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The fifth annual Fountain House Symposium and Luncheon, which
was held in the Grand Ballroom of The Pierre, honored
Senator Robert A. Antonioni and raised a record-breaking
$1,150,000 to fund mental health services. The symposium,
entitled, “Close to the Vest: Men and Depression,” featured
a panel discussion
of this taboo subject by three leaders in the fields of
mental health
research, treatment, advocacy, and public policy: Gerard
Sanacora, MD, PhD; Dennis S. Charney, MD; Philip Burguires.
The event’s Chairs were Patricia Begley, Lorna Hyde Graev,
Alexandra Herzan and Anne Mai. The Program Chair was Lynn
Nicholas, PsyD. Glenn Close and Congressman Patrick J.
Kennedy were Honorary Chairs. Conseulo Mack served as Master
of
Ceremonies. The afternoon began with a reception followed by
a symposium. During lunch, panelists and chairs took
to the stage to begin an inspiring and informative
explanation of mental illness and depression in men. It also
touched on the important
and meaningful work of the 60-year old award winning
non-profit organization. Fountain House provides housing,
employment, wellness and educational services to men, women,
and young adults with major mental illness. Guests then
viewed Lance’s Story,
a film about the life of a current Fountain House member.
It is estimated that each year, depressive illnesses affect
over 7 million men. Twice as many women as men report having
depression; however most researchers believe men do not
recognize or report their illness. Because men are less
likely than women to recognize the symptoms of depression,
and therefore seek treatment far less often, they are more
likely to self medicate
inappropriately with alcohol or non-prescription drugs.
Suicide is the
third leading cause of death in young men. Fountain House
has served over 16,000 men and women with severemental
illness.
For more information
please visit:
www.fountainhouse.org.
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