Diversity Guide

America’s frenzied debate over government health insurance has eclipsed another, no less challenging, national health care crisis—the plight of people with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This Fred Friendly Seminar sheds light on barriers to treatment, ethical and legal dilemmas, and fragmented social policies that are creating a nightmare for families, filling America’s jails, and wasting scarce resources. Led by veteran broadcast journalist Frank Sesno, the program features hypothetical scenarios that challenge prominent mental health professionals, policymakers, and legal luminaries to confront the situations and stigma facing Americans with mental illness. Panelists include U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, Nobel-winning neuroscientist Eric R. Kandel, Pennsylvania Secretary of Public Welfare Estelle B. Richman, and many others. A viewable/printable discussion guide is available online.

Although mental illnesses severely affect thoughts, moods, and coping abilities, a fulfilling life is still possible for people who face those challenges. Outlining the symptoms and possible causes of schizophrenia, clinical depression, and bipolar disorder, this program explores various treatment options and identifies ways that patients can achieve personal independence. Real-world success stories are featured, emphasizing the importance of support from family and friends, as well as the vital role that medication and therapy play. A detailed discussion of meds developed during the 1990s sheds light on their improvements over previous drugs, as well as concerns about their side effects.

This video seminar discusses how food, sleep, exercise, and stress affect mental function. It considers underlying factors of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and ADHD; discusses how fats, protein, carbohydrates, and minerals affect mental health; and teaches how to recognize when the problems are caused by other issues. Presenter Dr. Leslie Korn examines non-pharmaceutical interventions and integrative interventions for mental health issues.

This program comes to grips with depression through the experiences of five patients whose backgrounds span the socioeconomic spectrum. Three cases of chronic depression, one of which is complicated by borderline personality disorder and another by alcohol abuse, and two cases of bipolar disorder, one of which is extreme, are presented. The overarching message? Patients with depression can stabilize and lead fulfilling lives if they accept their condition and proactively address it. Antidepressants, psychiatric therapy, acupuncture, and other modalities are touched upon as components of a tailored treatment plan.