On Sept. 20, Lisa O'Donnell and Jamey Lister invited guest speaker Stephanie Prechter (above, center) to share with their combined DSM-5 classes her personal experience with bipolar disorder. Dr. O'Donnell became friends with Stephanie, who has a family history and a personal diagnosis of bipolar disorder, while working with her on the Prechter Bipolar Research Team at the University of Michigan years ago.

A passionate spokesperson for resilience with a background in mental health advocacy and outreach in suicide prevention, Stephanie shared personal experience with the bipolar diagnosis and losing her dad to suicide, then engaged the class in a reflective  discussion.

Throughout the talk, Stephanie stressed the role of protective factors in seeking and adhering to treatment including faith, family and other psychosocial supports, exploring ways to build resilience and foster self-awareness, personal interests and outlets (in her case, art), and meaningful "work" whether it be employment, volunteerism, family responsibilities or other forms of fulfillment.

"I really enjoyed the questions students asked and the chance to share my own journey with bipolar disorder, with the goal being to promote awareness and encourage discussion," said Stephanie.

Stephanie also shared that a typical response to her presentation is, "you don't look like someone who has bipolar disorder."

"There is a shift that occurs in people when they see that you don't resemble the extreme case they may read about or see depicted in popular culture," she said. "It's important to talk about the complexity of this condition, the sensitivity to the language used to describe and discuss mental health, and the importance of empowerment in the life of someone with bipolar disorder."

Dr. O'Donnell said she and Dr. Lister "were very grateful Stephanie could join our classes."

"She discussed the lived experience of having bipolar disorder as well as how we, as social workers, can best work with clients in general and, more specifically, those diagnosed with bipolar disorder," said Dr. O'Donnell. "This experience was very inspiring and I know our students will remember this, as will we."

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Megan Pennefather is leaving the School for a new opportunity at WSU Office of Development. Megan has been with the school for many years, first as a student in our M.S.W. program and as a student assistant in the Research Center. Upon graduation she moved on to be a research assistant for Debra Patterson and for Liz Agius. Most recently, she has been the campus coach for the Transition to Independence (TIP) program. TIP hosted a farewell for her along with its back-to-school event for their students on Sept. 17. The School of Social Work thanks Megan for all she has done for the school and wishes her the very best of luck in her new position.

J. Lloyd Allen has joined Wayne State University's School of Social Work faculty as an assistant professor. His research explores issues related to gender and sexuality, HIV policy and advocacy, mental health and Black/African American gay men, community mobilization, program evaluation, masculinity, mental health, depression, substance abuse, and gender inequality. Read more here.  

Lisa O'Donnell has joined the Wayne State School of Social Work faculty as an assistant professor. Her research examines the nature of functional and quality of life deficits such as employment impairments found among individuals with bipolar disorder and other severe mental illnesses, and the impact of current psychosocial interventions on remediating these deficits. Read more here.

Wayne State's School of Social Work and Counseling and Psychological Services hosted a World Suicide Prevention Day event on Gullen Mall on Sept. 7. At this event, students, staff and faculty could sign their names or the name of a loved one on one of four paper candles to raise awareness for an issue that is usually kept in the dark. Attending the event (below, left to right) were M.S.W. student Nakita Currie, Shantalea Johns and Joy Ernst.  Read the South End's reporting on the event here.