Ross Szabo confronted at an early age, the stigma of mental illness. At sixteen years old he was a popular student leader and athlete. Then he began suffering mood swings, depression, hallucinations and other symptoms that led to a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. He was hospitalized after wanting to take his own life, and after his release, experienced the social isolation of the disease. His college years were also filled with emotional setbacks, but Ross eventually achieved the success of his dreams. This experience began a ten-year mission to speak out about mental illness and reach young people who are struggling to deal with their problems.

Ross visits high schools and college campuses around the country, in an effort to banish misguided stereotypes about mental illness. He wants young people to understand that mental illnesses should be treated like any other medical problem, and that the people affected can live happy and productive lives. He also believes that talking about our problems is the first step to recovery. Ross’ message is a timely one. Statistics show that one out of every five young people in this country suffers from some sort of mental illness. Suicide is third leading cause of death in high school students, and the second leading cause in college-aged students.

In the WNED television production WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND, Ross brings his personal story and inspirational message to a studio audience of local teenagers. Speaking as the Director of Youth Outreach for the National Mental Health Awareness Campaign, Ross shares the details of his struggles with bipolar disorder and the lessons he’s learned. He wants young people to know that the time has come to change the way we deal with mental health problems, help is available, and while we all may suffer difficult times, “you don’t have to be a victim of your past…you can be a survivor of the future.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• More than 19 million Americans suffer from a depressive illness.
  
• Women are twice as likely as men to suffer clinical depression.
  
• Mental illness affects 1 in 5 Americans.
  
• Most people with mental illness never seek help.
  
• Each year almost 5,000 people ages 15-24 commit suicide, making it the third leading cause of death for adolescents.

More Facts:
In 1999, Nearly 20% of American High School Students Reported Having Seriously Considered or Attempted Suicide During the Previous 12 Months.
More People Die From Suicide Than From Homicide Each Year.
80-90% of People Who Receive the Necessary Form of help Will Function Normally