President Proclaims June LGBT Pride Month | Care2 Causes
This week President Obama issued a proclamation that June is to be Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month. In the proclamation Obama revisits LGBT rights victories such as the passing of the Matthew Shepard, James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and touches on work that is still to be completed, such as the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
Why not proclaim Illegally Stolen Children's Month while he's at it, or don't these children and their families matter?
The stolen children of the falsely accused will some day lead our great country. How do you think that will turn out? Angry children, full of hatred.
Isabella Brooke Knightly and Austin Gamez-Knightly
In Memory of my Loving Husband, William F. Knightly Jr. Murdered by ILLEGAL Palliative Care at a Nashua, NH Hospital
Thursday, June 23, 2011
HHS Gives $250,000 Grant to Help LGBT Refugees-But No Help for Falsley Accused Parent's And Their Stolen Children!
HHS Gives $250,000 Grant to Help LGBT Refugees | Care2 Causes
The federal Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF), together with the The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) division, announced this week that it would be contracting with and giving a $250,000 grant to the Heartland Alliance of Chicago in order to aid the creation of a resource center to support the resettlement of LGBT refugees.
This is believed to be the first government backed program of its kind to specifically recognize the unique needs of those forced out of their home countries due to violence and persecution regarding LGBT identity.
“The Obama administration has issued a clear mandate that comprehensive human rights include the elimination of violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.”
What about the right's of falsely accused parent's and their illegally stolen children?
Mr. President, will you ever do anything to help them, or is everything and everyone else more important than FAMILY?
The federal Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF), together with the The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) division, announced this week that it would be contracting with and giving a $250,000 grant to the Heartland Alliance of Chicago in order to aid the creation of a resource center to support the resettlement of LGBT refugees.
This is believed to be the first government backed program of its kind to specifically recognize the unique needs of those forced out of their home countries due to violence and persecution regarding LGBT identity.
“The Obama administration has issued a clear mandate that comprehensive human rights include the elimination of violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.”
What about the right's of falsely accused parent's and their illegally stolen children?
Mr. President, will you ever do anything to help them, or is everything and everyone else more important than FAMILY?
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Long-Term Foster Care-Different Needs, Different Outcomes
http://www.carseyinstitute.unh.edu/publications/IB-Walsh-Long-Term-Foster-Care.pdf
Carsey Institute
ISSUE BRIEF NO. 31
SPRING 2011
WENDY A. WALSH AND MARYBETH J. MATTINGLY
Approximately 424,000 U.S. children have been removed from their regular home and are in substitute
care by child protective services in a given year.
1
A number of studies indicate children in foster care have higher
rates of emotional and behavioral problems, about 30 percent, compared to children in the general population (about
4 percent).
2
Children in foster care are sixteen times more
likely to receive psychiatric diagnoses and eight times more
likely than their peers to take psychotropic medications.
3
Given these concerns, the American Academy of Pediatrics
and the Child Welfare League of America recommends that
children and teens in foster care are screened early and often
to assess for mental health problems.
4
This brief examines where children are living four years
after removal from their homes and the characteristics of
children and their placements. Understanding whether child
characteristics such as age or emotional or behavioral problems are associated with a longer stay in out-of-home care
can help identify children who are least likely to find permanence and may benefit from specialized services.
We analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of children placed in out-of-home care between July
1998 and February 1999. We find that after one year, 78
percent were still in out-of-home care. Only 15 percent of
children were reunified with their parents, and 7 percent
were adopted (see Figure 1).
Four years after removal, 43 percent of children were in
out-of-home care (including 22 percent in foster care, 13 percent in kinship care, and 8 percent in a residential program,
group home, or other living arrangement). Although children
may have lived elsewhere during intervening years, four
years after removal, only 28 percent were reunified with their
parents and 29 percent were adopted.
Key Findings
• Younger children are adopted more often than
older children. Four years after removal, 61 percent
of children aged 3 to 5 were adopted compared
with 5 percent of children aged 15 to 18.
• A sizable share of children in out-of-home care
have emotional problems. Nearly three in ten
(27 percent) children aged 11 to 18 had clinical
levels of emotional problems while 41 percent
had clinical levels of behavioral problems.
• Children with emotional or behavioral problems
are more likely to be in foster care. Four years
after removal, 32 percent of children with clinical
levels of emotional problems and 35 percent of
those with clinical levels of behavioral problems
were in foster care placements. This compares
with 19 percent of those without such problems.
• Children with emotional problems are less
likely to be reunified with their families.
Among children with no emotional problems,
31 percent were reunified with their family
compared with 19 percent of children with
emotional problems. One-third of children
with no behavioral problems were reunified
with their family compared with 18 percent of
children with behavioral problems.
Key Findings
• Younger children are adopted more often than
older children. Four years after removal, 61 percent
of children aged 3 to 5 were adopted compared
with 5 percent of children aged 15 to 18.
• A sizable share of children in out-of-home care
have emotional problems. Nearly three in ten
(27 percent) children aged 11 to 18 had clinical
levels of emotional problems while 41 percent
had clinical levels of behavioral problems.
• Children with emotional or behavioral problems
are more likely to be in foster care. Four years
after removal, 32 percent of children with clinical
levels of emotional problems and 35 percent of
those with clinical levels of behavioral problems
were in foster care placements. This compares
with 19 percent of those without such problems.
• Children with emotional problems are less
likely to be reunified with their families.
Among children with no emotional problems,
31 percent were reunified with their family
compared with 19 percent of children with
emotional problems. One-third of children
with no behavioral problems were reunified
with their family compared with 18 percent of
children with behavioral problems.
Emotional and Behavioral Problems
for Children in Foster Care
In our study, rates of emotional problems did not differ
significantly across the four age groups, but a smaller share of younger children had problems than older children (see
Table 1). For example, 27 percent of children aged 11 to 18
had clinical levels of emotional problems compared with 10
percent of children aged 3 to 5. Similarly, younger children
had lower rates of behavioral problems compared with older
children, but this difference was not statistically significant.
For example, 41 percent of children aged 11 to 18 had clinical levels of behavioral problems compared with 19 percent
of children aged 3 to 5.
As for outcomes for these youth, we find that four years
after placement, a higher share (32 percent) of children with
emotional problems were in foster care than those with no
emotional problems, and a lower share (9 percent) were in
kinship care (see Figure 3). Kinship care is often a preferred
arrangement as it is care by a relative and often less traumatic for children. Children with emotional problems also had
much higher rates of placement in group homes (16 percent
versus only 5 percent of those without emotional problems).
Two-thirds of children with no emotional problems were
either reunified (31 percent) or adopted (31 percent).
Children’s Age and Longer Term
Out-of-Home Placement
Age is often correlated with placement (see Figure 2). The
adoption rate is much lower for older children, for example.
Four years after initial removal, the majority (61 percent) of
children aged 3 to 5 were adopted, but just over 20 percent of
those aged 6 to 10 and 11 to 14 were, and only 5 percent of
those over age 14 were adopted.
Age also comes into play in reunification rates. Four years
after initial removal, children aged 6 to 10 were most often
reunified with their families (39 percent), followed by children aged 15 to 18 (32 percent).
Four years after entry into out-of-home placement, more
than half of the 15- to 18-year-olds (62 percent) and 11- to
14-year-olds (55 percent) were living in foster care, kin care,
or group homes, while fewer than one-quarter of the children aged 5 or younger were in such arrangements. There
were no gender or race differences in placements.
For children with behavioral problems, the patterns
four years after placement were similar to those with
emotional problems. Thirty-five percent were in foster
care while only 11 percent were in kinship care (see Figure 4). They also had higher rates of placement in group
homes, and had lower rates of reunification. Two-thirds
of children without behavioral problems were either
reunified or adopted four years later compared with 39
percent of those with behavioral problems.
Definitions
Out-of-home placement is a substitute care arrangement with foster care, kinship care, group homes, emergency shelters, residential programs, and pre-adoptive
homes.
5
Child behavior and emotional problems were measured
using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), which is
completed by the current caregiver. A score of 64 or
higher indicates the problems are clinical. Behavior and
emotional problems were reported four years after initial
placement.
Report of maltreatment is what child protective services uses to record suspected maltreatment.
Age of child refers to age at four years after initial
placement.
Consequences of Long-Term
Foster Care
Children in long term foster care suffer from behavioral and
emotional problems at alarming rates. Better identifying and
assisting children with, or at risk of developing such problems upon entry to foster care and throughout their out-ofhome placement, may alleviate their needs and troubles and
provide mechanisms for supporting them as they get older.
Differences in the likelihood of remaining in foster care
point to important strategies for aiding these vulnerable
children. That four years after initial removal 44 percent of
youth aged 15 to 18 are in foster care or group homes (and
thus not adopted, reunified, or with kin) underscores the importance of strategies to help these children in the transition
to adulthood. In many states, foster care ceases at age 18 and
the youth are on their own. Yet they are aging out of foster
care at a time in life when many peers still require substantial guidance, structure, and support.
In addition, that so many of those with emotional and
behavioral problems remain in foster care points to the importance of comprehensive mental health services for these
young people. As children in foster care age, lack of recognition of the need for adequate mental health treatment may
lead to further psychopathology. The Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative has identified some of the major issues
that youth confront as they age out of foster care, including
meeting basic needs as they face barriers to completing their
education, securing housing, and accessing medical care
Many who have aged out have low educational attainment,
experience homelessness, and are less likely than age group
peers to be working. Males who aged out of foster care were
six times as likely as their peers to be convicted of a crime.
6
A number of policies and programs address these issues
by providing longer-term support and guidance during
a transition period and assist former foster care youth in
obtaining education, health insurance, and housing. An example is the Guardian Scholars Program at California State
University, which covers full tuition, textbooks, supplies,
and annual fees for former foster care youth.
7
Assistance
also includes year round on-campus housing and employment, counseling, and postgraduate career planning. The
success of these programs is a call for more state and federal
investment in the population that will continue to age out of
foster care. In 2008, President George W. Bush signed “The
Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008,”
8
which promotes kin and relative care,
and among other things allows states reimbursement for
providing foster care for eligible
9
youth up to age 21.
10
States
are not required to adopt the latter piece of this legislation,
and as of April 2011, only eleven states had chosen to do
so.
11
While the policy is still relatively new, research shows
that “the financial benefits of extending foster care—both for
individual youth and for society—outweigh costs to government by a factor of approximately 2 to 1.”
12
These findings
suggest that it may be worthwhile for states to reconsider
their policies for the sake of long-term success. This type of
investment may be significantly less expensive than the costs
of the increased burdens on the community in the form of
lost potential and would be a positive investment in these
young adults.
Data
Data for this brief come from the long-term foster care
(LTFC) sample of the National Survey of Child and
Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW). The LTFC sample
included 727 children who had been in out-of-home
care for approximately one year at the time of sampling
and whose placement had been preceded by an investigation of child abuse and neglect. Eligible children
were randomly sampled from children placed into care
between July 1998 and February 1999. NSCAW used a
stratified two-stage cluster sampling strategy. Additional
information on the NSCAW study design and sampling
procedure has been previously published.
13
The sample
for the current analysis included 567 children who
remained in out-of-home care during the initial wave of
data collection. We examine outcomes four years after
initial placement. Some children placed out of the home
four years after initial placement may have been reunified at some point during the intervening years. Statistics
were computed using survey weights to produce national
estimates. All differences except where noted in the text
are statistically significant at the 95 percent confidence
level (p <.05).
Carsey Institute
ISSUE BRIEF NO. 31
SPRING 2011
WENDY A. WALSH AND MARYBETH J. MATTINGLY
Approximately 424,000 U.S. children have been removed from their regular home and are in substitute
care by child protective services in a given year.
1
A number of studies indicate children in foster care have higher
rates of emotional and behavioral problems, about 30 percent, compared to children in the general population (about
4 percent).
2
Children in foster care are sixteen times more
likely to receive psychiatric diagnoses and eight times more
likely than their peers to take psychotropic medications.
3
Given these concerns, the American Academy of Pediatrics
and the Child Welfare League of America recommends that
children and teens in foster care are screened early and often
to assess for mental health problems.
4
This brief examines where children are living four years
after removal from their homes and the characteristics of
children and their placements. Understanding whether child
characteristics such as age or emotional or behavioral problems are associated with a longer stay in out-of-home care
can help identify children who are least likely to find permanence and may benefit from specialized services.
We analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of children placed in out-of-home care between July
1998 and February 1999. We find that after one year, 78
percent were still in out-of-home care. Only 15 percent of
children were reunified with their parents, and 7 percent
were adopted (see Figure 1).
Four years after removal, 43 percent of children were in
out-of-home care (including 22 percent in foster care, 13 percent in kinship care, and 8 percent in a residential program,
group home, or other living arrangement). Although children
may have lived elsewhere during intervening years, four
years after removal, only 28 percent were reunified with their
parents and 29 percent were adopted.
Key Findings
• Younger children are adopted more often than
older children. Four years after removal, 61 percent
of children aged 3 to 5 were adopted compared
with 5 percent of children aged 15 to 18.
• A sizable share of children in out-of-home care
have emotional problems. Nearly three in ten
(27 percent) children aged 11 to 18 had clinical
levels of emotional problems while 41 percent
had clinical levels of behavioral problems.
• Children with emotional or behavioral problems
are more likely to be in foster care. Four years
after removal, 32 percent of children with clinical
levels of emotional problems and 35 percent of
those with clinical levels of behavioral problems
were in foster care placements. This compares
with 19 percent of those without such problems.
• Children with emotional problems are less
likely to be reunified with their families.
Among children with no emotional problems,
31 percent were reunified with their family
compared with 19 percent of children with
emotional problems. One-third of children
with no behavioral problems were reunified
with their family compared with 18 percent of
children with behavioral problems.
Key Findings
• Younger children are adopted more often than
older children. Four years after removal, 61 percent
of children aged 3 to 5 were adopted compared
with 5 percent of children aged 15 to 18.
• A sizable share of children in out-of-home care
have emotional problems. Nearly three in ten
(27 percent) children aged 11 to 18 had clinical
levels of emotional problems while 41 percent
had clinical levels of behavioral problems.
• Children with emotional or behavioral problems
are more likely to be in foster care. Four years
after removal, 32 percent of children with clinical
levels of emotional problems and 35 percent of
those with clinical levels of behavioral problems
were in foster care placements. This compares
with 19 percent of those without such problems.
• Children with emotional problems are less
likely to be reunified with their families.
Among children with no emotional problems,
31 percent were reunified with their family
compared with 19 percent of children with
emotional problems. One-third of children
with no behavioral problems were reunified
with their family compared with 18 percent of
children with behavioral problems.
Emotional and Behavioral Problems
for Children in Foster Care
In our study, rates of emotional problems did not differ
significantly across the four age groups, but a smaller share of younger children had problems than older children (see
Table 1). For example, 27 percent of children aged 11 to 18
had clinical levels of emotional problems compared with 10
percent of children aged 3 to 5. Similarly, younger children
had lower rates of behavioral problems compared with older
children, but this difference was not statistically significant.
For example, 41 percent of children aged 11 to 18 had clinical levels of behavioral problems compared with 19 percent
of children aged 3 to 5.
As for outcomes for these youth, we find that four years
after placement, a higher share (32 percent) of children with
emotional problems were in foster care than those with no
emotional problems, and a lower share (9 percent) were in
kinship care (see Figure 3). Kinship care is often a preferred
arrangement as it is care by a relative and often less traumatic for children. Children with emotional problems also had
much higher rates of placement in group homes (16 percent
versus only 5 percent of those without emotional problems).
Two-thirds of children with no emotional problems were
either reunified (31 percent) or adopted (31 percent).
Children’s Age and Longer Term
Out-of-Home Placement
Age is often correlated with placement (see Figure 2). The
adoption rate is much lower for older children, for example.
Four years after initial removal, the majority (61 percent) of
children aged 3 to 5 were adopted, but just over 20 percent of
those aged 6 to 10 and 11 to 14 were, and only 5 percent of
those over age 14 were adopted.
Age also comes into play in reunification rates. Four years
after initial removal, children aged 6 to 10 were most often
reunified with their families (39 percent), followed by children aged 15 to 18 (32 percent).
Four years after entry into out-of-home placement, more
than half of the 15- to 18-year-olds (62 percent) and 11- to
14-year-olds (55 percent) were living in foster care, kin care,
or group homes, while fewer than one-quarter of the children aged 5 or younger were in such arrangements. There
were no gender or race differences in placements.
For children with behavioral problems, the patterns
four years after placement were similar to those with
emotional problems. Thirty-five percent were in foster
care while only 11 percent were in kinship care (see Figure 4). They also had higher rates of placement in group
homes, and had lower rates of reunification. Two-thirds
of children without behavioral problems were either
reunified or adopted four years later compared with 39
percent of those with behavioral problems.
Definitions
Out-of-home placement is a substitute care arrangement with foster care, kinship care, group homes, emergency shelters, residential programs, and pre-adoptive
homes.
5
Child behavior and emotional problems were measured
using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), which is
completed by the current caregiver. A score of 64 or
higher indicates the problems are clinical. Behavior and
emotional problems were reported four years after initial
placement.
Report of maltreatment is what child protective services uses to record suspected maltreatment.
Age of child refers to age at four years after initial
placement.
Consequences of Long-Term
Foster Care
Children in long term foster care suffer from behavioral and
emotional problems at alarming rates. Better identifying and
assisting children with, or at risk of developing such problems upon entry to foster care and throughout their out-ofhome placement, may alleviate their needs and troubles and
provide mechanisms for supporting them as they get older.
Differences in the likelihood of remaining in foster care
point to important strategies for aiding these vulnerable
children. That four years after initial removal 44 percent of
youth aged 15 to 18 are in foster care or group homes (and
thus not adopted, reunified, or with kin) underscores the importance of strategies to help these children in the transition
to adulthood. In many states, foster care ceases at age 18 and
the youth are on their own. Yet they are aging out of foster
care at a time in life when many peers still require substantial guidance, structure, and support.
In addition, that so many of those with emotional and
behavioral problems remain in foster care points to the importance of comprehensive mental health services for these
young people. As children in foster care age, lack of recognition of the need for adequate mental health treatment may
lead to further psychopathology. The Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative has identified some of the major issues
that youth confront as they age out of foster care, including
meeting basic needs as they face barriers to completing their
education, securing housing, and accessing medical care
Many who have aged out have low educational attainment,
experience homelessness, and are less likely than age group
peers to be working. Males who aged out of foster care were
six times as likely as their peers to be convicted of a crime.
6
A number of policies and programs address these issues
by providing longer-term support and guidance during
a transition period and assist former foster care youth in
obtaining education, health insurance, and housing. An example is the Guardian Scholars Program at California State
University, which covers full tuition, textbooks, supplies,
and annual fees for former foster care youth.
7
Assistance
also includes year round on-campus housing and employment, counseling, and postgraduate career planning. The
success of these programs is a call for more state and federal
investment in the population that will continue to age out of
foster care. In 2008, President George W. Bush signed “The
Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008,”
8
which promotes kin and relative care,
and among other things allows states reimbursement for
providing foster care for eligible
9
youth up to age 21.
10
States
are not required to adopt the latter piece of this legislation,
and as of April 2011, only eleven states had chosen to do
so.
11
While the policy is still relatively new, research shows
that “the financial benefits of extending foster care—both for
individual youth and for society—outweigh costs to government by a factor of approximately 2 to 1.”
12
These findings
suggest that it may be worthwhile for states to reconsider
their policies for the sake of long-term success. This type of
investment may be significantly less expensive than the costs
of the increased burdens on the community in the form of
lost potential and would be a positive investment in these
young adults.
Data
Data for this brief come from the long-term foster care
(LTFC) sample of the National Survey of Child and
Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW). The LTFC sample
included 727 children who had been in out-of-home
care for approximately one year at the time of sampling
and whose placement had been preceded by an investigation of child abuse and neglect. Eligible children
were randomly sampled from children placed into care
between July 1998 and February 1999. NSCAW used a
stratified two-stage cluster sampling strategy. Additional
information on the NSCAW study design and sampling
procedure has been previously published.
13
The sample
for the current analysis included 567 children who
remained in out-of-home care during the initial wave of
data collection. We examine outcomes four years after
initial placement. Some children placed out of the home
four years after initial placement may have been reunified at some point during the intervening years. Statistics
were computed using survey weights to produce national
estimates. All differences except where noted in the text
are statistically significant at the 95 percent confidence
level (p <.05).
Children in Long-Term Foster Care Suffer High Rates of Behavioral, Emotional Problems
Children in Long-Term Foster Care Suffer High Rates of Behavioral, Emotional Problems
Newswise — DURHAM, N.H. – Children who live in long-term foster care experience higher rates of behavioral and emotional problems compared with their peers who are reunited with their families or adopted, according to new research from the Carsey Institute at the University of New Hampshire.
Newswise — DURHAM, N.H. – Children who live in long-term foster care experience higher rates of behavioral and emotional problems compared with their peers who are reunited with their families or adopted, according to new research from the Carsey Institute at the University of New Hampshire.
Foster carers cannot take the place of parents-Here Here!
Foster carers cannot take the place of parents | Society | The Guardian
It's about time someone speak's the truth!
Rather than closing residential care homes, and sending more children to be fostered, we need to reduce their size.
More and more residential care homes are closing. From my experience, this is not good news.
It's about time someone speak's the truth!
Rather than closing residential care homes, and sending more children to be fostered, we need to reduce their size.
More and more residential care homes are closing. From my experience, this is not good news.
Updates of Sacks vs. Sacks Petition for Writ of Certiorari - US Supreme Court Deciding or Not to Hear Case
Updates of Sacks vs. Sacks Petition for Writ of Certiorari - US Supreme Court Deciding or Not to Hear Case | World Pulse
Historic US Supreme Court Case on Behalf of America’s Mothers and Children
DISTRIBUTED FOR CONFERENCE JUNE 23, 2011
Case 10-1381 Petition for Certiorari Attached
The Sacks v. Sacks case has been distributed for conference on June 23, 2011. Just imagine….the US Supreme Court in Washington DC will discuss the Sacks v. Sacks Petition for Certiorari Case 10-1381 on June 23, 2011 and will decide if they will hear the case.
Linda Marie’s daughter in April 2007, said “Mommy fight for us, and do something every day to get us back, and don’t ever stop”. This Florida Mother has kept her promise to her daughter’s and now is speaking on behalf of America’s children and their “protective parents”.
Historic US Supreme Court Case on Behalf of America’s Mothers and Children
DISTRIBUTED FOR CONFERENCE JUNE 23, 2011
Case 10-1381 Petition for Certiorari Attached
The Sacks v. Sacks case has been distributed for conference on June 23, 2011. Just imagine….the US Supreme Court in Washington DC will discuss the Sacks v. Sacks Petition for Certiorari Case 10-1381 on June 23, 2011 and will decide if they will hear the case.
Linda Marie’s daughter in April 2007, said “Mommy fight for us, and do something every day to get us back, and don’t ever stop”. This Florida Mother has kept her promise to her daughter’s and now is speaking on behalf of America’s children and their “protective parents”.
15 Famous People Who’ve Helped Demystify Depression
15 Famous People Who’ve Helped Demystify Depression | Masters in Health Care
Not all famous people flit about as completely useless wads of silicone and botulism — many actually wield their clout as a tool for positive social change. 9.5% of American adults suffer from mood disorders, with 45% of these cases qualifying as severe. Despite their prevalence, however, society still sees fit to demonize and misrepresent the conditions and accompanying treatment options. Because it doesn’t seem to seriously care about what experts have to say, celebrities have to step in and educate the populace on depression mental health realities. Many of them actually know what they’re talking about, more often than not because of personal experiences. They bravely utilize such privilege as a pulpit for tearing away at the unfair myths perpetuating marginalization, giving back something worthwhile to the society that made them.
All of the stories here intentionally reflect a broad experience spectrum. Some individuals may not suffer from depression, but still play their part in dispelling falsehoods all the same. Some prefer working towards de-stigmatizing mental illness in general. Some felt suicidal; some required medication; some never even had to visit a psychology professional. Clinical depression and its co-morbid disorders manifest themselves in numerous destructive ways; every story differs in the details, but always rotates around an anxious, terrified and hopeless center. Each individual — famous or not — sharing her or his unique story adds yet another voice to the integral de-stigmatization movement. It puts a very real, very human face on suffering frequently tossed aside, even outright mocked, by the general public.
Joey Pantoliano: No Kidding, Me Too is a movie, nonprofit and a movement fronted by The Matrix and Memento actor Joey Pantoliano. Although he suffers from ADHD and clinical depression, the organization’s main goals revolve around de-stigmatizing all mental illnesses. In order to encourage others to speak out about their psychological and psychiatric experiences, Pantoliano remains exceptionally candid about his own deeply personal struggles. Many individuals with depression will likely find something relatable in his myriad writings, videos and interviews.
Winston Churchill: Former, famed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill referred to his mounting depression as his "black dog" — a term many of his fellow sufferers have appropriated over time. While his stressful political tenure was understandably pockmarked with exceptionally low episodes, most of the leader’s worst times settled in during the retirement years. Some theorize that Alzheimer’s or strokes may have hastened the issue, and many believe he may have actually been bipolar. Churchill’s memoirs chronicle these periods both eloquently and evocatively.
Tipper Gore: Clinical depression, as with all mental illnesses, further (and unnecessarily) burdens its victims with social ostracism and crippling misconceptions. Tired of the general public’s ignorance, the former Second Lady appeared on 60 Minutes to discuss her experience. Along with host Mike Wallace — for whom depression also caused disruptions — she showcased the realities of therapy and medication. Although the latter does not always work for all patients, no shame should be attached to those finding it a viable solution.
Glenn Close: Unlike many of the other famous faces listed here, Glenn Close herself does not suffer from any mental illness. Her sister, however, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and together they launched the Bring Change 2 Mind initiative. This nonprofit hopes to rework public perception and rhetoric against those with psychiatric disorders, instilling hope in those with everything from mild depression to severely catatonic schizophrenia — and all conditions between them.
Ron Artest: When Lakers forward Ron Artest thanked his psychiatrist after winning the 2010 NBA championships, more than a few fans and commentators very unfortunately scratched their heads. He would then courageously go on to auction off his championship ring to further mental health awareness and de-stigmatization. Ever since his stint with the Houston Rockets, Artest has regularly visited a therapist, whom he credits as essential to overcoming anxiety and achieving professional success. Although he remains mum about the exact nature of what afflicts him, the basketball star certainly played an integral role in encouraging the depressed and others suffering with psychiatric disorders to seek help.
Kurt Vonnegut: Creative types often channel their destructive emotions into lauded artistic works, and the iconic Kurt Vonnegut makes for a notable example. Following his 2007 passing, fans with clinical depression touched by his oeuvre paid tribute both online and in person, praising his up-front talks about what it all feels like. In 1984, he attempted suicide after Slaughterhouse-Five achieved success; Vonnegut himself lost his own mother to the condition. The incident ended up relayed in many of his fictional and nonfictional works, giving a voice to many who found themselves shamed and quieted by mainstream society.
Woody Allen: This influential director has never shied away from talking candidly about his therapy, depression, anxiety and other mental struggles. In fact, Woody Allen attributes his entire film career — both the successes and failures — to the constant barrage of confusing negative emotions associated with the disorder. Writing, directing and starring in movies served as a welcome, creative distraction. The more he focused on productivity, the less he would on his own neuroses.
Jon Hamm: As the world’s sexiest individual and lauded front man of the wildly successful Mad Men, most people would probably assume Jon Hamm enjoys a charmed existence. While grateful for his accomplishments, the actor never would have earned Emmy nods and a Golden Globe without intense therapy. Losing his mother at 10 and father at 20 left him misplaced, traumatized and lonely — and when combined with an unforgiving film career, eventually rendered life too much to handle. Regular psychiatrist visits and antidepressants made all the difference when Hamm thought himself "lost in [his] own spiral."
J.K. Rowling: J.K. Rowling contemplated suicide before publishing Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, a gutsy admission for the author of a beloved young adult series. Like many of the other individuals listed here, she openly talks about depression and the accompanying self-destruction with the hope of inspiring and de-stigmatizing. Rowling credits her daughter with encouraging her to enter into mental health treatment with a GP, working through a horrific patch using cognitive behavior therapy.
Brooke Shields: Depression remains a largely misunderstood mystery in today’s society, but postpartum depression grapples against these factors even more. Following the birth of her first child, model and actress Brooke Shields discovered herself crushed beneath the disorder’s full weight. Coming to terms with a frequently painful and unfairly dismissed condition inspired her towards activism, an experience she famously relayed on ABC News. Today, Shields educates childbearing women and their partners about postpartum depression’s harsh realities.
Stephen Fry: BBC’s The Secret Life of a Manic Depressive may not be comedian, author and actor Stephen Fry’s first foray into mental health activism, but it’s probably his most high-profile. Bipolar disorder and depression — including a truly frightening incident involving a fugue state and international meandering — instill undue stress and suffering in the venerable Renaissance man. Rather than snap underneath the pressure, Fry has instead devoted much of his life to debunking mental health myths, misconceptions and stigmas through numerous media venues.
Amy Tan: Family sits as a central theme of The Joy Luck Club and The Bonesetter’s Daughter, so it’s understandable that such a stimulus piqued author Amy Tan’s depression. While the former enjoyed critical success as both a novel and a film, all she could think about was death, hopelessness, despair and panic because of her mother’s Alzheimer’s descent. Both nature and nurture played a role in Tan’s mental health, as her mom also experienced temptations towards suicide (even homicide). Writing and jazz eventually proved far more therapeutic than psychological professionals — especially after one allegedly fell asleep during a session!
Drew Carey: Hollywood isn’t exactly a friendly or forgiving place, and the popular comedian and actor found life there instilling overwhelming depression. Twice Drew Carey attempted suicide, once at 18 and again a few years later. Loneliness and anxiety over his career eventually led him down such a dark path, but he attributes reading to his eventual success and personal comfort. Self-help books especially provided Carey with enough inspiration and information to press forward.
Sarah Silverman: Love her or loathe her, controversial comedienne Sarah Silverman deserves credit for adding another valuable public perspective on a frequently shamed medical condition. As with many of the famous folks here, she holds no qualms about discussing her depression and resultant antidepressant usage — even wringing humor out of painful situations. Silverman understands that medication doesn’t necessarily work for everyone, admitting she "really lucked out" on finding effective Zoloft treatment.
Carrie Fisher: The former Star Wars siren once self-medicated with excessive alcohol and drugs to quell some of bipolar disorder’s (co-morbid with depression in this case) intensity. Originally diagnosed in her 20s, Carrie Fisher now undergoes electroshock therapy once every 6 weeks, and openly shares her experiences with the hopes of dispelling myths. Such treatments certainly meet their own fair share of hostility and mistrust from the general public thanks to media misrepresentation; for her, though, they do an excellent job of calming the symptoms.
Not all famous people flit about as completely useless wads of silicone and botulism — many actually wield their clout as a tool for positive social change. 9.5% of American adults suffer from mood disorders, with 45% of these cases qualifying as severe. Despite their prevalence, however, society still sees fit to demonize and misrepresent the conditions and accompanying treatment options. Because it doesn’t seem to seriously care about what experts have to say, celebrities have to step in and educate the populace on depression mental health realities. Many of them actually know what they’re talking about, more often than not because of personal experiences. They bravely utilize such privilege as a pulpit for tearing away at the unfair myths perpetuating marginalization, giving back something worthwhile to the society that made them.
All of the stories here intentionally reflect a broad experience spectrum. Some individuals may not suffer from depression, but still play their part in dispelling falsehoods all the same. Some prefer working towards de-stigmatizing mental illness in general. Some felt suicidal; some required medication; some never even had to visit a psychology professional. Clinical depression and its co-morbid disorders manifest themselves in numerous destructive ways; every story differs in the details, but always rotates around an anxious, terrified and hopeless center. Each individual — famous or not — sharing her or his unique story adds yet another voice to the integral de-stigmatization movement. It puts a very real, very human face on suffering frequently tossed aside, even outright mocked, by the general public.
Joey Pantoliano: No Kidding, Me Too is a movie, nonprofit and a movement fronted by The Matrix and Memento actor Joey Pantoliano. Although he suffers from ADHD and clinical depression, the organization’s main goals revolve around de-stigmatizing all mental illnesses. In order to encourage others to speak out about their psychological and psychiatric experiences, Pantoliano remains exceptionally candid about his own deeply personal struggles. Many individuals with depression will likely find something relatable in his myriad writings, videos and interviews.
Winston Churchill: Former, famed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill referred to his mounting depression as his "black dog" — a term many of his fellow sufferers have appropriated over time. While his stressful political tenure was understandably pockmarked with exceptionally low episodes, most of the leader’s worst times settled in during the retirement years. Some theorize that Alzheimer’s or strokes may have hastened the issue, and many believe he may have actually been bipolar. Churchill’s memoirs chronicle these periods both eloquently and evocatively.
Tipper Gore: Clinical depression, as with all mental illnesses, further (and unnecessarily) burdens its victims with social ostracism and crippling misconceptions. Tired of the general public’s ignorance, the former Second Lady appeared on 60 Minutes to discuss her experience. Along with host Mike Wallace — for whom depression also caused disruptions — she showcased the realities of therapy and medication. Although the latter does not always work for all patients, no shame should be attached to those finding it a viable solution.
Glenn Close: Unlike many of the other famous faces listed here, Glenn Close herself does not suffer from any mental illness. Her sister, however, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and together they launched the Bring Change 2 Mind initiative. This nonprofit hopes to rework public perception and rhetoric against those with psychiatric disorders, instilling hope in those with everything from mild depression to severely catatonic schizophrenia — and all conditions between them.
Ron Artest: When Lakers forward Ron Artest thanked his psychiatrist after winning the 2010 NBA championships, more than a few fans and commentators very unfortunately scratched their heads. He would then courageously go on to auction off his championship ring to further mental health awareness and de-stigmatization. Ever since his stint with the Houston Rockets, Artest has regularly visited a therapist, whom he credits as essential to overcoming anxiety and achieving professional success. Although he remains mum about the exact nature of what afflicts him, the basketball star certainly played an integral role in encouraging the depressed and others suffering with psychiatric disorders to seek help.
Kurt Vonnegut: Creative types often channel their destructive emotions into lauded artistic works, and the iconic Kurt Vonnegut makes for a notable example. Following his 2007 passing, fans with clinical depression touched by his oeuvre paid tribute both online and in person, praising his up-front talks about what it all feels like. In 1984, he attempted suicide after Slaughterhouse-Five achieved success; Vonnegut himself lost his own mother to the condition. The incident ended up relayed in many of his fictional and nonfictional works, giving a voice to many who found themselves shamed and quieted by mainstream society.
Woody Allen: This influential director has never shied away from talking candidly about his therapy, depression, anxiety and other mental struggles. In fact, Woody Allen attributes his entire film career — both the successes and failures — to the constant barrage of confusing negative emotions associated with the disorder. Writing, directing and starring in movies served as a welcome, creative distraction. The more he focused on productivity, the less he would on his own neuroses.
Jon Hamm: As the world’s sexiest individual and lauded front man of the wildly successful Mad Men, most people would probably assume Jon Hamm enjoys a charmed existence. While grateful for his accomplishments, the actor never would have earned Emmy nods and a Golden Globe without intense therapy. Losing his mother at 10 and father at 20 left him misplaced, traumatized and lonely — and when combined with an unforgiving film career, eventually rendered life too much to handle. Regular psychiatrist visits and antidepressants made all the difference when Hamm thought himself "lost in [his] own spiral."
J.K. Rowling: J.K. Rowling contemplated suicide before publishing Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, a gutsy admission for the author of a beloved young adult series. Like many of the other individuals listed here, she openly talks about depression and the accompanying self-destruction with the hope of inspiring and de-stigmatizing. Rowling credits her daughter with encouraging her to enter into mental health treatment with a GP, working through a horrific patch using cognitive behavior therapy.
Brooke Shields: Depression remains a largely misunderstood mystery in today’s society, but postpartum depression grapples against these factors even more. Following the birth of her first child, model and actress Brooke Shields discovered herself crushed beneath the disorder’s full weight. Coming to terms with a frequently painful and unfairly dismissed condition inspired her towards activism, an experience she famously relayed on ABC News. Today, Shields educates childbearing women and their partners about postpartum depression’s harsh realities.
Stephen Fry: BBC’s The Secret Life of a Manic Depressive may not be comedian, author and actor Stephen Fry’s first foray into mental health activism, but it’s probably his most high-profile. Bipolar disorder and depression — including a truly frightening incident involving a fugue state and international meandering — instill undue stress and suffering in the venerable Renaissance man. Rather than snap underneath the pressure, Fry has instead devoted much of his life to debunking mental health myths, misconceptions and stigmas through numerous media venues.
Amy Tan: Family sits as a central theme of The Joy Luck Club and The Bonesetter’s Daughter, so it’s understandable that such a stimulus piqued author Amy Tan’s depression. While the former enjoyed critical success as both a novel and a film, all she could think about was death, hopelessness, despair and panic because of her mother’s Alzheimer’s descent. Both nature and nurture played a role in Tan’s mental health, as her mom also experienced temptations towards suicide (even homicide). Writing and jazz eventually proved far more therapeutic than psychological professionals — especially after one allegedly fell asleep during a session!
Drew Carey: Hollywood isn’t exactly a friendly or forgiving place, and the popular comedian and actor found life there instilling overwhelming depression. Twice Drew Carey attempted suicide, once at 18 and again a few years later. Loneliness and anxiety over his career eventually led him down such a dark path, but he attributes reading to his eventual success and personal comfort. Self-help books especially provided Carey with enough inspiration and information to press forward.
Sarah Silverman: Love her or loathe her, controversial comedienne Sarah Silverman deserves credit for adding another valuable public perspective on a frequently shamed medical condition. As with many of the famous folks here, she holds no qualms about discussing her depression and resultant antidepressant usage — even wringing humor out of painful situations. Silverman understands that medication doesn’t necessarily work for everyone, admitting she "really lucked out" on finding effective Zoloft treatment.
Carrie Fisher: The former Star Wars siren once self-medicated with excessive alcohol and drugs to quell some of bipolar disorder’s (co-morbid with depression in this case) intensity. Originally diagnosed in her 20s, Carrie Fisher now undergoes electroshock therapy once every 6 weeks, and openly shares her experiences with the hopes of dispelling myths. Such treatments certainly meet their own fair share of hostility and mistrust from the general public thanks to media misrepresentation; for her, though, they do an excellent job of calming the symptoms.
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