Features by Kimiko Martinez

INDIANALIVING SECTION E

[INSIDE]

Clean living run amok

Mandated sanitary wipes for carts? Our fear factor has gone overboard, columnist Lori Borgman says. [E2]

D THE INDIANAPOLIS STAR D MONDAY, MARCH 26, 2007 D INDYSTAR.COM/LIVING

3RD

FRANK ESPICH and JANET SCHNEIDER / Star photo illustration

By Kimiko Martinez

kimiko.martinez@indystar.com

arcey Cram and Ryan Flynn live together, but have slept separately for two years. Nothing’s wrong, thank you. The Ingalls couple is among many with separate sleeping accommodations under the same roof. “At first I was a little put off,” said Cram, 28. “Then I realized, it’s nice to have that space to myself.” While some might view this as odd, it’s a trend that’s apparently on the upswing. While local builders say they haven’t had many requests for dual master bedrooms, according to the National Association of Home Builders, more than 60 percent of custom houses will have them by 2015. Despite outsiders’ perception that something must be wrong with the relationship, many couples find the arrangement benefits both parties and can even strengthen the bonds of intimacy. They sleep apart, despite the lingering stigma, because one person snores, or one’s a night owl, or one tosses and turns and hogs the covers — any number of reasons, in fact, beyond marital troubles.

1 JUST

MINUTE ASST. MANAGING EDITOR/FEATURES: Jacqueline Thomas FEATURES PHONE: 317.444.6267

Couples who sleep apart say their relationships are just fine, thank you — maybe even better than most Cram, for one, thinks that separate bedrooms have helped her relationship. “We tend to set aside more ‘us’ time than we did before,” she said. Historically, and in many societies, keeping separate quarters is the norm. Current ideals, though, seem to equate love and marriage with a shared bed. The age-old assumption that something must be wrong if a couple is sleeping apart is inaccurate, say couples who do so. Empty-nesters Rick and Nancy Miller of Greenwood moved into separate bedrooms a year ago. “We’ve been together for 38 years, so we pretty much know that we love each other,” said Nancy. “But he’s a snorer. And I’m going through menopause and can’t sleep anyway. Even when I was taking a sleeping pill, he was still waking me up . . . I was just tired all the time.” A 2002 National Sleep Foundation (NSF) Sleep in America poll found that 74 percent of American adults are experiencing a sleeping problem

MEATLESS APPEAL An Indianapolis software engineer is in the running for the title of North America’s Sexiest Vegetarian. The contest, sponsored by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, has narrowed a field of more than 700 entrants to 10 men and 10 women. Brad Loveall, a 32-year-old Indiana native, told PETA he was inspired to forgo animal products after reading the 1975 book “Animal Liberation,” which describes how still-conscious animals in factory farms are mutilated, shoved into crates and slaughtered. Check him out and vote for your favorite at www.goveg.com/ f-sexyveg07-vote.asp. — Kelly Kendall

James Munos, who works a late shift, sometimes crashes on the couch when he gets home.

Kimberly Munos says being married but sleeping separately is “kind of like the best of both worlds.”

HOPING FOR THE BIG TIME Indianapolis filmmaker Leon Mallory is vying for a spot on a reality TV show that could lead to a $1 million development deal at DreamWorks studio. Airing this spring on Fox, “On the Lot” will feature 16 undiscovered filmmakers competing for the support of the show’s viewers. Mallory, 24, Westside, has a short film online called “Twin Lost.” Visit http://films.the lot.com/films/22197. — Courtenay Edelhart

a few nights a week or more, and more than one in three is so sleepy during the day that it interferes with daily activities. Which may be why many people are opting to get a decent night’s sleep in a separate room, rather than inadequate sleep next to a loved one. “At this point in our life,” Miller said, “we have a nice home and we just want to be comfortable. It doesn’t affect anything else about our married life.” It doesn’t say anything about the state of the marriage, either, said intimacy expert Patty Brisben. “I don’t think that there’s a problem if it doesn’t bother either party,” said Brisben, founder and CEO of Pure Romance Inc., in Cincinnati. “They have to communicate and understand why this is happening — snoring, erratic sleep patterns, whatever reason.” Another assumption is that the so-called flame has gone out. Another misconception, said Brisben. “When couples do sleep in a sep-

arate bedroom, they have to pay closer attention to their relationship than couples who are sleeping together,” she said. “You have to create nights to spend together. You do have to pay attention to each other’s needs and wants so that you still have that time together.” Kimberly Munos doesn’t share a bed very often with her husband, James Munos, who works a late shift and doesn’t get home until 4 a.m. He gets the bed while she’s at work during the day. Sometimes, he crashes on a comfortable couch the Westside couple invested in. “As far as affecting our sex life, it really doesn’t at all,” said Kimberly. “We do it when we get the chance to. And it’s quality when we do do it. I think it helps us take advantage of that time (we have together) on the weekends,” she said. “When we’re around each other, we’re holding hands, always finding ways to make physical contact with each other.” People find their sleeping arrangement “bizarre,” she said, but it works. “Maybe it’s an ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ kind of thing,” she said. “It’s kind of like the best of both worlds — you’re married, but you get your freedom to do what you want.” And, more importantly, a good night’s sleep. ✭ Call Kimiko Martinez at (317) 444-6305.

[GOIN’ ON TODAY] BLEND OF ELEMENTS Listen to a concert and get a history lesson at the same time from the New Century String Quartet. The classical music group explores the artistic trends of Germany and France in the beginning of the 20th century, including a Maurice Ravel piece from 1903 representing a synthesis of French impressionism and Javanese gamelan music. Info: 7:30 p.m., DeHaan Center, 1400 E. Hanna Ave., free, (317) 788-2135.

Number, out of 10, of adults ages 18-24 in the U.S. who couldn’t find Iraq on a map in a recent poll for National Geographic. — Roper

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9.14.06 THIS WEEK IN INDY:

SQUEEZE ORANJE INTO YOUR TO-DO LIST SAT • PG. 76

Getting down to the heart of Indy’s soul. PAGE 24

TRY YOUR LUCK AT IRISH FEST OR FIESTA ON THE MALL SAT • PG. 60

TRAVEL TO I.U. AND GET A LESSON ON SOUL FROM THE GODFATHER HIMSELF TUE • PG. 44

INDEPTH

Thursday, September 14, 2006 INtake

I By Kimiko Martinez

kimiko.martinez@intakeweekly.com

A number of notable Naptown residents share their thoughts on the meaning of soul and where you can find it in Indianapolis.

t seems we’re surrounded by soul these days. We’ve got soul music, soul food, Soul Sessions and more. But what does it all mean? INtake went soul searching and asked people from around the city — pastors, poets, psychics and even politicians (which, contrary to popular belief, are not soul-less) — what soul means to them. And furthermore, where is Indy’s soul? Here’s what they said.

INtake model Nicole Bullock; Shoes provided by Red Rose Vintage Clothing, 834 E. 64th St.; Photo by Michelle Pemberton / INtake.

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Enoch DeMar and Kyle Hodges

SOUL

Indy’s soulful past

Old Soul Entertainment, DJ, co-creator of Soul Sessions and Manager at Indy CD & Vinyl, DJ Twin Peaks Soul to Enoch DeMar and Kyle Hodges is about finding what you love and what makes you click. For both, it had a lot to do with music. For Hodges, seeking out and discovering new music feeds his passion. A few years ago he began exploring old soul and funk, which he regularly spins in deejay sets with his twin brother Cameron. For DeMar, who began Old Soul Entertainment, music was a way of life, something that he grew up with and that was practically integrated in his genetic makeup. In creating Soul Sessions, he wanted to create an atmosphere that supported the type of exploration that he and Hodges both actively engage in — to present new (and very old) sounds to the ears of those who otherwise might not have that exposure. It’s an opportunity not only to learn, but to relax, open your mind and perhaps hear or find something new that feeds your own soul. Enoch DeMar: Indy has a huge musical history — Indiana Avenue, Madame Walker, (1960s Indianapolis band) the Highlighters. Indiana Avenue was torn down to build a college. They put culture aside to make way for education. But now it’s coming back around, full circle. People are seeking this cultural education. But it’s very hard to get consistent support for it. We can host and maintain how many pro sports teams, but we can’t maintain how many professional artists? You talk to older black people and they’ll say, “Yeah, I had the old Highlighters records, I had this, I had that.” Kyle Hodges: Music is a drumbeat, it’s a heart.

Soul Searching for that “Naptown” sound, by Jason Yoder, of www.indiana45s.com The Naptown sound was born in the upbeat melodies and vocal harmonies of doo-wop groups like the Counts, the Monograms, the Four Sounds and the Drakes. Many of these groups were inspired by the success of the Spaniels, a Gary, Ind., group whose classic “Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight” can still be heard on the radio today. Indianapolis native Herb Miller took his inspiration from Detroit when he launched Naptown’s answer to Motown: Lamp Records. Looking to hear Their first release, the Vansome funky soul? guard’s “Somebody Please,” was Check out DJ a slow groover that bridged Twin Peaks at doo-wop and a new sound. It ORANJE. was an instant hit thanks to loWhen: 8 p.m. to cal radio play by WTLC DJ “Spider” Harrison, spreading across 3 a.m. Sept. 16. the Midwest. The rights to Where: 1440 N. “Somebody Please” were sold Meridian St. to Whiz Records, and Miller Cost: $15 in adstruck a mighty deal with Atlanvance, $20 day tic records. Flush with revenue, of. Lamp Records went on to reInfo: www. lease numerous other recordings oranjeindy.com. by the Vanguards as well as fledgling local bands like the Pearls, Ebony Rhythm Band, Funder Cooper and the Words of Wisdom. Neither Miller nor the Vanguards were ever able to match “Somebody Please” and Lamp Records only lasted a few years, but its success inspired other local labels: Blue Eagle, Knaptown, Lulu and Look-out. Naptown’s jazz scene disintegrated with the demolition of many clubs along Indiana Avenue, but soul music continued to thrive. New clubs like the Surf Side, the 20 Grand Club and the Demonstrators Club sprang up on the Near Northside. Bands like the Highlighters, the Presidents and the Fabulous Moonlighters played to packed houses where afros and platform shoes filled the dance floors. The spirit of entrepreneurial record labels continued into the ’80s when Ricky Clark helped launch Indy and Circle City Records where groups like Klas, the Circle City Band and others had local disco hits. And how could we forget that 25-mile stretch of Interstate 65 renamed “Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds Highway.” Naptown never lost its soul.

Listen to your soul

Tom Klubens / For INtake

Spin doctors: DJs Enoch DeMar, 25, and Kyle Hodges, 31, both of Indy. ED: I was born into music. I eat it, think it, live it. Some people have to go out and search for it. But this is what I’ve been listening to my whole life. KH: See, now I’m the total opposite. I wasn’t raised on music. Not at all. I heard a lot of really bad ’80s rock, thanks to my older brother. But now I perpetually just search. I need new stuff all the time.

Soul is whatever brings light to you. For some people it’s really abstract art. It’s that one thing that’s making you tick. It’s not the TV. It’s not a sports team. Visit museums instead of watching TV. If you’re gonna TiVo it anyway, get out and do something. It’s what’s inside of you. If you don’t like what you see, go out and search for it.

Top 5 Soulful Records of the ’60s 1. Vanguards – “Somebody Please / I Can’t Use You Girl” (Whiz #612)

2. Highlighters – “Funky 16 Corners Part 1 / Funky 16 Corners Part II” (Three Diamonds #001)

3. Billy Ball and the Upsetters w/ Roosevelt Matthews – “Tighten Up Tighter / You Got Me Diggin’ You” (King #6173)

4. Rhythm Machine – “The Kick Part 1 / The Kick Part 2” (Lulu #9706)

5. Allison and Calvin Turner – “It’s Over Between Us / What Is This” (Lulu #9702)

INDEPTH

Thursday, September 14, 2006 INtake

Moving On… to a better you!, LLC

DREAM, CHANGE, FOCUS,

SOUL Cynthia Layne Vocalist When Cynthia Layne opens her mouth, you don’t just hear it, you feel it. And as a seasoned vocalist, that’s her aim. Performing frequently at such venues as The Jazz Kitchen, Savoy and The Red Room, Layne’s sound encompasses a mixture of jazz, R&B and funk. As a singer, the term “soul” is about emotion and feelings. Soul is “sparking emotion.” Singing is about telling a story, and your own interpretation of it comes out in the way you sing it. And when people can actually feel what you are singing about, then you are singing from your soul. You may have heard people say “sing it from your heart and soul” or “that person sings with so much soul.” Soul is when you can feel it and can make others feel what you are feeling by sparking an emotion in them. And what is so great is that soul music is a universal language that people of all races and backgrounds understand. As far as Indy’s soul goes, I think there are a lot of musicians who write all types of great music with a lot of soul. They, like me, are playing in small clubs all around town putting their own music out there to be heard.

LOVE YOUR LIFE!

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TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY AT NOON

Soul Sessions

Tom Klubens / For INtake

What it is: A laid-back event, with a vibe somewhere between a house party, a lounge and a dance club. Art and music are the highlights, exposing lesser known artists (both visual and musical) to the Indy scene. Where it is: Therapy Nightclub & Lounge, 605 E. Market St. When it is: 9 p.m. Oct. 5. Cost: Cover varies. Info: www.oldsoulent.com.

Bart Peterson

OCTOBER 23

7:30pm

CLOWES MEMORIAL HALL

BUY TICKETS AT THE CLOWES MEMORIAL HALL BOX OFFICE, ALL TICKETMASTER TICKET CENTERS, CHARGE BY PHONE 317.239.5151 OR ONLINE AT TICKETMASTER.COM

PRODUCED BY EVENT TIME AND DATE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. TICKETS SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE SERVICE CHARGES.

Indianapolis Mayor When posing a question like, “Where is Indy’s soul?” one would hope that the city’s head government official would have an answer. Mayor Bart Peterson did. Because what’s a city without its people? Soul is the essence of someone or some thing. It is the “thing” about a person (or a city) that is entirely unique. No one can copy it and no one can steal it. You can only lose it by selling it or giving it away. It may sound cliché, but there is no doubt the soul of our city lies within our residents. Indianapolis has accomplished some remarkable things over the last 40 years because of the strength, compassion and hard work of its people. Indianapolis Star file photo

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TIRED OF LOUSY SERVICE?

What is soul?

Answered by Tasha Jones for REFLECTIONS iNK by LaTasha Boyd Jones

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As featured in The Indianapolis Star, The New York Times, Business Week, Real Simple and on WISH TV News 8, WIBC AM 1040, CNN, The Today Show, The Early Show.

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Tasha Jones

Author of “You Don’t Know the Half . . . The Liberation of L. B. Jones” In her bio, Tasha Jones — poet, artist and educator — described her work as soul-healing. “My artistry is a dose of medicine — natural remedies given to the public to heal — not provide temporary relief — you know, relieve the pain for up to eight hours, maybe 12. Not my music, not my words they are meant to heal, to give strength and free . . .” INtake file photo

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Thursday, September 14, 2006 INtake

The Glass Chimney

Dear Patrons, Due to the positive response to our May Anniversary Special we will be offering the same 4 course dinner for the duration of road construction on Old Meridian Street in front of The Glass Chimney.

SOUL

4 Course Dinner Special $31.00

This special dinner will be offered every evening and will begin on

Tuesday, September 5th Reservations are encouraged.

Glass Chimney 317-844-0921

Shrimp & Lobster Bisque Special Salad Roasted Filet of Beef

with wild mushroom madeira sauce

or Fresh Atlantic Salmon Tiramisu with Kahlua

Dinners served with fresh vegetables, rice or potato and bread & butter. Beverages, tax & gratuity not included.

12901 Old Meridian St. Carmel, IN.

9thAnnual CarmelInternational ArtsFestival Saturday,September23 from10am-8pm Sunday,September24 from11am-5pm

pottery.sculpture jewelry.glass,oilpainting photography,mixedmedia over125juriedartists Liveentertainment! Foodvendors! Children’s ArtArea!

NewLocation: CarmelArtsandDesign DistrictonMainStreet inOldTownCarmel

www.carmelartsfestival.org

Abdul in the Mornings Morning Show Host, NewsTalk 1430, WXNT As the morning show host of an AM radio talk show on a station that also broadcasts shows by the likes of Sean Hannity and Bill O’Reilly, Abdul of Abdul in the Mornings has to have some pretty strong opinions of his own. In his eyes, soul can never be broken. “Soul,” to me, is what you are that others can’t see but can feel. It’s the essence of who you are and what gives you your spark. Sometimes it can

Michelle Pemberton / INtake

take a hit, but never be broken by anyone but you. “Indy’s soul” is in its neighborhoods. Because of my job, I get to see a lot of Indianapolis and the surrounding area. Whether it’s an older neighborhood that went through some rough times and is making a comeback or a new subdivision on the Northwestside, you can get a good feel for Indy’s soul. People may come and go, but neighborhoods (like souls) are forever.

Kate Chaplin Author of “The Belief Test” Seems a lot of people in their 20s and 30s are searching for answers. In an increasingly fractured society, it’s hard to know what to believe. So Kate Chaplin, an author and filmmaker, wrote “The Belief Test” to help people find out who they are, in a society that is trying to tell you who you should be. The soul is the core of one’s self, but is also the portal to the connectedness of all beings. I think of the soul like a great wheel. Each of us is a spoke connected not only to the rim but the hub of the great wheel. Some of us are closer to the rim as it constantly beats into the ground — bills to pay, boss getting you down, repetitively seeing the world as pushing you into the ground, never getting ahead. Others of us are closer to the hub — the center of not only ourselves but the center of all humanity. It is in that center, the hub of the soul, where we tap into the moral and emotional nature of human beings. It’s there that we have the ability to reach out and help others and seek out change for a better tomorrow, for we all are connected to the same hub. Indy’s soul is in its people. From our local sports heroes on the field to our children on the playground; the artists and musicians, who share their soul with the world through their craft, to the monuments that make up our city’s circle center, allowing us not to forget the souls who came before us. The past, present and future are in the souls of the people of Indy. The question is: Are we closer to the rim or to the hub?

What do YOU believe?

If you’re looking for answers to life’s questions, check out “The Belief Test,” a 285-question book by Indianapolis author Kate Chaplin that explores life, love, politics and religion. Cost: $5.30 for download, $11.99 for print at www.lulu.com/content/295901.

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Alpha Garrett Indiana Black Expo’s communications director For many, the Indiana Black Expo breathes life and soul into Indianapolis’ African-American community by providing programs and activities — ranging from sponsoring scholarships, putting on the annual Summer Celebration, Coca-Cola Circle City Classic, the Youth Video Institute and We Can Feed the Hungry. Soul, to me, is the connector for your heart, spirit and mind. The support (and result) for the choices I make, my experiences and the guide for love. Where is Indy’s soul? In the people.

Rev. David Hampton Pastor at Zion Hope Baptist Church They say a pastor’s job is to save souls. So who better to ask than someone whose business it is to guide people toward salvation? Soul, in a cultural context, is a life force that is inherent in all people, although usually associated with African-Americans. To me, it is a natural connection with God, people and the arts. Indy’s soul can be found mostly in churches to me.

NATIONAL SINGLES WEEK!

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@ My Girlfriends Kitchen

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Marilene Isaacs

Intuitive counselor, healer and spiritual teacher, Center of Peace Marilene Isaacs deals with souls everyday. Some we can see, others we can’t — like those of loved ones and the spirits of those who’ve passed. But Isaacs sees, hears, feels it all. Even from pets. While some might call her a psychic, she prefers the term intuitive counselor or spiritual teacher. It’s a gift she’s had for several lifetimes. And when people are searching — really seeking after their soul’s destiny, questioning life’s direction and such — they come to her Nora home, the Center of Peace, for guidance. Soul to me is essence; everything else is an outward show. Indiana, if you break it down, is: In Diana — in the protection of the goddess Diana, who rules birth and forests, animals and fecundity. Indiana, at one time, was 85 percent forested. When it comes to our city, Indianapolis is

laid out on sacred geometry. We’re second only to Washington, D.C., when it comes to war memorials. And if you look at them, they’re really more like temples. We have the Scottish Rite Cathedral, one of very few cathedrals in the United States. And then there’s location. If you look at the map, we ARE the crossroads; we’re the heart of the soul of the country. To me, Indy is the embodiment of that part of the soul that has to do with nurturing the soul and protection and that kind of thing. This is going to be a place that really becomes the heart and soul of the nation, because of the location and also the vibrations that are here. It’s a very spiritual vibration. When the Earth changes come — and the end times are here, not hell and brimstone like in the Bible, but they are here — this is going to be one of those safe places.

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The Art Institute of Indianapolis is licensed by the Indiana Commission on Proprietary Education, 302 W. Washington St., Rm E201, Indianapolis, IN 46204. AC-0080 ©2006 The Art Institutes International, Inc.® 11881 06/06 INtake and Indianapolis Star file photos

Depression

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INtake

Sept. 9-15, 2004

About STORY SEARCH

September 9, 2004

Depression Millions suffer from a serious mental illness that can be treated but never really goes away. BY KIMIKO L. MARTINEZ kimiko.martinez@indystar.com Editor's note: Due to the sensitivity of the story, some last names have been withheld. All Maureen could think about was how to make it stop.

Ongoing battle: Maureen's depression had taken her to the point of attempting suicide. It's

Standing on the edge of her apartment complex's pool, she

been more than three years,

stared at the clear water and longed for its peaceful serenity.

and though she takes

She'd been through dark periods before, but things were spiraling out of control.

antidepressants, she still struggles with her condition. Depression affects more than

Underwater, she could make it all disappear: She could

19 million Americans each year.

escape the loneliness of a new city without any friends to turn

-- Arnel Reynon / INtake

to. She could bury the hurt and loss of a recent breakup and forget the stress of losing her job. If she could just jump in,

IN THIS ISSUE COVER STORY

Art-mart smart OUT & ABOUT

Bone appétit FOOD & DRINK

Edible odyssey TREND SETTER

Nix the tux INDY FACES

maybe it would all just go away.

CLINICAL DEPRESSION

Your time to remember

"My world was crashing around me, and I didn't know what to

Symptoms

FEATURE STORY

• Persistent sad, anxious or

YOUR SPACE

"empty" mood

Antique chic

do," Maureen said. "Things were in such turmoil. I just wanted peace." Suicidal thoughts were nothing new to Maureen. The 28-year-old had been battling depression since high school.

• Sleeping too much or too little,

She sought treatment while in college, but a particularly

middle of the night or early

severe severe episode forced her to take time off from

morning waking

medical school. • Reduced appetite and weight For a while, though, it seemed things were getting better. After trying several different medications, she'd finally found one that seemed to work for her. But within a few months of

loss, or increased appetite and weight gain

moving to Indianapolis for a new job, things started to

• Loss of pleasure and interest in

unravel again.

activities once enjoyed, including

"I needed to do something because I couldn't handle all this," said Maureen, now 34. "I started to think of ways that I could kill myself. I was so out of it, though, it was really more like fantasizing wanting to do it, but never really getting there." But here she was, standing beside the pool ready to drown

sex • Restlessness, irritability • Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment

Depression

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Class clown LOCAL EATS

Dog-gone good food, ambience LIVE MUSIC

Top 10 live DARNELL MORRIS-COMPTON

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2/25/2009 10:59 AM

Depression

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herself.

(such as chronic pain or

She took a deep breath and walked in.

digestive disorders)

For some reason, though, she just couldn't do it.

• Difficulty concentrating,

Stepping out of the pool, she thought the worst was over. But when she got back to her apartment, she couldn't shake the thought to finish the task. She began grabbing handfuls of pills, leftover medications that she'd never used, and downed them with alcohol. "I felt like I wanted to die, but I think I knew subconsciously that the pills weren't going to kill me," Maureen said. "Even though I think I knew I wasn't going to overdose, I prayed it would kill me." It didn't.

remembering or making decisions • Fatigue or loss of energy • Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless • Thoughts of suicide or death Causes Many things can contribute to clinical depression. For some

In what could have been her last moments, she called her

people, a number of factors

boyfriend and told him what she'd done. Before she knew it,

seem to be involved, while for

paramedics were at her door.

others a single factor can cause the illness. Oftentimes, people

ROCK BOTTOM

become depressed for no

It has been six years since Maureen tried to kill herself. And

apparent reason.

for 3 1/2 years, she has lived in a pit of isolation, depression and darkness. "This last year and a half has been a slow recovery," she said. There are still days when Maureen can't do anything. She can't pay bills, can't run to the store, can't get out of bed. Up until six months ago, she was still dealing with suicidal thoughts on a daily basis.

Biological -- People with depression typically have too little or too much of certain brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters. Changes in these brain chemicals may cause or contribute to clinical depression.

It's all part of the daily struggle of fighting a disease that attacks the brain instead of the body. "(The suicidal thoughts) were familiar to me," Maureen said. "But I knew not to act on them. I knew they were part of the disease." It's a disease that most people don't understand, though.

Cognitive -- People with negative thinking patterns and low self-esteem are more likely to develop clinical depression. Gender -- Women experience clinical depression at a rate that

"They think you have control over it," Maureen said. "When I

is nearly twice that of men.

told my family, they thought I could just snap out of it."

While the reasons for this are

Experts say that sentiment represents one of the most

still unclear, they may include

common misconceptions about the disease.

the hormonal changes women go

"It really is a medical condition; that's why people who are depressed respond to medications," said Gina Eckart, 36, a licensed mental health counselor at Wishard's Midtown Community Mental Health Center. She wishes more people could see it as a medical condition, "instead of a sign of weakness, that it's not something they can control," she said.

SHARED MISERY

through during menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth and menopause. Other reasons may include the stress caused by the multiple responsibilities that women have. Co-occurrence -- Clinical depression is more likely to

According to the National Mental Health Association, clinical

occur along with certain

depression is one of the most common forms of mental

illnesses, such as heart disease,

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illness, affecting more than 19 million Americans each year. But fewer than half of those suffering from the illness seek treatment, thinking the depression isn't serious, that they can treat it themselves, or believing that it's a personal weakness rather than a medical illness.

cancer, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and hormonal disorders. Medications -- Side effects of

Many times, people suffering from depression fault

some medications can bring

themselves, thinking they should be able to control it, Eckart

about depression.

said. That's how Maureen said she felt. "You feel stigmatized," she said. "You have depression. You're an outcast. It's really hard and you end up having a job that you feel like you should be able to do more, but you can't."

Genetic -- A family history of clinical depression increases the risk for developing the illness. Situational -- Difficult life events, including divorce, financial

The bright 34-year-old California native had managed to

problems or the death of a loved

"fake it" through high school and college, but her world came

one can contribute to clinical

crashing down the first time during medical school when the

depression.

stress of school mixed with sleep deprivation from beginning medical rotations proved too much. She dropped out of classes, sought counseling and, for more than a year, cycled through different medications. "I lost most of my friends because I couldn't go out with them

TREATMENTS FOR CLINICAL DEPRESSION: • More than 80 percent of those who seek treatment for clinical depression show improvement.

socially," she said. "So I felt really alone. It was a year of total darkness." According to Julie Szempruch, a clinical nurse specialist and director of acute care services for Midtown Community Mental Health Center, it's easy for things to quickly spiral out of control.

• Some of the most common treatments include antidepressant medication, psychotherapy or a combination of the two.

"They're not keeping up with daily life, so their finances are

• Choice of treatment depends

out of control and their relationships are out of control,"

on severity of the illness and the

Szempruch said.

pattern, and persistence.

That's when people start thinking about suicide as their only

• Early treatment is more

way out.

effective and helps prevent the

According to Anantha Shekhar, professor of psychiatry at Indiana University School of Medicine, suicides are a "fairly common occurrence and account for a fairly high number of deaths, especially for teenagers and the elderly." The International Association for Suicide Prevention, which sponsors World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept. 10, estimates that approximately 1 million people around the

likelihood of serious recurrences. • Depression must be treated by a physician or qualified mental health professional. Source: National Mental Health Association

world die from suicide each year, equaling one death every 40 seconds.

RELATED CONTENT

Elaine Lockwood, who volunteers for a local crisis and suicide hotline, deals with depression every time she works a shift.

• Medication and suicide

"Some people have already overdosed or hurt themselves in some way," she said. "They're on the brink, they have no hope left, and our purpose at that point is that we are their last best hope."

OUT OF THE DARKNESS "When you've lived most of your life with depression, you don't know any different, and you think

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it's normal," Maureen said. "It's when you're not functioning that you start to think something is wrong." But she thinks she could have gotten treatment earlier if she'd known more about the disease, or if someone would have intervened. "Education is number one, so that people can begin to accept this as a medical condition," Szempruch said. "It's really not an individual problem, it's a family, a society. Sometimes in our society, we just want to mind our own business. But whatever way you can get involved, do it. Reach out and help them get the treatment." Besides meds and counseling, Maureen has found her depression support group extremely helpful. "It really became the mainstay of my life," she said. Though she usually had trouble leaving the house, she managed to get to the meetings one day each week. "It was my lifeline." Knowing other people have experienced the same type of emotional pain has helped her cope. Though Maureen is on disability, she has been actively seeking a part-time job and has been working temporary part-time data entry and receptionist jobs throughout the last year. But finding a job that offers the flexibility that allows her to stay healthy and keep her depression in check is difficult. "I know I can never again have my high-functioning job that I used to have," Maureen said. "I'm going to have to stay at this lower level functioning. And that's a big loss." But she continues to work at ways of taking care of herself and healing. Awareness of her triggers for depression helps maintain her recovery. Friends and family now know what signs to look for to prevent future episodes. "The key is finding as many ways to help yourself as you can," Maureen said. "You need a psychiatrist, you need a counselor, a support program. If you're religious, try to find a religious program to help you. By going to an alternative therapist I've really opened myself up to spirituality, which has helped me realize that maybe the things that have happened were for a purpose. The things I've achieved and haven't achieved, maybe that's OK."

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DC4 Report Publication: INTAKEEdition: 1ST Day: 5. THU (THU) Date: 20060223 Page: I24 Section: STARTAB2 Byline: BY KIMIKO MARTINEZ Copyright: Yes KIMIKO.MARTINEZ@INTAKEWEEKLY.COM

Stress of a generation Today's 20−somethings have more opportunities than ever before. So just why are they all so anxious? BY KIMIKO MARTINEZ KIMIKO.MARTINEZ@INTAKEWEEKLY.COM When you're in your 20s, life sucks. Sure, there are good times; but overall, life is stressful. Between graduating from high school or college, searching for a significant other, working your way up the corporate ladder or searching for a career that engages your passions −− all while attempting to maintain some semblance of a social life −− things get a little harried. Not to mention worrying about paying the credit card, car and student loans bills −− and if you're lucky enough to actually own a home −− a mortgage. And all that living it up −− bar hopping in Broad Ripple or indulging in the culinary delights Downtown −− is really just a temporary escape from some deep−seated discontent. No, the 20s are no longer that carefree time of self−discovery, but instead are more often a grueling transitional period rife with confusion and self−doubt. And the pressure to "do it all" is driving more and more to the edge −− where popping pills, seeking therapy and, ultimately, learning coping skills are today's hottest trends. Something is definitely wrong Chances are that someone you wouldn't necessarily expect −− your desk mate, your best friend's roommate, your boyfriend or girlfriend, even your boss −− is popping anti−depressants or anti−anxiety medicine. Millions of Americans are. Demand for IUPUI's Counseling and Psychological Services has been increasing more than 5 percent annually, resulting in a 25 percent increase in total services provided in 2005 compared to 2002, according to Dr. Julia M. Lash, the program's associate director. "Depression is the most common reason students seek our services," Lash said. "However, anxiety and relationship concerns are also prevalent. More than 40 percent of the individuals we work with are also taking psychotropic medications as part of their treatment; again, predominantly for depression and anxiety." And college students aren't the only ones. Take Jen Shelton.

DC4 Report By all accounts this 31−year−old has her life on track. She's a sixth−grade teacher at an urban public school, she's completed a master's degree, has a good marriage and, just last month, officially became debt−free. So what, then, is wrong? "I constantly get intense, overwhelming sensations that are in some cases crippling," Shelton said. "My anxiety only goes away if I am sleeping . . . or if I am on high octane doing 20 things at once." As drug treatments have improved in the past couple of decades, physicians feel more comfortable prescribing medicines like Zoloft and Wellbutrin, and their patients are feeling more comfortable taking them. Shelton admits that she was, at one time, on anti−depressants. "But they only made things worse and (slowed) everything down," she said. "This meant that I had more time to dwell on how insufficient I felt in this large world." Despite Shelton's misgivings, many 20− and 30−somethings are popping pills to feel better, and the rise in prescriptions leads to a couple of big questions. Are people popping more pills because the drugs are better now? Or is there a bigger problem that's causing us to seek help? It's not just you "Anxiety. We've all got it bad," said Anne Snyder, 22. "The question is: What are the things we are dealing with that past generations didn't have to deal with? People have always had stressors in their lives. But I think one big thing may be family structure. With divorce almost being the norm now, kids are having to deal with their parents fighting and being put into grown−up situations. "Kids don't have a childhood half the time anymore. There is no balance and structure. And when you grow up your whole life without a firm foundation, never feeling sure of things, of being loved even . . . it's enough to make anyone struggle with important decisions." Snyder is on the right track, according to Jean M. Twenge, whose book "Generation Me: Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled −− and More Miserable Than Ever Before" comes out in April. According to the book, divorce is among several reasons why children of the 1970s and '80s are battling anxiety. Children in these decades faced major social changes −− nuclear families dissolved as divorce rates rose, society became more mobile and job opportunities took parents and grandparents to different parts of the country and world. The fear of nuclear war, violent crime and diseases like AIDS became larger environmental and social threats, and received an increased amount of media coverage. Due to all these factors, according to Twenge, schoolchildren in the 1980s had higher anxiety levels than child psychiatric patients of the 1950s. What used to send kids to seek serious treatment has become the baseline for an entire generation. "You'd think we would be happier now," said Twenge, 34. "No World War, no Great Depression, we're healthier and living longer. But we're getting into the real world and it's not what we expected it to be. These self−esteem programs in schools are raising people's expectations, creating a sense of entitlement that you can be anything you want to be." Times they are a−changin' 2

DC4 Report So not only is our base anxiety level higher, but there's a host of other things against us. Ours is a generation that has been coddled by Baby Boomers, moving from As, Bs and Cs in school to checks, check−pluses and check−minuses to improve self−esteem with positive reinforcement. "(Our generation) expects so much praise and has a hard time dealing with criticism," Twenge said. "But to cut us some slack, it wasn't our idea. It was the Baby Boomers who decided to raise us this way." Ours is also a generation stuck in the middle of a technologically transitional society. "Our coping mechanisms aren't as good, our support systems are down and we're in an age of information that is overwhelming us," said James P. Nicolai, medical director of the Franciscan Center for Integrated Health. "Cell phones are 20−years−old; the Internet is 15−years−old. Pagers, voicemail, Blackberries . . . we're in an age of information where you can be gotten ahold of 24/7. "And in this age of information, one of the things that has happened is that now we're forced to filter that information," he said. "Not only are we the transition generation in how to use this technology, but now we're trying to figure out which one is better than the other, which can be used instead of another and so on." Instead of carrying a Sidekick, Palm and cell phone, people are trying to consolidate and carry just one device. And even more often now, people are beginning to rebel against the constant connectivity. There's a reason why people call them Crackberries. While many thought Blackberries and such would allow for greater productivity and more freedom, they're now realizing how addicting the connection has become. Some decide to completely unplug, while others just can't do it. "It takes anywhere between one and two hours to go through phone mail, e−mail, memos, phone calls and people knocking on my door before I even get to my workload," Nicolai said. "That's pretty consistent. One of my best friends doesn't answer e−mail except on his Blackberry. We're being introduced to (new technology) at an incredible, accelerated rate and need to be re−educated on different things coming out. It may be making our lives easier, but it's also increasing accessibility. And one of our major challenges is when do we turn it off? At expense of slowing down or being left behind?" Oh, and then there are the big ones There's also love and money to think about. "Older folks don't seem to understand how hard it is to get by these days," Twenge said. "When you do the math of college student loans, grad school loans, housing, health care, daycare . . . the numbers don't add up. People can't afford to settle down." That is, if they have someone to settle down with. Increasing numbers of adults are not only living alone, but remaining that way until much later in life. The drive to succeed, whether personal or financial, often puts pursuit of relationships on the backburner. "I think another really big part of it is loneliness and uncertainty in romantic relationships," said Twenge, an associate professor of psychology at San Diego State University. "It's not just that we're more likely to live alone and have more choices. Think of the times when you're more likely to be depressed −− after a 3

DC4 Report breakup. And we do go through more breakups than previous generations." Snyder wonders what effects divorce has on the current generation. "I think it definitely takes a heavy toll on how we deal with relationships these days," she said. "Half the time I think people go into them assuming they won't last." Does it get any better? Coping skills are what we lack, so until we learn those, many doctors agree that while you're treating the symptoms with medication, you're not fixing the problem. "We don't have the teaching skills of handling anxiety or the opportunity to observe people who handle themselves well in those situations," said Jerry Fletcher of the St. Vincent Stress Center. "It's because of that that there is the sense that medications can fill that gap. They improve your mood, can improve your sleep/wake cycle, etc. But they don't make choices for you, and they don't give you the skills to cope." But since this generation is one that wants quick fixes −− drive−thru Starbucks, instant messaging, high−speed Internet −− taking the time to learn new skills isn't exactly on the top of our list of priorities. "All the problems in a sitcom are fixed in 30 minutes with four commercials," Fletcher said. "People want something that will happen now and that they don't have to put a lot of energy into. Therapy sounds laborious and self−help books take too long." Which is why so many people choose to self−medicate −− drinking too much, eating too much, shopping too much or experimenting with drugs −− all which provide a temporary escape, but only make problems worse in the long run. "The big stuff that most people worry about −− money, love and staying fit −− were not really things that got me worked up," Jen Shelton said. "Just the opposite. Spending, eating and dating lots are what used to keep me sane. Nowadays I find I have become obsessive, finding projects in my life or other things around me, to refocus my anxiety." Things may be looking up for the generations following us −− the economy is better, crime is down, teenage suicide and pregnancy have also decreased. "There are a lot of good indicators that for younger generations, maybe it's going to swing back," Twenge said. "But even though things look better for teenagers, it's looking increasingly negative for young adults. Once people hit their 20s, I think that you're still going to see the increased anxiety and depression." So when does it ever end? Shay Daily has been battling anxiety and panic attacks since his teens. But after more than 10 years of living with an anxiety disorder, the 23−year−old has learned to recognize the onset of an attack. He found a medication that works for him and slowly acquired the coping skills needed to deal with his day−to−day battles. "On a scale of one to 10, when I was 13 or 14 I was easily a 10−plus," Daily said of his anxiety problem. "Now it's about a four. A six or seven at its worst." 4

DC4 Report While Daily's anxiety disorder wasn't one developed after years of battling workplace stress, he does feel the pressure to have his life planned out already. "Right now, at 23, I'm supposed to know everything, have it all planned out for the rest of my life," he said. "But a lot of the time, I don't even know what I'm doing tomorrow." Like Daily, though, finding ways to cope −− whether it's seeking out talk therapies or support groups, taking advantage of employee assistance programs or an insurance company's mental health services or incorporating endorphin−inducing exercise and natural stress−busters into his routine −− is necessary to make it through. "For myself and a lot of my friends, it gets better by the mid−30s," Twenge said. "You've found the person you're going to marry and a job that's a reasonably good fit. For many, the 20s were just a time of turmoil." DO YOU HAVE STRESS−PRONE HABITS? Rate yourself as to how you typically react in each of the situations 4 − Always, 3 − Frequently, 2 − Sometimes, 1 − Never. _____Do you try to do as much as possible in the least amount of time? _____Do you become impatient with delays or interruptions? _____Do you always have to win at games to enjoy yourself? _____Do you find yourself speeding up the car to beat the red light? _____Are you unlikely to ask for or indicate you need help with a problem? _____Do you constantly seek the respect and admiration of others? _____Are you overly critical of the way others do their work? _____Do you look at the clock often? _____Do you constantly strive to better your position and achievements? _____Do you spread yourself "too thin?" _____Do you do more than one thing at a time? _____Do you frequently get angry or irritable? _____Do you have little time for hobbies or time by yourself? _____Do you talk quickly or hasten conversations? _____Do you consider yourself hard−driving? _____Do your friends or relatives consider you hard−driving? 5

DC4 Report _____Do you have a tendency to get involved in multiple projects? _____Do you have lots of deadlines in your work? _____Do you feel vaguely guilty if you relax and do nothing during leisure? _____Do you take on too much responsibility? TOTAL ____________ Stress check 20−26: Low stress. Check your pulse . . . are you alive? 27−33: Average stress. Some stress in life is normal and can even be healthy! 34−39: Above−average stress. Start thinking about making some changes . . . NOW! 40+: Change your habits immediately . . . there's no doubt, you are stressed. ?CP,6.5p? Source: Mental Health Association in Marion County Stress Too much stress can cause illnesses, such as insomnia, backaches or headaches, as well as high blood pressure and heart disease. Reducing or controlling stress Remember: Success will not come from a half−hearted effort, nor will it come overnight; relieving stress takes determination, persistence and time. * Be realistic . If you feel overwhelmed by some activities (yours and/or your family's), learn to say no. Eliminate taking on more responsibility that you can or should handle. * Shed the "superman/superwoman" urge. No one is perfect, so don't expect perfection from yourself or others. Ask yourself, "What really needs to be done? How much can I do? Is the deadline realistic?" Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. * Meditate. Just 10 to 20 minutes of quiet reflection may bring relief from chronic stress. Use the time to listen to music, relax and try to think of pleasant things. * Visualize. Use your imagination to picture how you can manage a stressful situation successfully. Whether it's a business presentation or moving to a new place, many people feel visual rehearsals boost self−confidence. * Take one thing at a time. For people under tension or stress, an ordinary workload can seem unbearable. The best way to cope: Take one task at a time. Once you accomplish that task, choose the next one. The positive feeling of "checking off" tasks motivates you to keep going.

DC4 Report * Hobbies. Take a break from your worries by doing something you enjoy. Whether you garden or paint, schedule time to indulge your interest. * Healthy lifestyle. Good nutrition makes a difference. Limit intake of caffeine and alcohol, get adequate rest, exercise 20 to 30 minutes daily and balance work and play. * Share your feelings. A conversation with a friend lets you know that you are not the only one having a bad day, caring for a sick child or working in a busy office. Stay in touch with friends and family. Let them provide love, support and guidance. Don't try to cope alone. * Give in occasionally. Be flexible! If you find you're meeting constant opposition in either your personal or professional life, rethink your position or strategy. Arguing only intensifies stressful feelings. * Go easy on criticism. You may expect too much of yourself and others. Try not to feel frustrated, let down, disappointed or even "trapped" when another person does not measure up. Remember, everyone is unique. ?CP,6.5p? Source: Mental Health Association in Marion County Where to go for help To know whether to seek help, ask yourself: Is anxiety or depression affecting your daily life? Has it shifted from occasional stress or blues to something that bothers you more often than not? If so, you may want to look at your options. * Your family doctor. Make an appointment to talk about your situation and symptoms. If you have an established relationship with your primary care physician and he or she knows your history, they may discuss options for treatment. For many, though, it may be better to ask for a referral to a psychiatrist, since they're trained to deal with this on a regular basis. * Your employee assistance program. If your work offers a program, take advantage of the free counseling sessions. Since many mental health disorders are highly treatable, the sooner you catch it, the better off you'll likely be. If you've hit a rough patch, maybe a couple of sessions are all you need to get you back on track. * Community resources. Especially if you don't have insurance, you'll want to check with places like the Mental Health Association or community mental health centers to see what resources they offer. About Anxiety Disorders Most people experience feelings of anxiety before an important event, such as a big exam, business presentation or first date. Anxiety disorders, however, are illnesses that cause people to feel frightened, distressed and uneasy for no apparent reason. Left untreated, these disorders can dramatically reduce productivity and significantly diminish an individual's quality of life. * Generalized Anxiety Disorder âˆ’âˆ’ Chronic: Exaggerated worry about everyday life events and activities, lasting at least six months. Accompanied by physical symptoms, such as fatigue, trembling, muscle tension, headache or nausea. * Panic Disorder: Characterized by panic attacks, sudden feelings of terror. Physical symptoms include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness and more. 7

DC4 Report * Obsessive−Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Repeated, intrusive and unwanted thoughts that seem impossible to control. * Post−Traumatic Stress Disorder: Persistent symptoms that occur after experiencing a traumatic event, such as war, rape, child abuse, natural disasters or being taken hostage. Nightmares, flashbacks, numbing of emotions, depression and feeling angry are common. * Social Phobia−Extreme: Disabling and irrational fear of something that poses little or no actual danger; leads to avoidance of situations and can cause people to limit their lives. Treatments Treatments have been largely developed through research conducted by National Institute of Mental Health. They often combine medication or specific types of psychotherapy. More medications than ever, including antidepressants and benzodiazepines, are available to effectively treat anxiety disorders. The two most effective forms of psychotherapy used to treat anxiety disorders are behavioral therapy and cognitive−behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy tries to change actions through techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing or through gradual exposure to what is frightening. In addition to these techniques, cognitive−behavioral therapy teaches patients to understand their thinking patterns so they can react differently to the situations that cause them anxiety. ?CP,6.5p??CL,7.5p? This content was adapted from material published by the National Institute of Mental Health. Source: Mental Health Association in Marion County. Non−drug alternatives * Exercise. Physical activity relieves muscle tension and forces built−up stress to go elsewhere, instead of being stored in the shoulders or back; the stomach, causing acid reflux and ulcers; or neck and skull, causing headaches. * Omega−3 fatty acid supplements. Herbs like passion flower and Holy Basil have also been shown to calm and improve mood. * Light exposure. Works cumulatively, so be sure to get outside for at least 30 minutes each day, or consider investing in a light box with at least 10,000 lux. * Sleep. Many experts recommend a full eight hours of sleep each night. Sleep deprivation is one of the biggest risk factors for depression. * Social support. Spending time with others is a great way to distract yourself and seek the support you need. It's also a great time to get hugs and other types of physical touch, which are good for the soul. ?CP,6.5p? Source: Dr. James P. Nicolai of The Franciscan Center for Integrated Health, Dr. Young K. Park of the Westview Center for Integrated Medicine and University of Kansas research. By the numbers 22.1 8

DC4 Report percent of American adults who experience some type of emotional or mental problem in a given year 1.8 million people being treated with anti−anxiety or anti−depression medications in 1987 6.3 million people being treated with anti−anxiety or anti−depression medications in 1997 19 million people affected by anxiety disorders each year 46.6 billion dollars that anxiety disorders cost the U.S. in 1990, nearly one third of the nation's total mental health bill of $148 billion ?CP,6.5p? Sources: IUPUI's CAPS associate director Dr. Julia M. Lash, Mental Health Association in Marion County, Dr. Jean M. Twenge of San Diego State University, Dr. James P. Nicolai of The Franciscan Center for Integrated Health, Dr. Jerry Fletcher of St. Vincent Stress Center. _____________________________________________ "More than 40 percent of the individuals we work with are also taking psychotropic medications as part of their treatment; again, predominantly for depression and anxiety." −− Dr. Julia M. Lash, associate director of IUPUI's Counseling and Psychological Services "Right now, at 23, I'm supposed to know everything, have it all planned out for the rest of my life. But a lot of the time, I don't even know what I'm doing tomorrow." −− Shay Daily "[Medications] improve your mood, can improve your sleep/wake cycle, etc. But they don't make choices for you, and they don't give you the skills to cope." −− Dr. Jerry Fletcher TEXT NAME: SLUG: TOPIC: SUBJECT: KEYS: TYPE: GEOGRAPHIC: ART TYPE: ART CAPTION: PROC:

IN_ANXIET

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February 24, 2005 Feel like life is ticking away? Some adults are in a hurry to grow up -- others aren't. By Kimiko L. Martinez kimiko.martinez@intakeweekly.com Tears were trickling down Tiffany Brown's face. It was her 26th birthday. And as family and friends gathered around the dim light of birthday candles on a cake, while singing "Happy Birthday," Brown lost it. "I spent the first 22 years of my life with this mental checklist -- get out of college, get into my career," Brown said. "I graduated and then three years later, I'm still in the same job and not at all satisfied with that. That's really where I was on my birthday, thinking, 'In four years, I'm going to be 30. Oh my gosh.' " People who've long-since passed 30 roll their eyes when they think of a 26-year-old fretting about turning 30. But Brown

Make a wish: When Tiffany Brown turned 26, she realized she had only four years left to achieve her pre-30 goals. She, like many other 20-somethings, are feeling the effects of the quarter-life crisis, a term for the transition from adolescence to adulthood. -- Pond Thaiprasithiporn / INtake

isn't alone. "People at 22 can have the same panic about hitting 30 as people who are 29 because they feel they have to plan for it," said Alexandra Robbins, author of "Conquering Your Quarterlife Crisis: Advice from Twentysomethings Who Have Been There and Survived." "The 20s are not the easy time that older people assume it is."

Related content â€˘ Feel like life is ticking away? â€˘ Solving the quarter-life crisis

At 26, Brown is facing the same issues that an entire generation of 20- and early 30-somethings are dealing with. It's been dubbed the "quarter-life crisis." You're not the only one As the transition to adulthood becomes increasingly tumultuous, it's created a slew of new identity issues and inner turmoil that some liken to a midlife crisis. According to many of the new quarter-life crisis books, making the leap from adolescence to adulthood has become more complicated and stressful than it was for, say, our parents' generation. "I would venture to say that the quarter-life crisis -- the response to reaching the transition between adolescence and adulthood -- is one of the biggest (life transitions)," Robbins said. "We saw our parents' generation suffer through careers

What is the quarter-life crisis? We asked the authors of several recent quarter-life crisis books to explain exactly what the quarter-life crisis is and how it affects 20- and 30-somethings. Abby Wilner, co-author of 'Quarterlife Crisis': The quarter-life crisis has always existed as long as recent graduates have transitioned from school to

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that didn't satisfy them and a 50 percent divorce rate, and we do not want to make the same mistakes. Here, the older adults are calling us lazy and that we're stuck in an extended adolescence simply because we're not settling down when they did." Robbins points out that in addition to a tougher job market, the skyrocketing cost of tuition and the weight of student loans after graduation can make it difficult for young adults to "find their footing." "We can't afford the things that our parents were able to afford right out of college," Robbins said. "And when we're not able to afford them, other generations are quick to brand us as failures. It's ridiculous that older people believe that as soon as we turn our tassels on graduation day, we're equipped to make all those decisions associated with adulthood." Experts say there are major societal forces that are making this generations' coming of age experience more difficult than in the past. "I think, for women, that these expectations are an unfortunate fallout from the successes of the feminist movement," said Victoria Dickerson, clinical psychologist and co-author of "Who Cares What You're Supposed to Do: Breaking the Rules to Get What You Want in Love, Life and Work." "In the '60s, women couldn't easily be as independent as they are now asked to be, so what feminism created was wonderful options for women -- options that are too often experienced as expectations," she said. "The legacy of feminism has morphed from 'women can do anything' to 'women have to do everything.' " According to Dickerson, women are increasingly pressured to become the Supermom who juggles motherhood, a meaningful career, being the perfect wife and having a great circle of friends, all while maintaining that size 6 physique. And all by age 30. "And, mostly," Dickerson said, "young women aren't prepared to do all of those things." Great expectations Women aren't the only ones dealing with unrealistic expectations. The American dream of hard work leading to success combined with the influence of the Internet, drive-thrus and all the other developments that have contributed to an instant gratification society, has made for a generation of young adults who not only want it all, but expect it all, and expect it all now. "We have a sense of entitlement," said Christine Hassler, author of the upcoming book "20-Something, 20-Everything: A Young Woman's Guide to Balance and Direction During Her

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the working world, only the experience today is more significant, and often more turbulent than in the past. Today, we are faced with a multitude of career options, for which we do not feel prepared. Christine Hassler, author of '20-Something, 20-Everything': Symptoms of the quarter-life crisis include a general sense of angst, constantly competing against other people, not liking who you are or where you are in life, anxiety, feeling unmotivated and kind of lazy, but feeling totally stressed out, overwhelmed and overextended, and not being able to do it all. Alexandra Robbins, author of 'Conquering Your Quarterlife Crisis': I define the quarter-life crisis as the response to reaching the transition between young adulthood and adulthood . . . and can involve anything from simple self-doubt to clinical depression. It's generally a time of uncertainty, instability and insecurity, and it's often accompanied by a fear of failure, a feeling of pressure to meet others' expectations, waffling over having to make decisions, a tendency to compare yourself to others and a sense that you don't know what you want. Victoria Dickerson, co-author of 'Who Cares What You're Supposed to Do?': I think the transition to adulthood and all the responsibilities that entails has always been difficult, as

Quarter-Life Crisis."

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"It's this stupid myth of having it all, which I absolutely hate. What does having it all mean to you? What is having everything?" Advertising and TV shows seem to tout the perfect life as having a job you absolutely love and making tons of money doing, a hot spouse who worships the ground you walk on, a high-priced house in the hills (or swanky downtown loft), and maybe those 2.5 kids and a pet or two.

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most transitions are, but I think at this particular juncture in our history, the young adult experiences a plethora of expectations that up-the-ante, so to speak, making it even more difficult to navigate this time in life.

It's no wonder 20- and 30-somethings are driving themselves crazy. Most post-grads feel lucky to have even found a job and to be able to pay most of their bills. But the dream of owning a home and making the big bucks are still too far down the line to even imagine, since most of that revolves around moving up. Many 20-somethings early in their careers are finding it hard to deal with that sense of stagnancy that comes after putting in long hours and not seeing the rewards. All through school you learn to work hard, get the grade and move up to the next level. But it doesn't always work that way in the "real world." Brown said she has high expectations for career growth but hasn't seen the upward mobility she'd like. "People say this generation is much more demanding in terms of acceleration in our careers," Brown said. "We want to do in three years what it took others 10 years to do. When (an employer says) it's going to take five or 10 years to move up and be where you want to be, that kind of blows your plans." Opportunity knocks Like Brown, Melvin Jackson II wants more opportunities. As a communications coordinator for USA Track & Field, with former positions with the NFL and an NBA minor-league team, Jackson's career revolves around sports. But at 31, even though he's managed to move up within his field, he's anxious to advance faster. Looking at peers from college and grad school, he sees colleagues who have become managers, directors and news anchors, and others who have even started their own businesses and are now president/CEOs. And that's a level where Jackson feels he should be, too. "I don't think I should be at that level, I know I should be at that level," Jackson said. "I could be at that level now." But opportunities just aren't forthcoming. And Jackson partly blames the downsizing trend for his not being able to excel as quickly as he'd like. "The three- and five-year plans have to be readjusted," he said. "It's just the way the economy is, I guess."

FAST FACTS • Parents provide, on average, $38,000 in material assistance, or about $2,200 for every year between ages 18 and 34 -- considerably more than in the past. • Since the 1970s, there has been a 50 percent increase in the number of youths living at home, which alone has led to a 19 percent increase in parental time and money contributions. • Although slightly more than half of men and nearly two-thirds of women have left their parents' homes by age 22, 16 percent of both returned home at some point before age 35. • Among youth aged 18 to 24 in 1973, 1985 and 1997, earnings in 1997 were the lowest of all three time periods. • Thirty percent of young adults aged 18 and 24 were living below the poverty line in 2000, a rate about double that of 25- to 34-year-olds, and triple that of middle-aged adults (35 to 64). • People hold an average of 8.6 jobs between the ages of 18 and 32. • More than 40 percent of college graduates now leave their campuses owing more than $20,000 in student loans. Among those earning

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Having a twin sister who's a medical doctor and about to complete a three-year fellowship in gastroenterology doesn't help. "When I think about where she is within her career, as well as the opportunities for quick advancement once she finishes her fellowship next year," Jackson said, "it gives me more incentive to aggressively crack the upper management ranks." Sense of purpose When parents, teachers, coaches and just about every other authority figure told us we could do anything we wanted if we worked hard enough, we believed them. So when it comes time to choose a career path, many young adults have this ideal of somehow fusing work with what they love -- be it playing in a rock band, writing poetry or shopping. "How much time is too much time to be spending doing something you don't love?" questioned Stevi Stoesz, who runs her own marketing/public relations/special events company called Blue Moon. "Thirty seconds? Ten years? A

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doctoral degrees, more than 60 percent leave with more than $30,000 in student-loan debt. The State Public Interest Research Groups' Higher Education Project reports that 39 percent of student borrowers leave academia with unmanageable debt (loan payments in excess of 8 percent of monthly income are considered unmanageable). â€˘ Student loan debt has nearly doubled over the past eight years to $16,928. Sources: MacArthur Foundation's Network on Transitions to Adulthood and Bureau of Labor Statistics

nanosecond. You spend too much time doing it. If you don't love it, that's a long life of hating something." After years of climbing the corporate ladder at City Market, Stoesz finally made it to the top and hated it. Though she loved where she worked, the people she worked with and the positions she'd held along the way, landing the executive director position, just wasn't what she wanted. "Within days of holding that top executive position, I knew I wouldn't be there long," Stoesz said. But there was nowhere else to go. At 31, she was already at the top. Taking mental stock of her talents and abilities, Stoesz decided to venture out on her own and opened Blue Moon Marketing in February 2001. Like Stoesz, Sang Kwon had a similar experience of working at a place he loved but in a job he just couldn't see himself doing for the next 30 years. As a clinical capacity planner at Eli Lilly, doing clinical trial data analysis and database design, Kwon spent most of his time at work behind a computer in a cubicle. While renovating his second home, Kwon read a profile about dentists and realized that was what he wanted to do. "What I really needed to do in life was work with my hands . . . specifically with power tools," said Kwon, 31. "It felt like a natural fit to me." He continued to work full-time while completing the 12 credit hours of prerequisites he needed for dental school. He read the Kaplan entrance exam book cover-to-cover to prepare for the Dental Admission Test. "It had been nearly nine years since I touched an organic or general chemistry course," Kwon said. "But somehow, I knew that I had to become a dentist. And after completing my first semester of dental school, I absolutely know that I made the right choice. It's nice to not only feel like that's what you want to do, but you have an aptitude for it." Passions and priorities Both Stoesz and Kwon found their passions, though, after years of working in jobs that helped clarify what they wanted out of life. Many 20-somethings are disappointed when, shortly after college, they haven't found that passion yet -- or when they realize they may not be able to make a living doing some of the things they love.

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Though Stoesz hit her career transition period right around 30, she said the challenge of searching for passion and purpose didn't end when she started her own company. "As much as I love what I do, it's still not my ideal, perfect job," said Stoesz, now 36. Her innate curiosity and love for animals has her itching for new experiences and ways to apply her skills. Though she dreams of running a doggie daycare or something similar, Stoesz doesn't plan on changing careers anytime soon. "I'm beyond taking a job that isn't the right fit. It needs to be something that will stir my soul." Experts say that mentality, as great as it is for those who can find the right fit, can create unrealistic expectations for those still trying to figure out careers, passions and life paths. "There are big misconceptions about the idea of purpose and passion," Hassler said. "What if your purpose is to be a mom, or to make someone smile everyday? It doesn't have to be to cure cancer." Abby Milner, who co-authored "Quarterlife Crisis: The Unique Challenges of Your Twenties" with Robbins, the book that popularized the term and brought the quarter-life crisis to light, said 20-somethings need a backup plan. "I do think that it's important for 20-somethings to realize that they may never be able to make a living out of their 'passion,' " Milner said. But that's not to say your passion can't still be a part of your life, Milner said. It may just have to be in the form of hobbies or volunteer work. Flying solo Though Jackson is another one of those lucky few who seems to have found a way to mesh what he loves with what he does, the nature of his job -- frequent travel and the necessity of moving cities to move up in the field -- has made maintaining a relationship practically impossible. To make matters worse, he tends to feel like he's behind in the game here in Indianapolis, after having lived in big cities like Philadelphia and New York. "I hate to say it, but that mentality seems to be the opposite here compared to the East Coast," Jackson said. "It seems like too many people here are in a rush, at 22 years old, to be married with kids. Here, people look at me and say, 'You're 31, not married? No kids? You should have had one or the other by now.' " He's got the job and the house, but Jackson said relationships aren't even really on the radar right now. "Finding the right person is really hard because of constant travel for work and to see my family on the East Coast," he said. "You try the long-distance relationship, but it doesn't work." Brown said she had a great time dating and making friends a year ago, but uncertainty about what her next career move may be and where she might end up have put things on hold. After reading the recent hit relationship advice book "He's Just Not That into You," Brown said her perspective changed. "It really opened my eyes about relationships," she said. "Like, don't waste your time. Right now, I have no relative idea of when I'd want to be dating again or seriously involved. I feel a lot less pressure as a result of that book." She also doesn't want to be one of those people who makes dating a priority simply so she can be married by 30. "My aunt got married by 30, just because it was on the checklist of things to do," said Brown, whose aunt is now divorced. "Don't be making the wrong decisions just because you have a checklist." Look before you leap

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Though it may seem like many in the Midwest are bucking the trend, nationally, people are waiting longer to get married, which "Conquering Your Quarterlife Crisis" author Robbins said is healthy. Addressing those key identity issues before making the marriage leap can be key to making the relationship stick, experts say. "I think that taking our time to confront our identity issues now is a good thing, because our parents jumped into those things and only now, 30 years later, are experiencing the midlife crisis and regretting those things," Robbins said. "We're taking our time making that leap. I don't think our generation is going to have a midlife crisis because we're dealing with our issues early." Women, especially, need to be careful not to lose themselves in the multiple roles they take on. "If we don't establish a secure identity in our 20s, then, of course, when we have our children, we might lose that," said "20-Something" author Hassler. "We need to learn who we are on our own, and then that strong identity carries forward." Too often, women end up identifying themselves strictly through those roles of wife, mother or whatever job title they hold, experts say, and lose that sense of self. You'll get over it For many, the realization that they've moved from young adult or adolescent to adulthood can be pretty frightening. Hassler, who had left a prestigious Hollywood job and jumped from Chinese herbalism to personal training while trying to figure out what she wanted to do with her life, ended up unemployed and alone after her live-in fiancĂŠ called off the wedding. "I had no career, no money, I got very depressed," Hassler said. On top of all that, she had pretty much cut ties with her family when she'd decided to move in with her boyfriend. And when the reality of the situation started to set in, Hassler began to recognize she was on her own. "It was this sense of, 'Oh my gosh. I'm a grown up,' " Hassler said. " 'I'm not tied to my parents anymore.' " The progression from young adult to actual grown-up woman has helped Brown be more open to now listening to her mother's advice. She likes to think of her mom as an adviser. "That was one of the biggest changes between 18 and 20-something," Brown said. "I'm OK with my mom being right. And when she talks to me, I'm more inclined to listen." Finding friend and family support during the transitional years is a crucial step in overcoming the obstacle a quarter-life crisis can throw in your way, experts say. After working through the quarter-life issues developing a support network is the final step, psychologist Dickerson said. "The expectations don't go away," she said. "Young women can challenge them and create a life of their own choosing, often doing many of the things society expects from them, but in their own way."

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February 24, 2005 Solving the quarter-life crisis By Kimiko L. Martinez kimiko.martinez@intakeweekly.com The process isn't necessarily easy. Reprogramming a lifetime of expectations and societal pressure doesn't happen overnight. And authors and experts have different programs for working through the process. But there are some basics that most seem to agree on:

Related content â€˘ Feel like life is ticking away? â€˘ Solving the quarter-life crisis

Throw out the checklist "Totally get rid of the age deadline thing," Robbins said. "People treat the years between 20 and 30 as sort of a race, they're so focused on the end goal of romance, career or social network or geographic location. Instead of trying to nail down everything, 20-somethings are better off trying to enjoy the journey, instead of looking at the end game. It's healthy to make this a trial-and-error period." Stop comparing yourself to others "We all have innate skills and abilities," Hassler said. "We accept that we have different colors of hair, but we don't accept having different abilities," Hassler said. "Why should I be jealous of you because you play the piano? . . . It's ridiculous the way we compare ourselves to each other." Plus, you never know the whole story. What may look like the perfect marriage may be on the brink of divorce. And that guy with the enviable six-figure salary may seem like he's got it all together, but those 80-hour workweeks are taking a toll on his health and his relationships. Set realistic goals "Be specific about what you want," Hassler said. Instead of saying, "I want to be rich," Hassler said it's better to say, "I want a job that pays me $100,000 per year." And then take steps that lead toward that goal. "If we don't give ourselves realistic goals," Hassler said, "we just set up more opportunities to beat

ourselves up and feel like failures." And give yourself time. The bigger, long-term goals are going to take longer to achieve. But breaking those goals into smaller, short-term goals can help keep things in focus, yet meet the need to feel like you're making progress. Understand the past Really analyze your actions and what expectations jibe with your values and belief systems.

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Hassler realized in her mid-20s that her desire to succeed and excel in a glitzy Hollywood job partly stemmed from childhood experiences.

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"I was trying to prove to the popular group that I was cool and I wanted people to be jealous of me," Hassler said. "But the truth is, they've long since forgotten about me, and by the time I got there, it didn't even really matter at that point." Nurture yourself "We put ourselves on a timeline, but something suffers," Hassler said. "And with women, the thing that ends up suffering most is their own self-love, their self-confidence." So use your resources to rebuild yourself. Instead of spending the money to buy a purse or that autographed basketball, save the money and spend it on some therapy, if you think that will help, Hassler said. Spend 20 minutes per day meditating instead of rushing to a lunch date or scheduling a facial or massage. Invest time in interests and activities that help you feel fulfilled. By cutting out relationships and activities that don't add to your life, you can free up some of the time to pursue those interests you've been meaning to engage in. Redefine yourself So often, when people want to get to know someone, the first thing they ask is, "So, what do you do?" But if you're stuck in a job that you hate and is just sucking the soul out of you, your job is the last thing you want to define you. Instead, Robbins suggests, try answering with something that more closely describes your personality. "When you're asked that question, don't be afraid to answer with what's most exciting at the time," Robbins said. "Say, 'I kayak on weekends' or 'I paint.' " Listen to yourself "Changing your mind is a sign of growth," Robbins said. "Allow yourself to forge different paths, instead of sticking with certain tracts just because you've invested so much time in it." If you know deep inside that the career path you're currently on isn't what you want to do, explore other options. Quitting law school or med school three-quarters of the way in is probably less costly financially and emotionally than sticking with it just because you've made it this far. Chances are that in a couple more years you're only going to feel worse and be even more in debt than before. "Use this time to be selfish and self-absorbed, but in a positive way," Hassler said. "Investigate what you want. Then, in your 30s and 40s, you can just ride on that."

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Sept. 2-8, 2004

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September 2, 2004

Wedded to work For an increasing number of Americans, life on the job is the only life they have. BY KIMIKO L. MARTINEZ kimiko.martinez@indystar.com Sometimes you just have to do what it takes. Whether your job calls for it, your employer expects it or you just need to pay the bills, working seemingly endless hours is just a way of life, right? Doesn't everybody check their e-mail and voicemail on their days off? Or work two jobs to make ends meet?

State planner: Catherine Turissini, special assistant for policy and planning for Lt. Gov. Kathy Davis, puts in about 40 to 60 hours each week -- still fewer than she did during

Unfortunately, for too many Americans, that seems to be the case.

college. -- Tom Klubens / For INtake

Putting in more than 40 hours a week is commonplace for many Americans. According to a 2000 Bureau of Labor Statistics report, about 4 in 10 men employed as managers or professionals in 1999 found themselves working at least 49 hours per week; that's up from about 3 in 10 in the early '80s. For women, that rate

know it, you're married to your job.

OVERACHIEVERS Benjamin Klage is no stranger to extended workweeks.

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responsibilities due to job responsibilities. And before you

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bed? On weekends? On vacation? • Is work the activity you like to do best and talk about most? • Do you work more than 40 hours per week? • Do you turn your hobbies into money-making ventures?

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sales associate at Wal-Mart and another 37 hours at Verizon's

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it won't otherwise get done?

"I have no social life," Klage said. "And the down time I do have is spent catching up on sleep or trying to get overtime at one job or the other."

• Do you underestimate how long a project will take and then rush to complete it?

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Catherine Turissini was in a similar situation several years ago. One summer during college, Turissini, now 27, was juggling an unpaid summer internship, a part-time job at a children's bookstore and a third job waitressing.

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• Do you believe that it is OK to work long hours if you love what you are doing? • Do you get impatient with

"It was 75 hours a week, and when I got back to school my

people who have other priorities

senior year I was exhausted, but it was easy," Turissini said.

besides work?

"It was a vacation to go back to school."

Source: Workaholics Anonymous

Like many post-grads, though, the hectic schedule continued as she began a career. Turissini worked weekends and

Tips for getting it all done

several weeknight shifts at Kids Ink Children's Bookstore after

• Commit to leave your desk at

her day job at the Historic Landmark Foundation of Indiana.

an exact time.

Like Klage, Turissini was simply doing what she had to do to make sure the bills got paid.

• Learn to say no. If you take on too much, you're practically guaranteed to be working extra

But even now that the bills are less of a worry, Turissini can

hours.

put in anywhere from 40 to 60 hours each week at the office,

• Don't bring work home with

traveling and coordinating work-related projects as a special assistant for policy and planning for Lt. Gov. Kathy Davis. She spends several more hours each month volunteering for Davis and Gov. Joe Kernan's re-election campaigns. If that weren't enough, Turissini still hasn't given up the job at Kids Ink,

you. • Develop other areas of your life to become more balanced. • Look at the origin to excel and

though she's cut her hours to just a couple of shifts each

understand how childhood issues

month.

contribute to it.

"My second job doesn't contribute to me financially what it does personally," Turissini said. "It's something I believe in. I

• Ask for support from supervisors and / or spouses.

get to work with children, an amazing staff and literature, which I really enjoy. So right now, I'm not doing it to pay my bills." Klage, on the other hand, doesn't have much choice.

CELEBRATE: LABOR DAY PARADE • What: Ceremony to honor the

He wakes up at 6 a.m., eats a granola bar on the way to

American worker.

work, puts in a nine-hour shift stocking and zoning the

• When: Sept. 4, parade begins

stationery department at Wal-Mart, then heads straight over

at 11 a.m.

to Verizon and spends another seven {1frac2} hours

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providing technical support to DSL customers. Around

Indianapolis

midnight, he hops back into his 2001 Honda Civic, rolls back in the door about a quarter after, sleeps four or five hours and starts the whole routine over again the next day. "It's more exhausting than anything else," Klage said. But things aren't likely to change soon. A divorce settlement, student loans, car payment and other living expenses dictate that Klage continue the cycle. And it could be more than another year before he sees any relief. "I would like to have a dating life of some sort," Klage said. "I miss having a girlfriend or wife to come home to." On the flip side, Turissini's hectic schedule makes it hard to find time to spend with her boyfriend of three years. "My boyfriend travels for a living," Turissini said. "And if he's gone for seven weeks on and off, comes home for a weekend, and I work that weekend (at the bookstore) -- he finds it hard to see why I'm doing it at all." Turissini is quick to point out that she doesn't consider herself "married to the job." Though she might take work home with her and log extra hours when needed, she says there are days when she actually leaves work on time. And volunteering time for the campaigns and working for Kids Ink

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are both activities she willingly devotes free time to.

THE AMERCAN WAY American society preaches that hard work will get you anywhere, so working 50- and 60- plus hours per week practically earns an employee a merit badge these days. It's all just part of achieving that American Dream. "Steeped within the American tradition is productivity," said psychologist Paul Riley, of the St. Vincent Stress Center. "We learn that you can succeed anywhere." The Japanese even have a word for it -- karoshi, which means working yourself to death. Karoshi received national attention during the economic boom of the 1980s, and since then, more than 30,000 Japanese have been diagnosed as victims. A national pension system was even set up for the surviving members of karoshi victims' families. The United States isn't likely to follow suit. Hard work, no matter what the cost, is a driving force of our capitalist society. Lawmakers don't even require vacation time for American workers, making the United States the only developed country that doesn't actually mandate it. "America is set up the wrong way," Riley said. "Wouldn't it be nice if everything shut down in August, like in France, and they have a good holiday and take to the woods and so forth? It's not easy to change that mentality. But truly creative and productive people need time off." China and India mandate three vacation weeks annually and most countries in the European Union require a minimum of four weeks each year. Even Japan, which has long been known for its workaholic society, calls for two weeks of vacation. But even if lawmakers instituted a minimum vacation time for Americans, it's questionable whether most would take it. Earlier this summer, online travel company Expedia.com reported that more than 30 percent of Americans aren't taking all their allotted vacation time, and 14 percent aren't taking any vacation time at all. "Americans don't do leisure," Riley said. "We work at leisure. And when you're trying to find leisure, it isn't leisure anymore." While countries like Spain have an afternoon siesta built into their day and Aussies have been known to work a four-and-a-half-day workweek -- taking Fridays off and returning to work around noon on Monday, Americans are hard-pressed to find leisure time. "Europeans have a different view on all of this," Riley said, "that hard work, within the time frame, is good. But outside that time frame, it's very harmful."

RISKY BUSINESS All work and no play not only makes Jack a dull boy, but even worse, it can make Jack really, really sick. "I am normally a healthy person," Klage said, "but have been getting sick more doing this. It is kind of depressing." Study after study has shown that the human immunity levels go down when stressed, leading to an increased risk of getting sick. Besides stress-induced conditions like heart attacks, anxiety, depression and exhaustion, Riley said that alcoholism and drug abuse are common side effects of workaholism, as well as overspending. Shopping sprees and things that give the overworked or overstressed individual an instant high are rationalized with the "I've worked hard and I deserve it" mentality. And if that weren't enough, weight gain and self-esteem issues can spiral out of control as well. "So often we're so tired that we plop in front of our TV for two hours and eat fast food because

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we're too tired to do anything else," Riley said. "And then, self-esteem goes down, because now I'm fat and unhealthy." And productivity goes down too, as exhaustion and stress take their toll. Businesses know that decreased productivity means lost money, which is why some are offering bonuses to employees for using all of their vacation time and discouraging overtime hours. Eli Lilly spokeswoman Joan Todd says the company has a "use it or lose it" policy that requires that employees take their vacation time each year lest it goes to waste. Employees can buy more vacation time, she said, but Lilly won't buy back vacation time. Still, many companies offer perks and incentives for putting in overtime. "I'm working overtime, but it's part of the business I'm in," said Melissa Hoch, a 25-year-old office manager for a retail store. "I don't take work home with me, but a lot of people get burned out doing what we do." Hoch said her hard work, which can equal more than 50 hours per week during busy seasons, has helped her save for the future, and that without any other responsibilities, there's really no reason not to put in the hours. "If I thought I had responsibilities that I was neglecting or if I didn't like what I was doing, I might consider (cutting back)," she said. "But right now, I don't have any reason not to." She adds, "I've been pretty fortunate, right out of school, to be able to get into management pretty quickly. I have an office and a lot of people our age aren't in management, so in that sense, I've been fortunate to have that experience." Like Hoch, Turissini feels lucky to be in the position she's in. "It's an amazing experience for someone my age," she said. "I wouldn't do it if I didn't completely believe in the person I was doing it for, and believe in what she can do for Indiana." Though many 20- and 30-somethings say they work the extra hours because they like what they do or that it simply comes with the job, many say they keep it in perspective, balancing work with other activities like exercising, pursuing hobbies or hanging out with friends and family. Turissini said that when she's tried to juggle too much in the past, her boyfriend or family members have called her on it. "It's in my nature, and after so many years, you start to see there's a line you need to draw," Turissini said. "I didn't see it, but my family and my friends saw it." When she finally did cut back, she said she realized that "it made me happier and gave me more time."

DRAWING THE LINE Overwork is common in America, but real workaholism is a true addiction. And with most addictions, denial is the first step to battling it. "We justify it, thinking no one can do it like I can, or only I can do it," Riley said. "But when you die of a heart attack, they'll hire two or three people to replace you." Workaholics Anonymous suggests common indicators that you're a workaholic are taking work home with you or on vacations, working more than 40 hours per week, neglecting personal relationships because of work, or defining yourself in terms of what you do. Carol Juergensen Sheets, a licensed marriage and family psychotherapist at Indianapolis Psychiatric Associates, said workaholics can also be the type that "can't turn their thoughts off as they leave for the day," or have no outside life. "They will eat, live and breath work," she said, "which leaves them no time to explore other areas

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of their lives." Often workaholics will avoid social activities because of an uneasiness in social situations or intimate relationships, or because he or she lacks social skills, Sheets said. Twelve-step programs and counseling can help workaholics deal with overachievement issues or prioritize to find more life balance. But for many, Sheets said there is simply no way to structure a day to get everything done, because people with workaholic tendencies end up taking on more than eight hours will allow. "The only way to structure your days to facilitate this is to work hours where you're going to get less interruptions and get more things done," she said. For those with on-demand-type positions -- those who work under deadlines or have unpredictable work schedules that shift with need, like doctors, journalists and social workers -- it's a bit tougher. "You have to breathe and balance your life with slowing down in other areas, saying no and being more assertive," Sheets said. "And not being so connected identity-wise to doing as much as you do." Work hard and play hard, she said, but make sure one side doesn't overshadow the other. "I'm not opposed to hard work," Riley said. "But it should be time limited."Are You a Workaholic? Tips for getting it all done Celebrate: Labor Day Parade

2/25/2009 12:07 PM

DC4 Report Publication: STAR (THE INDIANAPOLIS STAR) Day: 6. FRI (FRI) Page: E01 Copyright: Yes

Edition: FINAL EDITION Date: 20040903 Section: FEATURES − INDIANA LIVING Byline: BY KIMIKO L. MARTINEZ KIMIKO.MARTINEZ@INDYSTAR.COM

A Nod to Fame Athletes are the most popular collectible bobbleheads, but you can be one, too. BY KIMIKO L. MARTINEZ KIMIKO.MARTINEZ@INDYSTAR.COM I've got a big head. Literally. And I can't stop smiling. This week, I became one of an elite group that includes professional athletes, politicians and actors. We are the few, the proud, the bobbleheaded. Anyone who's anyone, it seems, has had himself or herself bobbled. Shaquille O'Neal, Anna Nicole Smith, Donald Trump, George W. Bush and, my personal favorite, Wonder Woman, are among the delightful collectibles that can be found on eBay. A recent search showed rare, vintage "nodders" like a 1960 New York Yankees Mickey Mantle going for nearly $1,000, while talking Ozzy Osbourne dolls could be purchased for less than 5 bucks. And now I'm one of them. I really shouldn't get such a big head about it though, because, really, anybody can be bobbled. Simply upload, e−mail or send in a few pictures to companies like Whoopass Enterprises' bobbleme.com or Des Moines, Iowa, bobblehead artist Bryan Guise at ItsYouSmall.com, and you'll receive a customized bobble by mail in just a few weeks. Whoopass produces customized heads on pre−made bodies for $40.95 and up. A completely customized head and body goes for $75. Guise's creations cost $200 for custom, hand−carved dolls in various settings and poses. In the past, he's created a karaoke singer complete with microphone, Star Wars characters and entire families. Recently, he's received a slew of orders for soldiers serving overseas. He's also donated his services to the Des Moines police department −− to give back something to the community. "I love doing this," said Guise, 27. "You would think you'd get really tired of it, but I want to do this for the rest of my life." Good sports Though there are many celebrity−inspired bobbleheads, most serious collectors seem to prefer those resembling athletes.

DC4 Report Greg Gasta, 33, of Mishawaka, began collecting just over three years ago when he attended his first bobblehead giveaway at a St. Louis Cardinals game. "The Cardinals were playing the San Francisco Giants, and I went hoping to see Mark McGwire or Barry Bonds hit a home run," Gasta said. "Neither did during the game, but they gave fans plenty to talk about as they crushed ball after ball into the upper−deck at Busch Stadium. The bobblehead was a nice memento from the game." Gasta left the stadium with a Cardinals' Mike Matheny doll. Since that 2001 game, he's attended 20 other stadium giveaways in six states and two countries. His collection includes nearly 100 bobbleheads, 63 of which were stadium giveaways and all but 10 baseball−related. According to Gasta, the price of a stadium giveaway doll −− abbreviated SGA for those in collector and trading circles −− can be anywhere from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars, depending on the demand for the doll and how many are given away. Some sports teams distribute the dolls only to children under a certain age, while others will hand them out only to season ticket holders. The more limited the distribution, the more valuable a doll might be. Fans camped out for days to collect an Ichiro Suzuki bobblehead given out by the Seattle Mariners a few years ago, and in 2001, a brawl practically ensued when adults found out that the Philadelphia 76ers would be giving the Allen Iverson bobbleheads only to children 15 and younger. Many minor−league teams give away bobbleheads as well. But with a smaller fan base, some teams will hand out only 500, Gasta said. Other teams, like the Indianapolis Indians, have given out 4,000. According to Indianapolis Indians spokesman Mike Wolinsky, the team has had "a lot of interest in the two bobblehead promotions we've done previously" −− one featuring Bob Uecker, the other a dual bobblehead featuring Felipe and Moises Alou. Indians fans recently also received bobbleheads of former manager Don Zimmer. According to Gasta, many collectors will either trade these hard−to−get items on boards like Bobbleheadolls.com, or sell them on eBay. He traded his first acquisition, the Mike Matheny doll, for a Chicago White Sox Nellie Fox bobble that was given away exclusively to season ticket holders in the 2002 season. "If I had to choose a favorite bobble in my collection, it would be the Nellie Fox, as his signature wad of chewing tobacco in (his) cheek is visible," Gasta said. "Or my Lansing Lugnuts Felix Pie SGA, as it was the first SGA my girlfriend attended with me." Since then, Gasta has taken the Felix Pie doll with him to various stadiums −− Detroit, Indianapolis, Cincinnati −− and taken its picture there. "I can't believe I'm going to say this," Gasta says jokingly, "but seeing as he has attended several games with us, I guess you could say he is almost family." Iowa artist Guise said the custom bobble business is great. The cheerful−looking dolls make great gifts and are a unique way of honoring an individual. According to Guise, requests for bobbles of deceased family members are not uncommon.

DC4 Report What better way to remember someone than with a smiling face and a ridiculously large head? It's hard not to smile. That's one of the biggest reasons Gasta said he continues to collect. "I don't really expect my bobbleheads to be worth a fortune someday, so it's not for the investment purposes," he said. "So why do I continue to obtain them, even though many of them are still in their boxes, as I do not have room to display them? I guess I just enjoy the way they make me smile when I walk by them." Call Star reporter Kimiko Martinez at (317) 444−6305. I really shouldn't get such a big head about it, though, because, really, anybody can be bobbled. _____________________________________________ Top Bobbles on eBay These were the top 10 bobble− heads, by price, for sale on eBay earlier this week: 1. Roberto Clemente bobbing nodder head, 1962, starting bid $2,499 2. Rare black Orioles baseball nodder, starting bid $1,000 3. Cleveland Browns Brownie elf kissing nodder, $999 bid 4. 1960s Philadelphia Eagles black bobbin doll nodder, $895 5. '62 Roberto Clemente bobbing head bobber nodder, $731 bid 6. '60s Washington Senators black bobbing head, $485 bid 7. 1961 Detroit Tigers black nodder bobbing head, $338 bid 8. Ohio State National Champs bobblehead set, starting price $299.99 9. Various 36−inch sports bobbleheads, $299.99 10. Vintage Dobie Gillis' Maynard Krebs Nodder MIB, $275 TEXT NAME: BOBBLE21 SLUG: TOPIC: SUBJECT: AMUSEMENTS KEYS: bobbleheads TYPE: CENTERPIECE, INFOBOX, LIST GEOGRAPHIC: ART TYPE: PHOTO ART CAPTION:Mpozi Mshale Tolbert / The Star

DC4 Report File photos It's me! Bobbleme.com used submitted pictures like the one above to create a bobblehead in Kimiko's likeness (right). The flower was left out because it was too fragile. From left, Ron Hunter, head coach at IUPUI; Tamika Catchings, Indiana Fever star and recent gold medal winner at the Olympics; Arnold Schwarzenegger, California governor. Local and national celebs who got bobbled From left, Ron Hunter, head coach at IUPUI; Tamika Catchings, Indiana Fever star and recent gold medal winner at the Olympics; Arnold Schwarzenegger, California governor. Mpozi Mshale Tolbert / The Star Head to toe: Kimiko Martinez sent in a fullâˆ’body piecutre so she could get a customized head and body doll. The fullâˆ’size version costs about $75 at bobbleme.com Photos provided by the Indianapolis Indians

PROC: STATUS:

In miniature: Bobblehead figures of Indianapolis Indians manager Cecil Cooper (left) and former Indians player Larry Walker were given away by the Indians. H Sent

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Thursday, October 5, 2006 INtake

FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

By Kimiko Martinez

kimiko.martinez@intakeweekly.com

n October, the color pink takes on new meaning. Breast Cancer Awareness month prompts those affected by the disease to show their support in the fight against it. And it’s hard to put a face on a disease that affects so many until you see all the pink pins, parkas, boas and bracelets being worn around town, or at an event like the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, where thousands of people make a three-mile loop around White River Park Downtown — walking for sisters, mothers, grandmothers, aunts, those who’ve survived and those who’ve passed on. The women in this story reflect the face of an everywoman whose life has been touched by breast cancer. And they’re doing something about it.

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There’s something about participating in a charity walk. There’s a spirit of camaraderie. You look around and see a sea of faces, everyone with something in common, everyone walking for their own reasons. The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk is no different. Women of all ages don pink, walk with friends or family or coworkers along the White River to celebrate their triumph over the disease or to memorialize the life of someone who lost their battle with it. It’s not a somber event, participants say, but a celebration. It builds solidarity between those who’ve been affected by breast cancer. And nearly everybody there has his or her own story.

A sisterhood for survival

Upcoming breast cancer events Tickled Pink Toast & Tour Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer’s girls’ night out, including hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, a silent auction, door prizes and informal tours of the Vera Bradley facilities. When: 6 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 6. Where: 2208 Production Road, Fort Wayne. Tickets: $60. Info: www.verabradley.org.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 2006 An annual 5K noncompetitive walk supporting the American Cancer Society’s mission to fight cancer with research, education, advocacy and patient services. When: Fort Wayne, Oct. 7; Indianapolis, 8 a.m. Oct. 21. Where: Celebration Plaza at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St. Info: www.cancer.org/stridesonline.

Coming to Our Senses: Healing Ourselves in Ways Little and Big, through Mindfulness

Fighting chance: Heather Foster, 24, (left) and her mother, Sharon Foster, make and sell flower arrangements to raise money to fight breast cancer. Email heather.l.foster @sbcglobal.net. Michelle Pemberton / INtake

Heather Foster Age: 24 What she’s doing: Leading the United Sistas team. Why she’s doing it: Virtually all the women on her mother’s side of the family have had run-ins with breast cancer; one died and one is a two-month survivor. Her story: Cancer doesn’t discriminate. Heather Foster knows that. But the Sistas United team leader knows that black women are at higher risk. (According to a National Cancer Institute study, African-American women were 2.2 times more likely to die from breast cancer than their white counterparts.) And she’s seen its effects on her own family. Two aunts have battled the disease — one died 24 years ago and the other just finished treatment two months ago — and the other five sisters, including Foster’s mother, have all had run-ins with the disease. “It’s very sobering,” Foster said. “Others my age might not

be worried about (breast cancer) at all. But I know the effects it has had on my family.” She’s watched her 53-year-old aunt, Jill Smith, suffer through the process this past year. And while Smith has powered through, Foster sees just how heavy a toll it’s taken on her. “The after-effects are ridiculous,” Foster said. “She can’t afford life insurance. She didn’t have insurance on the front end and now that she’s been diagnosed, she won’t be able to get it on the back end. She makes $200 per week and was told she can’t qualify for Medicaid because she makes too much.” As Smith works to pick up the pieces of her life, Foster has seen how there’s much more to surviving than just completing treatment. “Now there are all these medical bills,” Foster said. “You can’t even begin to tackle it. She still has to pay rent and buy groceries. And she’s still trying to get to feeling better physically, too.” Watching her aunt struggle

only encourages Foster in her fundraising efforts. “We really feel like we have to make a difference and every little bit helps,” she said. “The Little Red Door came and picked my aunt up for a couple of treatments that we couldn’t make it to. And if someone hadn’t donated at some point, then that service wouldn’t have been available to her.” Foster has participated in the walk for years with her mother, but finally realized that her family — 13 brothers and sisters on her mom’s side, all of whom have watched this most recent battle with cancer — was big enough to create a team of its own. She didn’t think that others would get involved, but when she went to order shirts last week she realized she was wrong. She had an order for more than 30 shirts for team members. “This year, more people want to get involved,” Foster said. “Instead of just writing a check, they want to participate as well.”

The Lynn Lectures hosts experts in the field of integrative medicine to enhance the understanding of how mind, body and spirit are interconnected. Mindful attention to body, mind and spirit may enhance the quality of life for those facing cancer or other illnesses, as well as empower those seeking to maintain or improve overall health and well being. Features Jon Kabat-Zinn, an authority on stress-reduction using mindfulness meditation. When: 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 11. Where: The Murat Theatre, 502 N. New Jersey St. Tickets: Free. Info: www.komenindy.org.

Burlesque Breast Cancer Benefit Show Bottom’s Up Burlesque hosts a night of for-a-good-cause fun, featuring Caberlesque, il Troubadore, The Cousin Brothers and more. Proceeds go to Y-ME.org. When: 9 p.m. Oct. 14. Where: Melody Inn, 3826 N. Illinois St. Tickets: $6 in advance, $8 day of. Info: www.bottomsupburlesque.net.

Pink Tie Ball Komen Indianapolis’ fourth annual fundraiser features cocktails, dinner and a silent auction, as well as live music by Zanna Doo. This year is a Western theme as the Scottish Rite Cathedral becomes a Pink Ribbon Ranch. When: 6 p.m. Oct. 21. Where: Scottish Rite Cathedral, 650 N. Meridian St. Tickets: $115 per person. Info: www.komenindy.org.

A Series of Fortunate Events (Benefiting Lori Baumgarten.) ! Silent auction and dinner: There is no cost to view or bid on the auction that will feature artwork from well-known local artists such as Quincy Owens, Kyle Ragsdale, Penelope Dullaghan and more, as well as gift certificates to local restaurants and businesses. There will be a place for children’s activities. When: 6 p.m. Oct. 27. Where: Halstead Architects 1139 Shelby St. Dinner tickets: $7, children 10 and younger $3. Info: (317) 450-6630. ! Benefit concert: Bands TBA. When: 8 p.m. Dec. 8. Where: Radio Radio, 1119 E. Prospect St. Tickets: $10 donation. Info: (317) 955-0995.

INDEPTH

Downtown Welcomes Classic Celebrations Coca-Cola Circle City Classic Pep Rally NCAA Hall of Champions October 6 - FREE Steppin’ on the Avenue Madame Walker Theatre Center October 6 Coca-Cola Circle City Classic Coors Light Classic Cabaret Indiana Convention Center & RCA Dome October 6 Coca-Cola Circle City Classic Football Game Central State University vs. Hampton University Indiana Convention Center & RCA Dome October 7 American Family Insurance Circle City Classic Parade Downtown Indianapolis October 7

Let the good times roll into the night 6 Lounge & Restaurant Basey’s Downtown Grill & Spirits Have a Nice Day Café Howl at the Moon ICE Lounge Jillian’s Nicky Blaine’s Martinis and Fine Cigars No Name Lounge Tiki Bob’s Cantina Log on to www.indydt.com for event parking and hotel information.

Thursday, October 5, 2006 INtake

From a long line of fighters Mary Wall Age: 24 What she’s doing: Aiming to raise $3,000 for cancer research and leading the All Pink for Peggy team. Why she’s doing it: Since breast cancer tends to skip a generation and her grandmother was stricken with the disease, Wall fears she’s next in line. Her story: Mary Wall’s grandmother, Peggy, didn’t have time to be sick. So when she found a lump and her doctor went in for exploratory surgery she told him to do whatever needed to be done. “ ‘I’ve got a house and kids to take care of,’ ” Wall said her grandmother told the doctor. “ ‘If you find something, don’t wake me up to tell me, just take care of it.’ ” When she woke up, both her breasts were gone. Then a nerve in her arm died and, for years, it hung like dead weight at her side. Eventually, she had it amputated. But Peggy didn’t have time to think about all that. The 5-footnothing Italian spitfire had a household to run. Wall’s mother Terry, helped her mother care for her brothers and sisters. But her grandmother did much of the work herself, cooking, cleaning, even painting her nails. “I’ll never forget the first time I saw my grandma stick that nail polish bottle cap between her teeth and paint her nails,” Wall said. “I can’t even do it that well and I’ve got two hands! She’s just one hell of a woman.” Wall has participated in plenty of walks before. But she decided to start her own team, All Pink for Peggy, this year. And the team has been in the top 10 for raising funds. They raised $1,000 of their $3,000 goal in one day. “We started at 8:30 and by the end of the day we were at $1,000,” she said. “I sent out an e-mail and within a couple of hours I got $300. And that was huge for me because I honestly didn’t expect that kind of support. “People don’t realize, that even if it’s only $1, $3, $5 — it helps,” Wall said. “It might seem small, but it plays such a big part.” And if it takes her whole life to keep raising money for a cure, Wall said she’d do it. “If I have to do walks for the next 20 years, then I’ll do it,” she said. “Because I am not going to let breast cancer take away any part of my life. I’m not going to let it get the best of me.”

“If I have to do walks for the next 20 years, then I’ll do it. Because I am not going to let breast cancer take away any part of my life. I’m not going to let it get the best of me.”

Pink pup: With their pink apparel, Mary Wall, 24, and her dog Jade show that everyone can fight cancer. Mary will also participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

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Columbus Day Sale

50% OFF

ALL MERCHANDISE OCTOBER 9TH

An office united to win

The Public Defenders: ReVae Shivers (far right) and Alicia Smith (right) are heading the Public Defender’s Agency team, some of whom are pictured at left, for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

ReVae Shivers, and Alicia Smith Age: Both 25 What they’re doing: Leading a team to represent the Marion County Public Defender’s Agency. Why they’re doing it: ReVae Shivers lost her mother to breast cancer less than seven months ago. And since becoming involved with the event, Alicia Smith’s life has been touched by cancer as well. Their story: It’s no coincidence that two women who work for the Marion County Public Defender’s Agency walking for a cause aimed at defending the public. Certainly there’s a huge difference between the day-to-day Law & Order-esque researching and investigating versus leading a team of coworkers raising money for breast cancer research. But in both cases, it’s the everyday man and woman on the street that they’re looking to protect. “We started this because ReVae has been hit hard with cancer,” Alicia Smith said. “And during this, I’ve been hit hard with cancer.” For ReVae Shivers, an investigative paralegal for major felonies, it all started with two words. “It’s back.” Shivers didn’t need to hear anything else. She knew this would change her life, but she didn’t want to hear it. “I was like, ‘No, I thought we were over this,’ ” she said, recalling her mother’s announcement that, for a third time, her breast cancer had returned.

“She looked at me and said, ‘I’m going to get there for you. I’m going to be at your wedding.’ Even on her deathbed, she was like, ‘I’m not dying.’ ” Perhaps that’s why Shivers herself kept fighting, reading and researching, trying to find a way to help her mother heal. “I was still in denial,” she said. “As much as you know it’s going to happen, you’re never prepared. “It was a Tuesday night, so many people had come over, and after everyone had left my brother told me, ‘She’s not going to make it very much longer. You need to say what you’ve got to say,’ ” Shivers remembered. “I told her, ‘I’ll be OK. You can go. You can be at peace.’ ” She died the next morning. Now, seven months later, Shivers is doing what she wished she’d done years ago — she’s participating in a breast cancer walk. Unlike Shivers, Smith has been involved in charity walks for years. “I don’t ever have a problem walking,” said Smith, who handles human resources and is a personal assistant for the agen-

cy. “Komen, March of Dimes, anything. None of these things has ever affected me. I just walk with friends.” But since taking on the task of helping Shivers organize the agency’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer team, Smith herself was affected when her mother was diagnosed with cancer. And while her mom’s cancer isn’t breast cancer like Shivers’ mother’s, the common experience has brought them closer together. “I didn’t know what ReVae went through or her me,” Smith said. “But now we have that relationship.” Others in their building have begun coming out of the woodwork as well, sharing stories of how cancer has touched their lives. And being able to find support, sharing that bond, has become an important part of their efforts. “We don’t know how far this will go,” Smith said. “We don’t even care,” Shivers said. “I don’t care if there’s just five of us out there. My work is just doing it. You get out there and it’s like, ‘Wow, I’m not the only one.’ ”

3890 Lafayette Rd., Indianapolis (Lafayette Square) 317-293-2220 *Not valid with any other coupons, discounts or special offers.

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Thursday, October 5, 2006 INtake

A common cause Dear Kelly, I heard you on the air mentioning that you’re a bit obsessive compulsive. I am too, but I think I’m a bit worse off then you. I’m not sure it’s to the level of me needing to be medicated though, so that’s why I’m writing you. My main problem is that I’m afraid to drive through intersections. I know this sounds crazy but I am too terrified to keep my eyes open. When I start to go through, I close my eyes and then count to two before opening them again. So far I haven’t hit anyone, thank heavens. I’ve tried keeping my eyes open but, when I do, I slam on my brakes.

What do you think? In Need Of Medication

Dear In Need, YES! I do think you need medication to deal with your obsessive compulsive disorder, and I also think you need therapy. Closing your eyes at any time while behind the wheel is incredibly dangerous. I recommend you stop driving until you can get your phobia under control. See your doctor and inform him/her of your problem. Odds are you’ll be sent to a therapist and prescribed meds that control O.C.D.

Best of luck, Kelly McKay

For some people, walking the walks just isn’t enough. When something as big as breast cancer has touched your life, you just want to do something more. It seems everything that Susan Gillim does comes back to her battle with breast cancer, whether it’s a rummage sale, making jewelry or just chatting with others about her own experience. She’s even created her own group to raise funds year-’round.

Submitted photos

Thinking pink: Susan Gillim and her husband, Parvin Gillim, at the “It’s All About the Pink” benefit.

Susan Gillim Age: 49 What she’s doing: Raising funds for the Susan G. Komen Foundation through Partners in Pink, a group she organized to hold periodic breast cancer fundraisers. Why she’s doing it: She’s been there and she wants to help others who’ve been in her situation. Her story: Organizations like the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation need people like Susan Gillim. “We are primarily a fundraising organization,” said Dana Curish, executive director of Komen’s Indianapolis affiliate. “That’s our purpose — to end breast cancer as a life-ending disease. And the only way to do that is to raise money.” Komen itself puts on several events each year, including the Pink Tie Ball later this month. And while the foundation gets support from big companies like BMW and Lee Denim,

a good chunk of what they do comes from everyday people who’ve been affected by breast cancer and want their money to stay in the community. “About 75 percent stays right here (in Indianapolis),” Curish said. “In reality it’s more than that because 25 percent goes to research, and there are four local research programs.” That’s a big reason why Gillim, a five-year breast cancer survivor as of this month, makes it a point to stay involved with the foundation. The Partners in Pink — a seven-woman team of friends, family and fellow breast cancer survivors — do small things like hold rummage sales and donate the proceeds to Komen. But their big annual fundraiser is a benefit concert featuring Carl Storie in March, that raised $7,500 last year. “Even if we raised $500, it’s fun,” Gillim said. “I don’t care if we raise $1. It’s still more than we’d raised the month before. I like to be involved in raising money and raising awareness.”

When there’s no safety net Health insurance provides a safety net for those Americans who can afford it. When Carol Mercuri was diagnosed with breast cancer in December of 2005, she needed her major medical insurance policy to break her fall. Mercuri was more than surprised to find out that the net she’d purchased wouldn’t catch her. The 47-year-old self-employed nail technician left her previous insurer to purchase “what I thought was a major medical policy through Assurant Health,” Mercuri said. What she found was that Assurant Health would only cover in-patient treatment. “(Assurant) refused to pay for all treatment on me,” she said, because lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are all outpatient procedures — noteworthy to Mercuri and her physicians because “this is standard treatment for breast cancer.” Mercuri, diagnosed with invasive ductile carcinoma, is suffering from an uncommon form of breast cancer, but it’s commonly overcome with

standard treatments and a specific cocktail of drugs. In less than a year, Mercuri has racked up more than $150,000 in medical bills. The burden rests on her, her family and hospital charities, which have been “more than helpful,” Mercuri said. She is optimistic but understandably frustrated. “Why would I purchase a policy that is not going cover a major illness?” she said. Mercuri is currently pursuing litigation against Assurant Health. — Neal Taflinger

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Michelle Pemberton / INtake

Friendly fight: Lori Baumgarten, 37, (left) was diagnosed with breast cancer. Shauta Marsh, 28, is organizing a series of benefits to help.

A friend in need

They say that one in every seven women will be affected by breast cancer. So looking around a room, you’ll see a handful of those who have or will be touched by the disease or already have been. In the INtake office, Mary Garrison’s sister lost her battle last year. And Jim Walker’s wife Shauta Marsh is currently in the midst of supporting a good friend who was recently diagnosed. Shauta Marsh Age: 28 What she’s doing: Organizing A Series of Fortunate Events, a garage sale, art auction/dinner and benefit concert, to raise funds for her friend Lori Baumgarten, who just began breast cancer treatments. Why she’s doing it: After watching her mother battle cancer, Marsh wanted to find a way to give her friend the resources she needs to focus on getting well. Her story: When Marsh found out Baumgarten had been diagnosed with breast cancer, she knew she had to do something. “I felt so powerless watching my mother go through

surgery, chemo and radiation,” Marsh said. “Lori was my confidant through the whole ordeal; she understood what I was going through; she had lost her mother to cancer. “So when Lori told me she had cancer, it knocked the breath out of me,” she said. She did what she knew how to do. She rallied her friends and organized A Series of Fortunate Events to raise money for Baumgarten, who makes her living teaching bellydancing classes at Big Car Gallery in Fountain Square and has two little boys to help care for. “I’d like to raise about $6,000 for her,” Marsh said. “Like $1,000 per month, I think would be helpful.” Marsh just wants to give her friend some breathing room. “I think it’s been really great to see people from the community get together,” Marsh said. “And really, I am not some super friend,” Marsh said. “These events aren’t solely benefiting her; they are a way for me to cope.”