Monday, January 26, 2004

County to discuss high suicide rates (Ohio)
News Journal story - "Richland County's suicide rate nearly doubled in 2003 from the previous year, prompting community groups to schedule a roundtable meeting Feb. 3 to create a 'Suicide Prevention Coalition.' Richland County averaged 13 suicides per year, over the past 10 years. But in the first 10 months of 2003, 22 lives were lost to suicide. ... Co-sponsors for the roundtable are the Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Board, Mansfield-Ontario-Richland County Health Department, MedCentral Health Systems, Mansfield mayor's office, The Center for Individual and Family Services and Richland County chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. "  
  

Bipolar disorder is often misunderstood
Sentinel & Enterprise (Fitchburg MA) story on bipolar disorder, focusing on one local resident - "... While difficult to diagnose, bipolar disorder is treatable. Doctors often prescribe mood stabilizers, such as lithium, and recommend therapy. The road to recovery for many patients can be a long struggle, according to Leroy Spaniol, a psychologist and researcher at Boston University. He said it can take years before doctors find the best treatment for each patient...."