THE FACES OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
Sometimes It Wears a Mask

What would make a 28-year-old  pilot, lock the door of the cabin barring the other pilot from entering, and crash the plane taking not only his own life, but that of 149 others?

What would cause a Public Relations powerhouse - who is also a licensed clinical therapist - orchestrate major events with top celebrities, only to come home and cry afterwards? 

What would cause a Wellesley-educated, author, and political insider  miss the signals of her daughter's issues with depression - even though she had previously experienced her own? 

And what would cause a 15 year girl - the victim of a vicious beat down  in a fast food restaurant captured on camera and splashed across newspapers, TV and computer screens - proudly declare that she is "Famous," now? 

The common denominator here is a reflection of the range of complex mental illness issues that affect a variety of people in a variety of different ways. The symptoms often go undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or hidden.   

News of the crash of Germanwings Flight 4U 9525, killing all aboard was horrific enough without the unsettling revelation that the co-pilot, Andras Lubitz, deliberately crashed the plane. 

According to French newspaper, La Parisian, Lubitz had been diagnosed with depression in 2009, exhibited suicidal tendencies and had been treated with anti-psychotic drugs. He clearly kept his illness well-hidden - investigators later found torn up "doctor's notes" in the trash in his home. Notes that apparently never made it to his work supervision to keep him out of the cockpit that day.

Recently I attended an event at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, in Harlem, hosted by public radio station WNYC's Cindy Rodriguez - "Breaking Point: New York's Mental Health Crisis."  Participants included health care professionals and advocates who are fighting against the stigma of mental illness as well as improved treatment options for those affected.

Among the speakers was New York City's First Lady Chirlane McCray. She spoke candidly and passionately about issues involving depression in her own life and that of her family -- her parents dealt with depression and her daughter is currently receiving counseling. Ms McCray told of her depression in her teen years and how she used marijuana and alcohol  to try to cope with it. She also spoke of missing signals in her daughter's behavior: "I thought, well my daughter is a teenager, she's just rebelling -- that's what teens do...My advice to parents is if you feel something isn't right, trust your instincts."

Another speaker was PR entrepreneur  Terrie Williams, who has represented a long list of stellar clients such as: Eddie Murphy, Janet Jackson, Master P, the NBA and the late attorney, Johnnie Cochran. Terrie has long shared her issues with the severe depression she sunk into years ago. Thankfully she emerged from it to become a major force in mental health advocacy. Her book, "Black Pain - It Only Looks Like We're Not Hurting," focuses on what she calls the "mask," that many depressed individuals wear to hide their pain. 

She spoke with emotion about coordinating public relations events with major celebrities only to "come home and  cry." It escalated to a point where she would not leave her apartment, severing contacts even with close friends, until one day some friends came to get her and encourage her to seek counseling. 

She went to a therapist and after a few minutes of seeing Terrie in tears, the therapist said, "You are clinically depressed."

Yet despite being armed with an MSW degree and being a  licensed clinical therapist, Terrie  said: "I didn't have the language to describe how I felt..." As part of her mental health advocacy Terrie has also written "Stay Strong" Simple Life Lessons for Teens," aimed at helping teens cope with the difficult, emotionally stressful, teen years. She has also addressed The United Nations' World  Mental Health Day and serves on the NCAA Mental Health Task Force.

As for (I won't use her name and make her even more "famous"!) the 15 year-old victim of a group assault in Brooklyn McDonald's, her response was to post: "EVERYONE like IM Famous now," on her Facebook page the next day along with a selfie showing off her remarkably unscarred face. I don't know anything about her background or medical history - but her bizarre reaction to being pummeled by a group in full view of bystanders who offered no help - cries out for some professional help. 

According to Mental Health America, a leading community-based advocacy organization, 19 million Americans suffer from clinical depression. Women are nearly twice as likely as men to have it, and those with a family history are at higher risk. African-Americans also tend to be more susceptible. There are many groups and individuals working to treat mental health and advocate for those affected. But the biggest battle may be around the stigma of mental illness. No one wants to believe that they are "losing their mind" or my "mother is acting crazy."  And how, we wonder, is depression different from the normal "blues" that we all get from time to time.

Here are some signs and symptoms of depression:

• persistent sad, anxious or "empty feelings
• feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• irritability, restlessness 
• loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable - including sex   
• difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• insomnia, early-morning wakefulness or excessive sleeping
• overeating, or appetite loss
• thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
• aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

So the face of mental illness could be that of a major city's  First Lady, PR mogul, airline pilot - or the 15 year old who thinks getting beaten up at McDonald's makes her famous. 

Or it could be your face or the face of someone you love. Getting help is the first step - it could mean the difference between disaster and making a positive difference in your life and the lives of others.