunity to improve diagnoses, counteract stigma, and sustain wellness for the people who suffer from these illnesses – but we need your help. Thank you for your support!
