Depression in men is topic during disabilities awareness month
10/15/2014
 

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.”

 

 

 


 

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