The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Mental health

Tipper Gore & Breaking the Silence About Mental Illness

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Tipper Gore and Steve Lieber, Chairman of the BBRF Board Photo by Chad David Kraus

“Back in the day, there was bipartisan support for meeting mental health challenges,” Tipper Gore* said in a conversation with Jeffrey Borenstein, M.D, President and CEO  of Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, at the BBRF May New York City luncheon event, Breaking the Silence About Mental Illness. She told the attendees the common ground ‘worked,’ in that it eventually helped lead to the passage of the Wellstone bill which brought mental health parity to the workplace. “Sitting members on both side of the highest legislature of the land acknowledged there were mental health issues in families,” said Gore.

Today, Gore directs attention on mental health issues affecting middle school and high school students via her work with Tennessee Voices for Children (“there are 56,000 underserved children in Tennessee alone,” she said), and the Tyler Clementi Foundation, which focuses on anti-bullying and suicide prevention. She spoke of an alarming rise in the suicide rate among these younger people and a very concerning spike seen in girls. She expressed concern about a shortage of care: “We need more boots on the ground to have a greater impact.”

Gore also said that getting properly diagnosed and receiving the appropriate treatment when she herself suffered from depression provided “real relief,” pointing to the critical nature of BBRF’s efforts.

Dr. Borenstein said BBRF is the leading foundation for grants to scientists to effectively treat brain behavior disorders; since 1987, $394 million has been awarded to more than 4,700 researchers around the world, leading to $4 billion in additional funding.

BBRF funds “out of the box ideas for innovative research” which has led to important new treatments including the rapid acting antidepressant esketamine to treat refractory (treatment resistant) depression, and brexanolone for post-partum depression. “Every dollar donated goes to scientific research and 100% of the research is invested into grants,” he stated.

Luncheon Committee with Tipper Gore including (left of Gore) Dr. Jeffrey Borenstein, President and CEO, BBRF, and (to her right) Dr. Herb Pardes, President BBRF Scientific Council   Photos by Chad David Kraus

Gore’s participation in the day’s event was deeply appreciated by everyone at BBRF. “It was an honor and a privilege to have someone of her stature and with her passion help us,” said Chappaqua’s Lauren Duran, the BBRF Vice President for Communications Marketing & Public Relations.

*As Second Lady, Gore served as Mental Health Policy Advisor to the President, Her goals were to diminish the stigma surrounding mental illness and to bring awareness to the need for affordable mental health care. In 1999, Gore hosted the first White House Conference on Mental Health. That same year, she launched the National Mental Health Awareness Campaign (NMHAC) to encourage Americans to seek treatment for mental illness. Gore has frequently spoken about her own experience with depression and treatment following the near-fatal injury of her son Albert.

Source: Wikipedia

Finding Gratitude During a Mental Health Crisis

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I really don’t know how it happened. I had some physical, hormonal and emotional stressors early in the summer, which apparently became the perfect storm for an emotional breakdown. My anxiety, which has been a part of me for decades, erupted full force and consumed all of me. It so consumed me that I was unable to function. I stopped eating, sleeping, engaging with the world and felt panicked almost constantly.

On this journey, I have discovered that mental health issues are far more difficult to get a handle on than physical issues, and far more painful. Answers and cures are elusive. But even as I wage this war against my own mind, I realize that I have much to be grateful for.

1. I am grateful and stunned by the number of people who contacted me privately to tell me of their own struggles. Mental health issues are ubiquitous, so much so that it is challenging to get appointments for help because doctors are so busy.

2. I am grateful for an absolutely incredible support system that starts, but does not end, with my family. There are actually no words for how incredible my husband has been. Holding my hand, reassuring me, driving me to appointments, staying up with me countless nights, finding patience for me again and again. My kids, mom and mother-in-law have also been amazing, and their compassion and love has sustained me. I am grateful to be able to rely on my sons, especially my 17-year-old, who has pitched in without complaint and become a man almost overnight. I know this hasn’t been easy for any of them, but they have risen to the challenge.

3. I am grateful for and overwhelmed by the love and support of my extended support system of friends and acquaintances. During this time, through my distress, I have been able to feel, if not always acknowledge, the help from friends and family. I thank everyone who has called, texted or written to inquire about me. I thank those friends who have driven me places when I have not been able to drive myself and been there for me without judgment. I appreciate every gesture, even if I haven’t been able to answer. I’ve had limited ability and energy to reach out but despite that the calls and messages keep coming.

4. I am grateful to have the resources to explore many different kinds of therapies. Here are some of the things I’ve tried thus far; medication, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Hypnosis (really), meditation, yoga, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), functional medicine, homeopathy and acupuncture. I will weigh in at some point on what helped me the most. Voodoo medicine is not out of the question. And I am mindful that I am extremely lucky to be able to pursue various remedies and to focus on getting well.

Trying to heal has been a full-time job. But just knowing people are out there and are willing to help is a comfort. If you have a friend who is going through something like this, please continue to reach out to them even if you get a tepid or no response. Even when I don’t acknowledge them, friends’ messages mean the world to me. Mental health issues really do take a village.

I hope that by discussing this openly, I can help someone else who is keeping their struggles to themselves. I hope to write at length about my experiences someday soon but I’m still in the middle of this journey I had no desire to take. I know that I can only reflect when I have some perspective and I’m not there yet. I am still battling to find my way back.

I have newfound compassion and respect for anyone who has ever struggled in a similar way. I hope to come out the other side stronger than I was before and be a voice and advocate for others. I hope someday people can openly say, “me too” about their mental health challenges.

Get On Your Mat for Mental Health: TODAY at 5:30!

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Court Street between Main Street and Martine Avenue, White Plains, NY

Tell the world you believe #MentalHealthMatters and welcome summer under the open sky on Wednesday, June 20th at Get On Your Mat For Mental Health, an outdoor mega-yoga event benefiting MHA!

Participate in the open-level yoga flow class led by Sarah Platt-Finger. The fun-filled night also includes other activities that will leave you energized and focused:

  • Live music by guitarist and composer David Robles
  • Raffles with some great prizes
  • Our Photobooth and, new this year, our Message of Hope display
  • Chair massage/chair reiki from Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary
  • Karla McGuire’s Namaste Bus filled with goodies for yogis to purchase
  • A Peloton workout bike
  • And many more exhibitors…

Let’s come together as a community in support of mental health!

To register:

https://www.picatic.com/GetOnYourMatForMentalHealth

 

 
 

Living Proof: Multi Arts Evening to Shine a Light on Mental Health Issues

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The Mental Health Association of Westchester (MHA), The Lagond Music School, and Music & Miles: Changing Minds are thrilled to join forces for a new multi-arts evening of energizing performances shining a light on mental health issues and the power of the arts as a vehicle in sharing one’s story of healing in the face of adversity.

To be held on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, Living Proof will feature individuals sharing their personal and inspiring stories of resilience, creating hope and meaning for others who are experiencing mental health issues.

The evening of expressive arts will benefit the Miles Applebaum Music Scholarship Fund at The Lagond Music School and The Mental Health Association of Westchester. Performers include the Bruce Williams Quartet, Brianna Mae Clements, John Gillispie, Rebecca Haviland, Elizabeth Erin Kemler, Bianca Muniz, and Radioactive Zebra. Presenting artists include Anabelle Hiller and Nathaniel Galka. The evening will be emceed by radio DJs Coach and Bruce Figler of 107.1 The Peak, a media partner of the event.

The Miles Applebaum Music Scholarship Fund was established to honor and remember Miles Applebaum, a guitar student who studied at The Lagond Music School and later the Boyer School of Music and Dance at Temple University. Miles died by suicide at the age of 21 in 2014, and the Scholarship Fund was created to carry on his dream by providing aspiring musicians the opportunity to ignite their passion and study music at Lagond Music School, a nonprofit musical haven for students of all ages.

“The idea of Living Proof resonated for me that no matter what challenges we face, we can tap into our strength and courage to push through the hardest of times while giving hope and healing to others who have struggles of their own,” said Shari Applebaum, Miles’ mother and a Suicide Bereavement Specialist at MHA. “There’s no better way to honor Miles than through music and the arts which was the fabric of his life.”

Proceeds will also benefit The Mental Health Association of Westchester (MHA), a community-based non-profit that provides behavioral health services, community education and advocacy work. “We are honored that MHA has been chosen as a beneficiary of this powerful event and are excited to partner with these wonderful organizations to raise awareness of mental health issues in our community,” said MHA CEO Charlotte Östman, LCSW-R. “We believe strongly in the power of sharing our voices and stories and are thrilled to see mental health take center stage at Living Proof.”

“The Miles Applebaum Scholarship Fund is particularly dear to Lagond Music as we worked side by side with Miles for years. Miles’ passion for the music he loved is something we should never forget,” said Rosanne Lana, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Lagond Music School. “As performers, I feel the Applebaum family has allowed us to rejoice in our calling as artists, entertainers and storytellers.”

Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the event features a selection of hors d’oeuvres, spirits and desserts followed by performances, a silent and live auction and the presentation of the 2018 music scholarship. $100 general admission; $40 tickets for attendees 25 years and younger. For more information and tickets, visit www.musicandmiles.org

For more than 70 years, The Mental Health Association of Westchester has promoted mental health in Westchester through advocacy, community education and direct services. MHA offers a range of services that are recovery-oriented, trauma-informed and individualized to promote recovery and wellness. To learn more, visit www.mhawestchester.org.

 

Lagond Music School is a charitable organization dedicated to music education and live music performance. Lagond seeks to identify and serve a diverse community of students, and provide a stimulating, creative environment that generates enthusiasm and motivation for music. It is innovative and dynamic, taking a professional approach in teaching not only the technical and theoretical knowledge of music, but the application of it in the professional world. For more information, visit www.lagondmusic.org.

Music & Miles: Changing Minds celebrates life and supports music education and performance while raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention among teens and young adults. Proceeds raised by Music & Miles: Changing Minds benefit The Miles Applebaum Music Scholarship Fund at Lagond Music School, as well as behavioral health nonprofits. For more information, visit www.musicandmiles.org.

 

Benefiting Mental Health And Music Education: A Call for Entries Announced

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For ‘Living Proof’: A New Multi-Arts Evening of Performances

TARRYTOWN, NY (November 2017)—The Mental Health Association of Westchester (MHA), The Lagond Music School, and Music & Miles: Changing Minds are pleased to announce a call-for-entries for Living Proof, a new multi-arts evening of energizing performances.

To be held on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, Living Proof will feature individuals sharing their personal and inspiring stories of resilience, recovery and mental health issues. The evening of expressive arts will benefit the Miles Applebaum Music Scholarship Fund and The Mental Health Association of Westchester while demonstrating the power of the arts as a vehicle in sharing one’s story of healing in the face of adversity, as well as a significant tool for recovery.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Miles Applebaum Music Scholarship Fund, established to honor and remember Miles Applebaum, a guitar student who majored in music performance at Lagond Music School and later the Boyer School of Music and Dance at Temple University. During Miles’ year studying music abroad, his studies were interrupted by an onset of symptoms associated with trauma and depression. Ultimately, the depth of his emotional pain proved too powerful for his gentle soul, causing him to take his life in 2014 at age 21. The Scholarship Fund was established last year to carry on Miles’ dream of providing aspiring musicians the opportunity to ignite their passion and study music at Lagond Music School, a nonprofit musical haven for students of all ages.

Proceeds will also benefit The Mental Health Association of Westchester (MHA), a community-based non-profit that provides behavioral health services for more than 12,000 children, teenagers, adults and families each year. In addition to its direct services and advocacy work, MHA hosts numerous suicide prevention, intervention and post-vention trainings and discussions throughout the year.

Expressive arts submissions may be in the form of a monologue, essay, music, dance, poetry, improvisation, photography, drawing or painting. Applicants who wish to be considered for the performance may find more details and the application form at www.musicandmiles.org. The deadline for submissions is November 15, 2017. Applicants who are chosen to advance will be notified, and, if selected, an interview will be scheduled to meet with representatives from the agencies.

For more than 70 years, The Mental Health Association of Westchester has promoted mental health in Westchester through advocacy, community education and direct services. MHA offers a range of services that are recovery-oriented, trauma-informed and individualized to promote recovery and wellness. To learn more, visit www.mhawestchester.org.

Lagond Music School is a charitable organization dedicated to music education and live music performance. Lagond seeks to identify and serve a diverse community of students, and provide a stimulating, creative environment that generates enthusiasm and motivation for music. It is innovative and dynamic, taking a professional approach in teaching not only the technical and theoretical knowledge of music, but the application of it in the professional world. For more information, visit www.lagondmusic.org.

Music & Miles: Changing Minds celebrates life and supports music education and performance while raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention among teens and young adults. Proceeds raised by Music & Miles: Changing Minds benefit The Miles Applebaum Music Scholarship Fund at Lagond Music School, as well as behavioral health nonprofits. For more information, visit www.musicandmiles.org.