Founder’s Introduction,
June 24, 2015

My mother Hope suffered from depression for most of her late adult life. My sisters, father and I witnessed decades of misdiagnosis, trials of medication, troublesome side effects and the psychic pain and life-sapping loss of energy that is a mark of clinical depression.

When she passed away in December 2005, I vowed that I would do all in my power to help conquer this dreaded illness. That was the spark that started HDRF and led me on an incredible journey.

WSJ on New Depression Treatments,
June 5, 2015

This week the Wall Street Journal published a thought-provoking article about the need for new depression treatments: “To Treat Depression, a New Approach Tries Training the Brain.”

The piece describes a number of newly emerging treatments that actually use computer games to target specific mood centers in the brain and rehabilitate them through exercising the neural circuits within.

Andrew Solomon’s Thoughtful New York Times article,
June 1, 2015

We’d like to bring to your attention Andrew Solomon’s article from New York Times Magazine: “The Secret Sadness of Pregnancy With Depression.”

A longstanding member of HDRF’s Leadership Committee, Andrew is a friend and author for whom we have great respect. His thoughtful discussion of mood disorders in pregnancy is a welcome example of the kind of media coverage that elevates national conversation about depression and makes it safe to speak out and get help.

The Economist on Mental Health Awareness,
April 28, 2015

We’re writing to share an excellent article from the Economist, April 25: “Out of the Shadows: The stigma of mental illness is fading. But it will take time for sufferers to get the treatment they need.”

It’s a heartening read.  Campaigns by governments and charities around the world are raising awareness and making it safe for people from all walks of life to open up about psychiatric illness.  HDRF has been working to end stigma since our founding in 2006, and your support has helped us lead the call for change in the United States.

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.