A talk
about depression among men, a movie about autism and game with blindfolded
players aim to increase understanding of disabilities. The events are part of
the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s “Celebrate All Abilities” month.
Depression
in men is often not recognized by professionals and is under reported by men,
who are less likely than women to seek help for depression. Yet men who
struggle with depression have difficulty with parenting, partner relationships
and are more likely to abuse substances and engage in reckless behaviors.
Men
are three to four times more likely to complete suicide than women, according
to Mark Meier, founder and executive director of Face It, a Minneapolis based
organization focused on the needs of men with depression. He will be one of
three men sharing their struggles with depression on Oct. 29.
The
presentation “Understanding Depression: Real Men, Real Stories… Real Recovery”
will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, in the Laird Room of the Dreyfus
University Center. Meier, Bill Dehkes and Mike Beardsley, all involved with
Face It, will talk about how depression and anxiety have touched their lives,
families and careers, and how they have become more positive and productive.
Other
events include:
Movie night, “Temple Grandin” will be
shown at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at University Theatre, Dreyfus University Center.
Claire
Danes stars in this biography of an animal scientist and advocate for people
with autism spectrum disorders. It
is free and open to the public.
- Goalball tournament, a sport for the
visually impaired, will be played by UW-Stevens Point students wearing
blindfolds to increase awareness of visual impairment. Community spectators are
welcome to watch. It will be held from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, in Room 110
Health Enhancement Center.
The
events are sponsored by UW-Stevens Point Disability Advisory Council. “Understanding
Depression” is also sponsored by Ministry Health Care and the Suicide
Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Committee of Portage County.
The
community and campus are invited to attend, said Jim Joque, director of the
Disability and Assistive Technology Center. “Celebrating All Abilities includes
everyone -- those with disabilities and those without, making these events
inclusive.”