There’s hope for depression sufferers
On Sept. 26, “The California Girl” a dramatic presentation about depression and suicide took place before a standing-room-only audience in the ballroom of Lynchburg’s Holiday Inn Select downtown.
The story is one of a young woman, Brittney Kittrell, a 21-year-old George Mason University student and bride-to-be who tragically ended her own life in January 2009. Fortunately, Kim Kittrell, who is Brittney’s mother, has courageously stepped forward to publicly share her personal story and, therefore, in the process encouraging others to seek treatment.
In fact, there is help and hope for young and old alike. A panel of mental health professionals and Tony Collins, a former New England Patriots running back addressed the topic at the end of the presentation.
Fortunately, in addition, the state of Virginia has also taken a step forward in helping youth by including depression and suicide prevention in Standards of Learning criteria in the health curriculum for 10th grade students.
There are also local peer-to-peer local (i.e. “consumer”) organizations where persons can turn to others for support who themselves have personally experienced depression, anxiety and other related conditions. For example there is the Center for Wellness and Recovery on Court Street as well as Lynchburg Depressive Disorders Association, the Lynchburg area’s oldest continuously operating consumer group founded in 1989. LDDA meets every Wednesday night from 7 to 9 p.m. at Heritage United Methodist Church on Leesville Road.
As the spouse of a person with depression who chose to share her story publicly in The News & Advance two decades ago on Dec. 24, 1991, I know first-hand there is hope and help available. (And thanks to retired N&A reporter Cynthia Pegram for a well written article.)
If you know of someone who is experiencing depression or other mental health condition, please reach out in the spirit of compassion and understanding. Encourage treatment, self education and support.
PHIL THEISEN
Forest
Public servants
On Sept. 28, The News & Advance printed a letter from Campbell County Sheriff Terry Gaddy and Commonwealth’s Attorney Neil Vener in support of Shelia Bosiger for Campbell County Clerk of Court.
They are Republicans and she is not the Republican candidate, but they feel she is the most qualified candidate. It is refreshing indeed to see our officials put the interests of citizens above party affiliation. Congratulations to Gaddy and Vener. As a Campbell County resident, my respect for them has certainly increased.
An article by Chris Dummond in The News & Advance the same day points out that Bosiger sought the Republican nomination. It appears to me that the Campbell County Republican Party is more concerned about party affiliations than they are about nominating qualified candidates.
Shame on them.
DAVE THOMAS
Lynchburg
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