Hope for Depression Blog

Guest Bloggers

  • Louisa Benton

    Executive Director

  • Steven P. Roose, M.D

    Professor of Clinical Psychiatry

  • Huda Akil, Ph.D

    DTF Chair

Dr. Fredric Brandt and the Warning Signs of Suicide,
April 8, 2015

Once again depression is in the headlines with the shocking and sad news about the suicide of famous skin-care pioneer Dr. Fredric Brandt.

I am particularly stunned because I knew Dr. Brandt personally.  He was a genuinely kind and caring person with great creativity and talent.  I did not know he struggled with depression.

I just saw Dr. Brandt last week and detected nothing different about his demeanor — no clue or tip that he was suicidal.  Even with the knowledge that I’ve gained as HDRF Chair, I am at a loss to understand how a doctor at the top of his field could see patients and friends on one day, and end his life a few days later.

Click here to read the full article…

Germanwings and the Search for Answers,
March 31, 2015

We are all reeling from the terrible crash of Germanwings Flight #9250.  The public cry for answers has been fierce since investigators revealed the crash was deliberate, and the media continues to reveal both new details and speculation about pilot Andreas Lubitz’s mental and physical health.

That Mr. Lubitz struggled with depression is now a detail that looms over this tragedy.  For that reason we’ve received many calls and emails seeking comments regarding depression and suicidal behavior.  However, please know that as of yet there has been no verification of Mr. Lubitz’s actual diagnosis or specifics of his treatment or condition.

Click here to read the full article…

A Scent for Wellness,
March 16, 2015

The New York Times “Business Day” featured Hope for Depression Research Foundation on Saturday in a story about bespoke perfumes and the power of scent.

Click here to read the full article…

Shedding Light on the Mind,
March 11, 2015

We’re pleased to share with you this article about Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) called “Shedding Light on the Mind,” which appears in the March issue of Quest Magazine.

This in-depth interview with HDRF Founder & Chair Audrey Gruss highlights the critical need for depression research and focuses on the work of our remarkable Depression Task Force of neuroscientists.  We couldn’t be more pleased and proud.

Click here to read the full article…

Improving Depression Care in NYC,
March 4, 2015

Recently First Lady of New York Chirlane McCray continued her passionate campaign to raise awareness about depression and mental health.

In “Shattering the Mental Illness Stigma” (Daily News, February 26), she talks openly about her daughter’s recovery from depression and calls for broad improvements to the mental health system including wider access to care for all New Yorkers.

Click here to read the full article…