Spring 2008
New Beginnings!
Welcome to New Board
Members, Officers,
and Advisors
T
wo new members of the Board
of Directors come to DBSA with
experience and enthusiasm.
Martin Debrovner, an executive with
Weingarten Realty Investors, has served
on many community boards and will be
New Board member Don Haley, from left, and new Advisory Board members Evelyn Jewell,
a great addition to board operations.
Brett Hogan, Cynthia Guill, Stephanie McGraw, Lene Symes, and Fella Knight
Don Haley, with thirty years experience
McGraw is with Continental Airlines and currently serves
in industrial real estate, has moved to the board from the
Advisory Board. He has already been active with DBSA,
as a facilitator at one of the DBSA support groups. She
having contributed his talents as an active member of the
will bring first hand knowledge to the program operations.
Communications Committee.
Lene Symes, PhD, RN is an Associate Professor in the
The Advisory Board has added six new members. Cynthia
Guill and Evelyn Jewell are avid supporters of the mission
of DBSA and are valuable resources as community volunteers. Brett Hogan works in the investment management
business and is enthusiastic about his chance to contribute
to the growth of DBSA. Granville “Fella” Knight has retired
from the insurance business and has written a book, The
Mountains of Our Lives, which deals with issues such as
depression that men face in their lifetime. Stephanie
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Welcome to New Board
President’s Column
Board of Directors
Five Mistakes People with Bipolar
Disorder Need to Avoid
From the Executive Director
1
2
3
3
4
Program Notes
DBSA Support Groups
Resources
Donors
Lincoln’s Melancholy
– A Book Review
4
5
6
7
8
College of Nursing at Texas Woman’s University. She has
been serving on the DBSA Research Committee and has
been an invaluable asset to our evaluation process.
The new officers of DBSA began their tenure in January and
are already moving toward their goals. Bolivar Andrews is
the new Board President, having already served a year as
President Elect. He has given countless hours attending all
committee meetings and overseeing operational details.
Fred Dunlop is the new President Elect who has generously
donated his legal expertise to help DBSA become a solid,
structured organization. Carolyn Light joins the executive
officers as Secretary, and Carleton McHenry continues in
his second term as Treasurer, having kept DBSA in good
fiscal shape and chaired the Finance Committee during the
past year.
~ Jan Redford
DBSA Greater Houston ■ MoodPoints ■ Spring 2008
1
President’s Column
I
am honored to be the President of Depression and
Bipolar Support Alliance Greater Houston’s Board of
Directors. During the past year, I had the pleasure of
working with our past president, Ed Cappel. Under his able
leadership, we have grown tremendously and secured a
stable structure for our organization. We are grateful for
the time and effort he so generously donated to make his
vision for growth a reality.
I am now well into my Presidential year and want to report
to you that our board and staff members have worked
tirelessly to enhance the mission of DBSA. We are now
stabilizing all of our support groups, making sure that we
have appropriate places for meetings, highly trained
facilitators for leading, and the necessary information and
support resources for group members to access. Please
read more about our program in the Program Notes section
of this newsletter.
In addition to our accomplished and dedicated staff, I
believe that this organization has unique strength due to
the quiet but dedicated work of the board and advisory
board members. We are all volunteers, but it takes special
people to do what we have been able to do together.
Will Penland, Development Chair, is overseeing the building
of our individual and foundation donor base. Group
Expansion Chairman, Peggy Roe, is working closely with
staff to accomplish the committee goals of strengthening
the existing groups and expanding strategically into other
areas with new groups. Community Liaison Chairman,
Keith Kimmick, is distributing information and education
about DBSA in the community at events such as mental
health fairs. Communications Chairman, Wells McGee,
worked diligently with our Executive Director to publish the
Annual Report, which many readers should have received
by now. Finance Chairman, Carleton McHenry, continues
a second year of keeping us in good fiscal shape and is
overseeing our first formal audit. Fred Dunlop, while also
2008 DBSA Board Officers President Elect Fred Dunlop, from left,
President Bolivar Andrews, and Treasurer Carleton McHenry
(not pictured Secretary Carolyn Light)
serving as President Elect, is donating legal advice and
review time in producing, with our Executive Director, a
revised Human Resources Manual. And finally, Peggy
Landrum is continuing her work as chair of the Program
Committee, which is coordinating our extensive research/
evaluation process as well as consulting on program issues.
It takes all of us to create such a successful and dynamic
alliance. Our donors form the bedrock of operations, our
board and committee members set good policy and donate
untold volunteer hours, and our staff coordinates and
delivers professional support and training. And at the heart
of our work are the group facilitators, whose time and
dedication are priceless in the fulfillment of our mission.
It is a true privilege to be allowed to lead the DBSA team.
Thank you for your trust in me.
~ Bolivar Andrews ~ 2008 Board President
2008 Special Events for DBSA Greater Houston
April 24th
April 26th
Sept. 30th
Dec. 13th
Pathways to Wellness Class Began in Tomball
Facilitator Appreciation Luncheon
Big Hearted Donor Reception
Volunteer Holiday Party
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.
2
DBSA Greater Houston ■ MoodPoints ■ Spring 2008
2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bolivar C. Andrews, President
Fred Dunlop, President Elect
Ed Cappel, Past President
Gary Levering, Founding President
Carolyn Light, Secretary
Carleton McHenry, Treasurer
Clyde Buck
Linda Condon
Lois E. Davis
Martin Debrovner
Don Haley
Martha Hanson, Ph.D.
Dick Kilday
Keith Kimmick
Peggy Landrum, Ph.D.
Franna Litton
B.D. McAndrew
Ed McCullough
Wells McGee
Carol Ann Paddock
Will Penland
Jan Redford, Ph.D.
Ronda G. Robinson
Peggy Roe
Bill Rudolf
Lynda Underwood
Richard B. Walters
Ted Weiss
Terrell Wilson
Marie Wise
2008 ADVISORY BOARD
Philip Burguieres, Chairman
Ron Bandy
Ben Bergeron
Jim Braniff
Rev. Linda Christians
John Eads
Jim Gasper
Frank Griffin
Cynthia Guill
Maureen Hackett
Evangelina Hammonds, LCSW
Brett Hogan
Tim Horan
Evelyn Jewell
Granville Knight, Jr.
Flo McGee
Stephanie McGraw
Sandra McHenry
Marcie Mir Tipton, LCSW
Vicki Montague
Robert Paddock
John Pipkin
Brad Raffle
George Shannon
Doug Swanson
Lene Symes, Ph.D., RN
Vivian Wise
MEDICAL ADVISORS
Susan Backes, M.D.
Matthew Braums, M.D.
John W. Burruss, M.D.
James Lomax, M.D.
Alice Mao, M.D.
Walfrido Sepúlveda, M.D.
Mary Ann Ty, M.D.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Glenn D. Urbach, LMSW
Five Mistakes People with Bipolar Disorder Need to Avoid
By Julie A. Fast
1. Too much caffeine. Ah yes, coffee,
tea, Mountain Dew, energy drinks and
super dark chocolate. They all sure
either taste good or give you so called
“energy.” The facts are that they don’t
give real energy – they pump you up
for a while and then either lead to the
shakes or a crash. Then they cause
sleep problems. If more than one cup
of coffee a day does not affect your
sleep then have at it! Otherwise, it
might be wiser to drink decaf.
2. Staying in relationships that are
argumentative. There is nothing
worse for bipolar disorder than fighting. When I used to allow fights to
happen in my family, I would have an
immediate suicidal thought such as, “I
just want to die.” In order to stop the
thoughts and the pain that come with
them, I stopped arguing. This meant
that some people had to go. It also
meant that my contact with some
family members had to change. Yes, it
was me or them. I chose me. I’m the
one who gets sick and has to live with
the psychosis and the depression.
Interestingly, many people understand
this and know that I have to leave
contentious situations no matter what.
That helps.
3. Letting irritation take over. Bipolar
disorder can lead to a lot of irritation
and anger. I wasn’t having a very
smooth day yesterday. I could feel
that I was irritated and that I needed
to just calm down and make sure I
didn’t take it out on anyone. On a busy
road yesterday, I honked my horn at a
stupid driver and he flipped me off.
This sent me a bit over the edge. I
actually had the thought to chase him
down. It is hard to explain that this
feeling is different than just normal
anger – it feels like a need as though
it would be the right thing to do.
DBSA Greater Houston ■ MoodPoints ■ Spring 2008
Reasoning leaves and it is all emotion.
I’ve learned to fight this, and, because
I was aware that I was irritable, I kept
myself from chasing down the car. I
realized that I needed to change
direction in my own day and see what
was really going on.
4. Traveling without planning for
bipolar disorder mood swings.
Traveling is a microcosm of bipolar
disorder triggers. Time changes affect
sleep that can then cause mood
swings. You may be stuck with people
you really don’t want to be around.
You may have to go places that are
too over stimulating. Whether you are
a family member or friend or the person with bipolar disorder, you need to
have a plan just as much as you need
tickets and reservations.
5. Getting trapped in the bipolar conversation. This one is for family members. The bipolar conversation is
when you think you’re talking to the
person you care about, where, in
reality, you’re simply talking to the
illness. If you try to talk normally to a
depressed person, for example, and
say, “But your life is fine. Why are you
so upset?” they can’t answer that
question. They will say, “My life has
no purpose. I can’t find a reason to
keep on living like this.” If you keep
trying to reason with them, the bipolar
conversation starts and no one
wins.
Adapted from article by J.A. Fast in Depression
and Bipolar Support Alliance – Dallas newsletter
(January 2008).
About the author: Julie A. Fast is a critically
acclaimed, six-time author, award winning bipolar
disorder advice columnist, national speaker, and
sought after expert in the fields of bipolar disorder
and depression. Her work specializes in helping real
people manage all aspects of their daily lives, despite
the complications that bipolar disorder creates.
She has written Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder
and Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder. More
information can be found at: bipolarhappens.com
3
From the Executive Director
I
t is with great pleasure that I write my inaugural
Moodpoints column for what I feel is one of Houston’s
most unique and dynamic non-profit organizations. As
a longtime mental health professional, I can appreciate the
wonderful work that DBSA has accomplished in touching
and transforming the lives of Houstonians in need. For many,
to live with depression or bipolar disorder is to live a life
of isolation, desperation, and hopelessness. Our support
groups provide a warm place of security, comfort, and
understanding for those impacted by our nation’s two most
diagnosed mental illnesses.
I am proud to report that our staff and board are already
hard at work in 2008 to develop new support groups for
underserved areas and populations. Specifically, we plan
to open new groups targeting the southeast, northwest,
and east corridors of the Greater Houston area as these
geographical areas represent a diverse cross-section of our
community. Furthermore, we are working closely with the
Veteran Affairs Hospital, the Harris County Hospital District
and other mental health providers to develop support groups
specifically targeting veterans, seniors, and low-income
underserved populations. As always, our staff continues to
work diligently to strengthen our existing support groups
Program Notes
DBSA is extremely excited to report that our Demographic
Study is complete, and the official report will be released in
the next few months. This feat was accomplished through
the expertise and dedication of the Research Committee,
a sub-committee of our Program Committee, and Dr. Ralph
Culler, Director of the Evaluation Research Fellowship
Program at the University of Texas’ Hogg Foundation for
Mental Health. This study has allowed DBSA to identify
who attends our support groups, how long they have
attended, and how often they attend. It also looked at the
difference between participants’ expected benefits and
their actual experience.
DBSA is currently conducting an Outcome Measures Study
as a second part of our research. This study is designed to
measure the effectiveness of our group model in improving
participants’ management of their mood disorders as well
as in the model’s ability to aid in their recovery process.
The Outcome Measures Study is to be completed this
summer, and it is our hope that the results will help us
strengthen the program components and improve on our
delivery of services.
In addition, DBSA will have graduated two more Pathways
4
and to identify and train new volunteer facilitators.
I, along with our staff, am working closely with our various
committees to expand and diversify our funding sources,
raise our profile in the community, and to develop collaborations with others, all in an effort to further reach out to
those lost in the darkness of depression and bipolar disorder.
Let me close by saying that I believe when you help others,
you help yourself. I’ve dedicated my career to that fundamental principle. Working for DBSA Greater Houston
allows me to put my belief into action, and I know together
we all can improve the lives of our friends and neighbors in
need, touching one life at a time.
~ Glenn Urbach ~ Executive Director
DBSA Staff: Executive Director Glenn Urbach, from left, Office Manager Katie
Grier, Program Director Sandy Robertson, and Program Coordinator Jill Ahrens
to Recovery classes at the end of April. Pathways is an 8
week course offered by DBSA in addition to our regular
support groups. These classes are designed to assist
participants in identifying and drawing on their individual
strengths to help them reach recovery and wellness. DBSA
is extremely proud of the participants who completed this
course and the facilitators who volunteered their time to
teach this valuable curriculum.
Recently, 14 additional volunteers have agreed to dedicate
their time to be trained as DBSA facilitators. Many of our
facilitators report that sharing their experience with others
has been a big part of their recovery. We can never thank
these individuals enough for their selflessness and hard
work. All facilitators were honored on April 26th at the
Annual Facilitator Appreciation Luncheon.
DBSA continues its efforts in seeing our vision come
to fruition. With our support groups, it is our hope that
every person with depression and/or bipolar disorder can
enhance their recovery from these treatable illnesses.
If the dedication, diligence, and love from all of those
involved with DBSA are any indication, we are well on
our way to seeing this vision become a reality.
~ Sandy Robertson ~ Program Director
DBSA Greater Houston ■ MoodPoints ■ Spring 2008
DBSA Greater Houston – Free Support Groups
Groups listed as of 4/15/08. Some group locations have more than one group meeting at the indicated time.
The phone number listed for each group is for directions only. Please call the DBSA office if you have any questions regarding our organization.
OPEN GROUPS
MONDAY
Montrose Group – Thursday, 7:00 p.m.
Bering Memorial United Methodist Church
1440 Harold, 77006
Room 223
For directions, 713-526-1017
Braeswood Group – Monday, 7 p.m.
Jewish Family Service
4131 S. Braeswood Blvd., 77025, Library
For directions, 713-667-9336
North/1960 Group – Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
Cypress Creek Hospital
17750 Cali Drive, 77090
For directions, 281-586-7600
Medical Center Group – Monday, 7 p.m.
Intracare Hospital
7601 Fannin, 77054
For directions, 713-790-0949
SATURDAY
Open to the public.
HOUSTON
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 Group – Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.
West Oaks Hospital
6500 Hornwood, 77074
For directions 713-995-0909
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
WEDNESDAY
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
Downtown Group – Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.
Christ Church Cathedral
John S. Dunn Building, Room B
1212 Prairie, 77002
For directions, 713-220-9737
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
Spanish Speaking Women’s Group
(Call to confirm meeting time.)
El Centro De Corazón
5001 Navigation Blvd., 77011
For directions, 713-926-1849
Galleria Group – Wednesday, 7 p.m.
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church
717 Sage Rd., 77056, Community Room
For directions, 713-621-3040
Westchase Group – Wednesday, 12 noon
First Methodist
Houston Westchase
3663 Westcenter Dr., 77042
Youth Building, Room 114
713-458-4700
THURSDAY
Inner Loop Group – Thursday, 7 p.m.
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church
3471 Westheimer, 77027
Chapel Parlor
For directions, 713-622-5710
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
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
3100 Sweetwater Blvd., 77479
Social Concerns Center, Meeting Rm. A
For directions, 281-980-9812
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: Lenox Room at 6:15 p.m.
Adolescents: D213 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
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
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
573-996-3333
Family Services of Greater Houston
(sliding scale, Medicaid)
713-861-4849
NeedyMeds
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
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
Resources for Families on Treating
Depression in Children and Adolescents
www.ParentsMedGuide.org
Alcoholics Anonymous
713-686-6300
University of Michigan Depression Center
www.med.umich.edu/depression
Al-Anon Family
Group Service
713-683-7227
Borderline Personality
(for family members)
713-468-8913
281-300-3837
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 your mailbox!
6
Texas Department of Aging
and Disability Services
800-252-9240
DBSA Greater Houston
www.dbsahouston.org
Disability Bus Pass
(Customer service)
Receive
www.needymeds.com
Texas Insur. Risk Pool
888-398-3927
(health insur. if you’re “uninsurable”)
www.txhealthpool.org
713-739-6968
713-658-0180
Palmer Drug Abuse Program 713-273-2692
If I Can Stop One Heart from Breaking
If I can stop one heart from breaking
I shall not live in vain
If I can ease one life the aching
Or cool one pain
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again
I shall not live in vain.
~ Emily Dickinson
DBSA Greater Houston ■ MoodPoints ■ Spring 2008
DBSA Donors
We are truly grateful to
the following donors whose
gifts and pledges support
our programs.
Donations received from
11/01/07 – 4/15/08
$10,000 and above
John S. Dunn
Research Foundation
Mary and John Eads
Houston Endowment, Inc.
Jo Ann and Gary Levering
The Simmons Foundation
Suzi and Doug Swanson
The Trammell Foundation
$5,000 – $9,999
Burguieres Family Foundation
Flo and Bill McGee
W. Wells McGee and The Florence
& William K. McGee, Jr.
Family Foundation
Cecille and George Shannon
St. Martin’s Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. David Underwood
$2,000 – $4,999
Marilyn and Bolivar Andrews
Minnie and Ed Cappel
Linda and Don Condon
Jackie and Fred Dunlop
Eric Gleacher Foundation
Cynthia and Ben Guill
Diana and Tim Horan
Evelyn and Bob Jewell
Gaye and Ed McCullough
Carol Ann and
Robert W. Paddock Fund
Kathy and John Pipkin
William and Marie Wise Family
Foundation/Marie Wise
$1,000 – $1,999
A Friend of DBSA (2)
Robert J. Bachman
Bayou Charitable Trust
Vicki and John Bitner and the
H.M. Bitner Charitable Trust
Jim and Marsha Braniff
Family Fund
Sharrie and Clyde Buck
Maggie and Mike Castleman
Linda and Martin Debrovner
Robert R. Franklin, M.D.
Ann and Jim Gibbs
Mr. and Mrs. Raleigh W. Johnson Jr.
Franna and Ted Litton
Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. McCord III
Sandra and Adams McHenry
Sheila and Steven Miller
Barbara and John Patton
Susan and Will Penland
Mr. and Mrs. John Piecuch
Barbara and Corbin J. Robertson, Jr.
Peggy and Bill Roe
Nancy and Charles Walters
Meg and Dick Weekley
William and Marie Wise Family
Foundation/Vivian Wise
$500 - $999
Friends of DBSA (1)
Anne and Currie Bechtol
Cissie and Dillon Ferguson
Roger Fritcher
David Gibbs
Hackett Family Foundation
Janis and Randy Henry
Linda and George Kelly
Dianne and Dick Kilday
Kenneth Sumner
Nancy and Gerald Syler
Lene and William Symes
up to $499
Friends of DBSA (2)
Mr. L.D. Blackwell
Judy and Mike Bollman
Robert Bowers
Sue and Tom Burrow
Betty and Rick Carrell
Community Health Charities Texas
Lana and Chip Cureton, Jr.
Sallie and Ted Davis
Neva and John Dawson
Robert Dueck
Fish City Grill
Janita and Garney Griggs
Diane and Jim Hall
Evangelina Hammonds, LCSW
Chris Harvell
The Hill Family
Cindy and Jim Hinton
Brett Hogan
Debbie and Frank Jones
Shelby and Ward Jones
Kelly and Curtis Kayem
Lucy and Lin Lamme
Mrs. William C. Liedtke, Jr.
Nancy and Jim Lomax
Jean H. Marvin
Nonnie and Tom Matthews II
Janet and Louis McCarter
Beth McGreevy
Gwen and Larry Melody
Marcie Mir Tipton
Rhonda and Ron Mizeur
Pat and Dee Osborne
Gail Osburn
Heather and Douglas Rarick
Jan and David Redford
Ronda Robinson
Claudia and Stephen Rosen
St. Luke’s United
Methodist Church
Fran Sampson
Joann and Harvey Schulman
Nanci and Bob Seawell
Dr. Walfrido Sepulveda
Margaret and Robert Simmons
Judy and Jim Springer
Mr. and Mrs, William O. Strange
Truth Chemical
Dorothy and Hall Webb
Elizabeth and Chip Webster
Ann and Ted Weiss
Terrell Wilson
Margaret and Jerry Wolfe
In Honor of
Marilyn and Bolivar C. Andrews
A Friend of DBSA
Gwen and Bart Smith
DBSA Greater Houston ■ MoodPoints ■ Spring 2008
Ann G. Trammell
Ed Cappel
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A Friend of DBSA
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A Friend of DBSA
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Ann G. Trammell
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A Friend of DBSA (2)
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H.M. Bitner Charitable Trust
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Werlein, Jr.
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7
Book Review
Lincoln’s Melancholy
admitted in court to having “a deranged mind.”
By Joshua Wolf Shenk
Lincoln Forged Greatness from His Pain
The book also shows how Lincoln learned to cope with his
psychological pain and distress, and how he used those
coping strategies combined with self-discipline and a capacity
for hard work to deal with the challenges that faced the
nation. Lincoln showed an iron-like strength and devotion to
his work. Even when he could barely function, he continued
giving speeches with tears streaming down his face.
One evening while reading an essay on suicide, a young
writer named Joshua Wolf Shenk chanced upon a reference
to Abraham Lincoln. The idea that an icon like Lincoln
suffered from severe depression – and that many other
people had probably never heard of it – hit Shenk like the
proverbial bolt out of the blue.
The result of that flash of insight is the highly acclaimed
Lincoln’s Melancholy, selected one of the best books of
2005 by the New York Times and other publications.
In the book, the author presents a wealth of evidence that
the 16th president suffered from depression. Lincoln had
two major breakdowns during which he spoke openly
about suicide and provoked friends to undertake suicide
watches. An important point is made about how important
his friends were in helping him through his worst times.
The book takes you deep into Lincoln’s family history of
mental illness: a close female relative of Lincoln’s was
confined to an asylum; both his parents had characteristics
that suggested melancholy; and his great-uncle once
Depression and Bipolar
Support Alliance
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Editors: Jan Redford &
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Contributing Editor:
Margaret Bandy
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What is striking about the book is the way people with
melancholy (depression) were thought to have a much
greater insight into life because they had experienced
deeper emotions than those who did not have melancholy.
They were thought to be emotionally superior. Depression
is thought of much differently today.
Two important points can be gleaned from this book. One
is that Lincoln depended a great deal on his friends for
support during his bouts with his illness, and the second
is that he was respected for having even more insight and
understanding due to the effects of the depression.
Reviewed by Valerie Takahama, the Orange County Register and DBSA Metro
Detroit Editor. Adapted from: DBSA Metro Detroit. (October, 2007) Life in Balance.
Vol.24, No.9