Fall, 2007
D e p r e s s i o n
a n d
B i p o l a r
50th DBSA Support Group
Opens at Dunn Center
T
his September DBSA Greater Houston opened its
50th support group, located at the John S. Dunn
Outreach Center at Christ Church Cathedral in
downtown Houston. The John S. Dunn Research Foundation
has been one of DBSA’s biggest supporters, and we are
truly honored that the Dunn Center has chosen to host
this support group. Also, plans are underway to open an
additional support group at this location to target Houston’s
homeless and others looking for additional support in their
recovery from depression and/or bipolar disorder.
S u p p o r t
A l l i a n c e
Lutheran Church in Spring, the Carole & Ronald Krist
Samaritan Center for Counseling and Education in Clear
Lake, and a HBU student group at Houston Baptist University.
A complete listing of support group locations is available in
this newsletter.
Sandy Robertson ~ Program Director
Tracy Burnett, Executive Director of Cathedral Health and
Outreach Ministries, has worked extensively with the DBSA
staff to ensure the success of these support groups. She
recently gave DBSA staff and Board President, Ed Cappel a
tour of the amazing facilities at the John S. Dunn Outreach
Center. DBSA is excited to be working with a place that
provides wonderful services to those in need.
Thanks to our many volunteers and staff, DBSA continues
to grow at a phenomenal rate throughout the Houston area
and is able to serve more individuals dealing with bipolar
disorder and/or depression. Other recent support group
openings have been at the following locations – Trinity
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
DBSA at Dunn Center
President’s Column
Board of Directors
Causes of Clinical Depression
Program Notes
Staff News
1
2
3
3
4
4
DBSA Support Groups
Resources
Recent Donors
DBSA Stars
Sisters in Crisis
Fear Strikes Out: Piersall Story
DBSA Greater Houston ■ MoodPoints ■ Fall, 2007
5
6
7
7
7
8
Tracey Burnett (second from left) of the John S. Dunn Outreach Center
greets DBSA President Ed Cappel (third from left) and DBSA Program
staff David Moore (far left) and Sandy Robertson (far right).
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Greater Houston (DBSA) is to sponsor free support
groups that assist in the recovery of individuals with
depression and/or bipolar disorder.
MoodPoints is Published by DBSA Greater Houston
Editors: Jan Redford, Sandy Robertson and Margaret Bandy
Email: dbsahouston@dbsahouston.org
www.dbsahouston.org
1
President’s Column
I
pledged at the beginning of the year to do all in my
power to continue the extraordinary momentum that
was created in 2006. Thanks to the efforts of both
board and staff that pledge is being realized. While we are
still without a permanent Executive Director, we recently
engaged the services of the professional search firm of
Allison Brooks. Allison, together with our search committee,
is already interviewing candidates for the position.
Meanwhile our interim Executive Director, Margaret Bandy,
continues to provide the organizational skills and leadership
necessary to keep our growing operation running smoothly.
Board President Ed Cappel presents the 2007 President’s award
to Development Committee Chair Carol Ann Paddock for
dedicated hours of service to DBSA.
In the fundraising area, I want to acknowledge and
congratulate our development chair, Carol Ann Paddock.
She keeps the board on plan and on task in this critically
important area. Because of her efforts, she was recently
recognized as the winner of the “President’s Award”.
This award is given annually to that board member who
distinguishes himself or herself from all others by truly
making a difference in helping DBSA accomplish its mission.
Our board is blessed with so many wonderful members
who contribute so much of themselves it is very difficult to
select a recipient. Again, congratulations to Carol Ann
Paddock! This award was presented at our annual Donor
Recognition Party held on October 2, 2007, hosted by Lynda
and David Underwood. This was a very well attended event
held with the purpose of offering a special thank you to all
of our donors who make DBSA possible. Again, thank you
so much, board member Lynda Underwood and David for
such a special evening!
2
Now, as far as our mission is
concerned, I am very pleased to
announce that during the first
week of September, DBSA Greater
Houston opened its 50th support
group in the John S. Dunn Center
downtown! The 50th support group is a very
significant milestone in our brief history especially when
you consider we only had 5 support groups at the start of
2004. I’m equally proud to say that through the efforts of
our Program Coordinators, Jennifer Urbach and David
Moore, our 50th volunteer facilitator has been trained and
put to work in the field! Of the entire 50 groups we now
operate, 41 of them are facilitated by our cadre of volunteer
facilitators. The other 9 groups are facilitated by mental
health professionals due to their special needs populations,
such as prisoners at Jester Prison Unit and adolescents
at Covenant House. Volunteer facilitators allow our organization to gain tremendous leverage out of every dollar
contributed to our cause. With that said, I would like to
recognize the seven board members at DBSA who not only
serve on various committees, but also volunteer their time
by facilitating support groups. They are Linda Condon,
Lois Davis, Martha Hanson, Gary Levering, Bill Rudolf,
Dick Walters, and Ted Weiss. You are very special people!
Finally, I’d like to thank our small but very talented staff.
Our two program coordinators, Jennifer Urbach and
David Moore, are the “face” of DBSA in the field. They
are responsible for coordinating all of the activities and
training of our volunteer facilitators as well as paid
professionals. Our office runs smoothly largely due to
the ability of our former Office Manager, now Program
Director, Sandy Robertson, LPC. DBSA Greater Houston is
indebted to these people who accomplish so much to
implement our mission. The increase in number of support
groups has necessitated bringing on a much needed
administrative assistant, Katie Grier. I am confident that
with the continued effort and generosity of our board,
donors and participants, we will end the year on plan
allowing us to continue to positively impact the lives of
approximately 400 people each and every week and to
set the stage for a most successful 2008.
Ed Cappel ~ 2007 Board President
DBSA Greater Houston ■ MoodPoints ■ Fall, 2007
2007 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ed Cappel, President
Bolivar C. Andrews, President Elect
Franna Litton, Past President
Gary Levering, Founding President
Terrell Wilson, Secretary
Carleton McHenry, Treasurer
Clyde Buck
Linda Condon
Lois E. Davis
Fred Dunlop
Evangelina Hammonds, LCSW
Martha G. Hanson, Ph.D.
Tim Horan
Dick Kilday
Keith Kimmick
Peggy Landrum, Ph.D.
Carolyn Light
B.D. McAndrew
Edward S. McCullough
Wells McGee
Carol Ann Paddock
Will Penland
Jan Redford, Ph.D.
Ronda G. Robinson, LSW
Peggy Roe
Bill Rudolf
Lynda Underwood
Ted Weiss
Marie Wise
2007 ADVISORY BOARD
Philip Burguieres, Chairman
Ron Bandy
Ben Bergeron
Jim Braniff
Rev. Linda Christians
John Eads
Chalon Fontaine
Jim Gasper
Frank Griffin
Maureen Hackett
Don H. Haley
Flo McGee
Sandra McHenry
Marcie Mir Tipton, LCSW
Vicki Montague
Robert W. Paddock
John Pipkin
Brad Raffle
Pete Seale
George Shannon
Doug Swanson
Richard B. Walters
Vivian Wise
What are the Causes of Clinical Depression?
Many things can contribute to clinical
depression. For some people, a number
of factors seem to be involved, while
for others a single factor can cause
the illness. Often times people become
depressed for no apparent reason.
■ Situational – Difficult life events,
including divorce, financial problems,
moving to a new place, the death
of a loved one, or any significant
loss can contribute to depression.
■ Biological – People with depression typically have too little or too
much of certain brain chemicals,
called “neurotransmitters.” Changes
in these brain chemicals may cause,
or contribute to clinical depression.
■ Genetic – A family history of clinical
depression increases the risk for
developing the illness. However,
depression can occur in people
who have had no family history of
the illness.
■ Cognitive – People with negative
thinking patterns – those who are
pessimistic, have low self-esteem,
worry too much or feel they have
little control over life events – are
more likely to develop clinical
depression.
■ Co-Occurrence – (1) Depression
may occur with certain illnesses
MEDICAL ADVISORS
Susan Backes, M.D.
Matthew Brams, M.D.
John W. Burruss, M.D.
James W. Lomax, M.D.
Alice Mao, M.D.
Walfrido Sepúlveda, M.D.
Mary Ann Ty, M.D.
INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Margaret Bandy
DBSA Greater Houston ■ MoodPoints ■ Fall, 2007
such as cancer, heart disease,
diabetes, or stroke. The depression
must be treated in addition to the
physical illness; (2) Depression may
“co-occur” in people who suffer
other mental illnesses such as
eating disorders or anxiety disorders
including panic disorder, obsessivecompulsive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder; (3) Some
people try to “self-medicate” their
emotional pain through the abuse
of alcohol or drugs. Therefore,
depression can “co-occur” with
alcohol and substance abuse.
■ Gender – Women are twice as likely
as men to experience depression.
Reasons for this are thought to
include hormonal changes, caregiver stress, multiple roles, poverty,
low self-esteem, and, in some
cases, being a victim of abuse.
■ Medications – Some over-thecounter drugs and other medications can have depression as a
side effect. A doctor should be
consulted before trying any new
medication.
Adapted from:
National Mental Health Association.
(March, 2000).
Overcoming Depression in Later Life.
Board President,
Ed Cappel (center)
and President-Elect,
Bolivar Andrews
(second from left) thank
the following Board
members who also serve
as volunteer facilitators:
Dick Walters (from left),
Gary Levering, and
Ted Weiss.
3
Program Notes
2007 has proven to be an exceptionally busy year full of
changes and growth, and the entire Program Staff is excited
about what has been accomplished and the plans for
the future.
Our facilitators had the opportunity to participate in the
final 2007 facilitator training November 3. This training was
conducted by Dr. Amy Cuellar who works for the Veterans
Administration Hospital and wrote her dissertation on
bipolar disorder.
Also, DBSA is launching a new initiative – Certified Peer
Specialists (CPS). Three of our exceptional volunteer
facilitators – Dyene Galantini, Jim Rice, and Todd Simmons
– were selected to participate in the CPS Training. This
training utilizes the nationally acclaimed, evidence-based
Georgia Certified Peer Specialist Model Curriculum model.
After Dyene, Jim and Todd complete training and pass their
exam, these new CPS individuals will assist the Program
Coordinators in duties and responsibilities that do not
require a professional license. This level of assistance will
allow the Coordinators to focus their efforts on strengthening and growing the support groups. We are all excited
about the possibilities.
DBSA facilitators Todd Simmons (from left), Dyene Galantini,
and Jim Rice enjoy the Certified Peer Specialist Training
in Austin, Texas, October 29 – November 2, 2007.
enough for all that they have accomplished in 2007. Philip
Burguieres, DBSA Advisory Board Chairman and Vice
President of the Houston Texans, recently echoed this
thanks in an amazing way. He invited all of the DBSA
volunteers to the final spring training for the Houston
Texans August 15. This was a fun and exciting way to
thank everyone for all they do for DBSA. We thank Mr.
Burguieres for honoring our volunteers in this manner.
As 2007 comes to end, DBSA will host our annual Facilitator
Holiday Party December 15. We hope to celebrate the
holiday season, acknowledge everyone’s hard work and
dedication, and toast to a new and wonderful 2008.
David Moore ~ Program Coordinator and
Sandy Robertson ~ Program Director
Of course, we can not thank all of our volunteer facilitators
Staff News
Some of our most exciting news at
DBSA concerns the DBSA Staff. With
the continued expansion of our support
groups, Sandy Robertson, LPC, has
been promoted
to Program
Director as of
October 16,
2007. She will
Sandy Robertson
be the in-office
director, coordinating
and structuring the efforts of our
4
hardworking Program Coordinators;
overseeing program needs, solutions,
assessment, and expenditures; and
working with the Board of Directors
and Program Committee.
Allowing Sandy more time to devote
to the DBSA Program is new employee,
Katie Grier, who is our new Administrative
Assistant/Bookkeeper as of October
17, 2007.
Jill Ahrens, M.Ed. in Counseling, has
accepted the position of full time
Program Coordinator. Her first day will
be December 3. Strengthening our
Program staff, Jill brings experience
as a DBSA facilitator and as a counselor for persons with depression and
bipolar disorder.
Along with Program Coordinators
Jennifer Urbach and David Moore,
these new employees, with Sandy
Robertson at the helm, will lead a strong
Program team for DBSA in 2008.
Margaret Bandy ~ Interim Executive Director
DBSA Greater Houston ■ MoodPoints ■ Fall, 2007
DBSA Greater Houston – Free Support Groups
Groups listed as of 10/31/07. Some group locations have more than one group meeting at the indicated time.
OPEN GROUPS
Open to the public.
HOUSTON
MONDAY
Braeswood Group – Monday, 7 p.m.
Jewish Family Service
4131 S. Braeswood Blvd., 77025, Room 203
For directions, 713-667-9336
Galleria Group – Monday, 7 p.m.
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church
717 Sage Rd., 77056, Room 203
For directions, 713-621-3040
Medical Center Group – Monday, 7 p.m.
Intracare Hospital
7601 Fannin, 77054
For directions, 713-790-0949
TUESDAY
Piney Point Groups – Tuesday, 7 p.m.
Chapelwood United Methodist Church
11140 Greenbay, 77024
Adults: Room W204
Young Adults (18+): Room W104
For directions, 713-465-3467
Southwest Adolescent and Parent Groups
– Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
(Call to confirm meeting time.)
Youth Service Center
6300 Chimney Rock, 77081
Parents: Room 202
Adolescents: Room 203
For directions, 713-600-1134
Southwest Group – Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.
West Oaks Hospital
6500 Hornwood, 77074
For directions 713-995-0909
Spanish Speaking Women’s Group –
Tuesday, 10 a.m.
(Call to confirm meeting time.)
El Centro De Corazón
Magnolia Multi-Service Center Room 202C
7307 Capitol Street, 77011
For directions, 713-928-9560
WEDNESDAY
Downtown Group – Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.
Christ Church Cathedral
John S. Dunn Building, Conference Rm P125
1212 Prairie, 77002
For directions, 713-220-9737
Westchase Group – Wednesday, 12 noon
2500 City West Blvd., 77042, Suite 775
For directions, 713-779-8963
THURSDAY
SPRING
Inner Loop Group – Thursday, 7 p.m.
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church
3471 Westheimer, 77027
Chapel Parlor
For directions, 713-622-5710
Montrose Group – Thursday, 7:15 p.m.
Bering Memorial United Methodist Church
1440 Harold, 77006
Room 232
For directions, 713-526-1017
North/1960 Group – Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
Cypress Creek Hospital
17750 Cali Drive, 77090
For directions, 281-586-7600
SATURDAY
Medical Center Group – Saturday, 10 a.m.
Intracare Hospital
7601 Fannin, 77054
For directions, 713-790-0949
CLEAR LAKE
Clear Lake Group – Thursday, 7 p.m.
Carole & Ronald Krist Samaritan Center
for Counseling and Education
17555 El Camino Real, 77058, Retreat Room
For directions, 281-480-7554
KATY
Katy Adolescent and Parent Groups –
Monday, 7 p.m.
St. Peter’s United Methodist Church
20775 Kingsland Blvd., 77450
Adolescents: Room S-203
Parents: Room S-204
For directions, 281-492-8031
Katy Adult Group – Tuesday, 7 p.m.
St. Peters United Methodist Church
20775 Kingsland Blvd., 77450
Room S-209 (upstairs in back)
Call 281-492-8031
KINGWOOD
Kingwood Group – Monday, 7 p.m.
Kingwood Pines Hospital
2001 Ladbrook, 77339
For directions, 281-358-1495
MISSOURI CITY
Missouri City Group – Thursday, 7 p.m.
First United Methodist Church
3900 Lexington Blvd. – Chapel Parlor
(at 1092 – Murphy Rd), 77459
For directions, 281-499-3502
Spring Group – Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
Trinity Lutheran Church
5201 Spring Cypress Rd., 77379, Room 213C
For directions, (281) 376-5773
SUGAR LAND
Sugar Land Adolescent Group –
Thursday, 7 pm (2nd & 4th Thurs.)
St. Laurence Catholic Church
The Religious Education Building; upstairs
3103 Sweetwater Blvd., 77479
For directions, (281)265-5774
TOMBALL
Tomball Group – Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Tomball United Methodist Church
1603 Baker, 77375
Faith Building, Room FB 10 and 12
For directions, 281-351-1249
WOODLANDS
The Woodlands Groups – Tuesday
The Woodlands United Methodist Church
2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, 77380
Parents: Room D213 at 6:15 p.m.
Adolescents: Lenox Room at 6:15 p.m.
Adults: Room D213 at 7:30 p.m.
For directions, 281-297-5900
CLOSED GROUPS
For people receiving services
at a particular agency.
Covenant House Texas –
Wednesday – Closed Group
Thursday – Closed Group
Friday – Closed Group
Discover Program –
Wednesday – Closed Group
Gathering Place –
Inner Loop – Monday – Closed Group
Southwest – Thursday – Closed Group
Houston Baptist University –
Wednesday, 7p.m. – Closed Group
HBU students only
Jester Prison Unit –
Sunday – Closed Group
Wednesday – Closed Group
Please verify times and locations
by visiting our website
www.dbsahouston.org or
calling 713-600-1131.
DBSA support groups provide the kind of
sharing and caring that is crucial for a
lifetime of wellness, but support groups
are not a substitute for professional care.
Emergency Assistance
Resources
Gold Card Eligibility
713-715-2800
(press 1 for info., then code number 1103)
Crisis Hotline –
Suicide Prevention
713-468-5463
Counseling Resources
MHMRA Emergency Line
713-970-7070
Bering Support Network
713-526-1017
(offers individual, family, and
couples therapy for $25 flat rate)
1440 Harold
NeuroPsychiatric Center
(MHMRA Crisis Clinic)
1502 Ben Taub Loop
713-970-4600
Catholic Charities
(free or sliding scale)
713-526-4611
Center for Creative
Resources
713-461-7599
(provides multi-level resources for
people of all economic backgrounds,
including a Low Cost Clinic)
310 Sul Ross
DePelchin Children’s Center
(sliding scale, Medicaid)
713-730-2335
Family Services of Greater Houston
(sliding scale, Medicaid)
713-861-4849
United Way Helpline
211
National Suicide
Prevention Hotline
800-273-TALK
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Free or Reduced Cost Meds
Partnership for Prescription Assistance
www.pparx.org
888-477-2669
indicates the requirements of all
patient assistance med programs
Free Medicine Foundation
www.freemedicine.com
NeedyMeds
573-996-3333
www.needymeds.com
Interface-Samaritan Counseling Center
(sliding scale counseling)
713-626-7990
Together RX Access
800-444-4106
www.TogetherRXAccess.com
MHMRA Eligibility Center 713-970-7070
(financial and clinical eligibility
for psychiatric evaluation and
medication management)
Internet Resources
The Council on Alcohol
and Drugs Houston
713-942-4100
(dual diagnosis – substance abuse
and mental illness) assessment,
counseling and referral
Jewish Family Services
(sliding scale, Medicare)
713-667-9336
UH Psychological Research and Services
(sliding scale counseling)
713-743-8600
Houston Psychiatric
Services
713-500-2525
(some Medicare and Medicaid)
Ben Taub Intensive
Outpatient Program
713-873-2000
The Gathering Place
713-729-3499
(provides a supportive environment
for adults with severe and persistent
mental illness)
The Menninger Clinic
713-275-5000
St. Joseph House
(day center for people
with mental illnesses)
713-523-5958
Other Support Groups
Mental Health Assoc.
713-522-5161
(referrals to support groups
and other resources)
NAMI Texas (National
Alliance on Mental Illness) 800-633-3760
or www.namitexas.org
NAMI Metro Houston
713-970-3455
www.namimetrohouston.org
NAMI West Houston
713-984-2538
or www.namiwesthouston.org
Depression and Bipolar
Support Alliance (national)
www.dbsalliance.org
NAMI Humble
281-459-1518
NAMI Fort Bend
281-494-5193
McMan’s Depression and Bipolar Web
www.mcmanweb.com
The Reawakening Center
www.reawake.com
Resources for Families on Treating
Depression in Children and Adolescents
www.ParentsMedGuide.org
University of Michigan Depression Center
www.med.umich.edu/depression
Misc. Community Resources
MoodPoints by Email
DBSA Greater Houston announces a paper-saving option by inviting
readers to view MoodPoints on its website: www.dbsahouston.org
Also, instead of receiving a paper copy of MoodPoints, you can receive
an email letting you know that the new issue is posted on our website.
If you would prefer this option, please send an email to:
dbsahouston@dbsahouston.org
This alternative will save expenses for our organization and reduce the
amount of paper arriving in you mailbox!
6
Texas Department of Aging
and Disability Services
800-252-9240
DBSA Greater Houston
www.dbsahouston.org
Disability Bus Pass
(Customer service)
Receive
Texas Insur. Risk Pool
888-398-3927
(health insur. if you’re “uninsurable”)
www.txhealthpool.org
713-739-6968
713-658-0180
Depression Anonymous
713-541-6685
(meets at West Oaks Hospital,
Wed. at 7:30, call M. Patterson)
ADDA (Attention Deficit
Disorders Assoc.)
Southern Region
www.adda-sr.org
281-897-0982
Alcoholics Anonymous
713-686-6300
Al-Anon Family
Group Service
713-683-7227
Borderline Personality
(for family members)
713-468-8913
281-300-3837
Palmer Drug Abuse Program 713-273-2692
Cards are Easy Way to Support DBSA
DBSA Greater Houston is enrolled in the “share programs”
operated by both Kroger and Randalls. You can contribute to
our organization just by shopping at these stores and using
the program cards.
We have a new number at Randalls, so please link your
Remarkable card to #11346. At Kroger, you need to use their
Share Card. Pick one up at your support group or call, write or
email the DBSA office for one.
DBSA Greater Houston ■ MoodPoints ■ Fall, 2007
DBSA Stars
Recent Donors
Donations Received 6/21/07 – 10/31/07
Thank you to all our donors whose gifts support our programs.
A complete list of our 2007 donors will be available in our 2007
Annual Report.
$10,000 and above
Albert and Margaret
Alkek Foundation
The Brown Foundation, Inc.
Minnie and Ed Cappel
John S. Dunn
Research Foundation
The Ellwood Foundation
$5,000 – $9,000
Eli Lilly and Company
Lynda and David Underwood
$2,000 – $4,999
Mrs. Nancy C. Allen
Marilyn and Bolivar Andrews
Kiwanis Foundation of Houston
Bill Rudolf
The Stuart Charitable Foundation
$1,000 – $1,999
Jana and Scott Arnoldy
Missy and Ron Bandy
Marsha and Jim Braniff
Mr. and Mrs. Rod Canion
Robert R. Franklin M.D.
J. Weldon Granger
McNeill Charitable Foundation
on behalf of Frank Griffin
and Jan McNeill
Neal Myers and Mary Pate
John and Katherine Stanton
$500 – $999
Marcy and Robert Duncan
James H. and Janie S. Lee
FSR Foundation
Vivian Wise
up to $499
Marjory Alexander
Community Health Charities Texas
Lois Davis
Elisa Dreghorn
Robert Dueck
Ann and Jeff Dykes
Chalon Fontaine and Pete Seale
Joan and Coleman Hightower
Twyla Jones
Marguerite E. McHard
Mr. and Mrs. Walt Parmer
RBC Dain Rauscher
Kathleen and Dick Rogers
Larry Sikes
Olinda and John Simon
Jackie and Ray St. Germain
Virginia and Clayton Trier
Nancy and Charles Walters
Elizabeth and Chip Webster
In Honor of
Bolivar C. Andrews
Frank Family Fund
Philip Burguieres
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Dinerstein
Ed Cappel
Minnie Cappel
Ralph S. O'Connor
Molly and Claude Scarbrough, III
Karol and Bill Scarbrough
Minnie Cappel
Marcia and Fred Blackard
Gary Levering
Terry and Mike Dalton
Martha and Frank Smith
Janice Levering and Allan King
LeAnn Levering and Brad Plant
Jan and David Redford
Sharon and Bob Lietzow
In Memory of
Matthew Wren Cook
Robert Bachman
Kay Gilliam
Chalon Fontaine and
Pete Seale
Condo Martinez
Jan and David Redford
William Parmer Redford
Missy and Ron Bandy
Jo Ann and Gary Levering
Franna and Ted Litton
Wells Fargo Wealth
Management Group
Margaret Dickson Rogers
Minnie and Ed Cappel
Dan Shilliday
Sally and David Harvin
Nan Williams
Marilyn and Bolivar Andrews
DBSA Greater Houston ■ MoodPoints ■ Fall, 2007
DBSA Greater Houston thanks the following exceptional
volunteers for their outstanding efforts in assisting the
DBSA Board and Staff during this amazing year of growth
and success.
Mary Ann Brauer
Nola Brody
Cody Chambers
Linda Condon
Lois Davis
Dyene Galantini
Oren Goodman
Brent Hancharyk
Martha Hanson
Phil Hanson
Sarah Hyde
Karen Jerger
Stephanie McGraw
Kim Pate
Marilyn Patterson
Jim Rice
Todd Simmons
Dick Walters
Lance Watkins
Cheryl Weiss
Steven Weiss
Ted Weiss
DBSA can not thank all of our volunteers enough. DBSA
Greater Houston continues to be grateful to all those who
give and share their time, their hearts, and their experiences.
Sisters in Crisis
By Randee Saber
Call on me when needed
Or when you are in pain
I understand your problem
There’s no need to explain
I will not stand in judgment
Nor criticize you too
For I myself have knowledge
Of what that does to you
My arms will be wide open
My ears will be in tune
To listen and to help you
So you won’t sleep till noon
Although you do not feel well
It’s not a common cold
I’ll always understand you
Ignore what you’ve been told
So yes my friend please call me
And I will call you too
Because my life’s not perfect
I can relate to you
7
Book Review
Fear Strikes Out:
The Jim Piersall Story
The Story of a Major League
Baseball Player with Bipolar Disorder
This important and dramatic autobiography was first
published in 1955 when sports stories did not venture into
personal confessionals, particularly about mental illness.
In time, Jimmy Piersall would become one of the silkiest
center fielders of the 50’s – no mean feat given his contemporaries Mantle and Mays. His Major League career spans
from 1950-1967 with several awards including two years as
an American League All-Star and two Golden Glove awards.
The book has now become a collector’s item, but used
copies can be found on the internet.
While his professional career flourished, Piersall is better
known for his well-publicized battle with bipolar disorder.
He was considered a baseball clown, and the fans loved
his offbeat shenanigans. According to Piersall in the book,
“Almost everybody…thought I was a riot. My wife knew I
Depression and Bipolar
Support Alliance
3800 Buffalo Speedway, Suite 300
Houston, TX 77098
713-600-1131
www.dbsahouston.org
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was sick, yet she was helpless to stop my mad rush toward
a mental collapse.”
The breakdown he suffered early in his rookie years with
the Boston Red Sox was so complete and so terrifying that
his mind blanked out the next seven months before his
own healing allowed for a painful reconstruction. Piersall’s
honesty and detail about mental illness, hospitalization,
psychiatric therapy, and the struggle back to sanity are
extraordinary. This book is better than the movie starring
Anthony Perkins that was made from it and can be considered
as one of the best of any serious collection of baseball
biographies.
One of his famous quotation is, “Probably the best thing
that happened to me was going nuts. Nobody knew who I
was until that happened.” He was finally put on lithium in
1974 which helped to control his temper tantrums and
erratic behavior. Piersall wrote another book, The Truth
Hurts (1984), which describes his later years (and stunts) in
baseball and his post-career as a broadcaster.
Adapted from: DBSA Metro Detroit. (September, 2007) Life in Balance.
Vol. 24, No. 8. (Review edited from: www.amazon.com Jeff Silverman,
Kirkus Reviews, www.brainyquote.com, and www.wikipedia.org)