The event will explore current knowledge on depression and related disorders in college undergraduate and graduate students, and the best approaches for prevention, detection and treatment. It is co-sponsored by the U-M Depression Center -- the only center in the nation devoted to research, treatment and education on all forms of depression -- and the U-M Rackham School of Graduate Studies.

Educators, students, researchers, mental health advocates and professionals, and the media are welcome to attend. Space is limited and registration is required; a registration fee will be charged for all participants except students and journalists. For more information, visit www.rackham.umich.edu/DepressionConf and www.depressioncenter.org.

Speakers will include depression experts from the U-M and other academic institutions, mental health advocates, and students who have dealt with depression and bipolar disorder in their own lives. The event will feature many workshops and discussion groups, as well as panel sessions, displays, a video documentary featuring students with depression, and a performance by Mentality, a U-M student advocacy group that explores mental health issues.

Three noted authors whose books address their own experiences with depression will give keynote addresses open to the public: National Book Award winner Andrew Solomon, author of "The Noonday Demon"; Meri Nana-Ama Danquah, who wrote "Willow Weep for Me: A Black Woman's Journey Though Depression", and Kathy Cronkite, author of "On the Edge of Darkness: Conversations About Conquering Depression", which features interviews with celebrities who have depression.

"Awareness of dep
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Contact: Kara Gavin
kegavin@umich.edu
734-764-2220
University of Michigan Health System
7-Feb-2003