Mission Statement

"The Hidden Epidemic"

Subject: This film will explore the connection between concussion and suicidal depression. A very high percentage of concussion victims (especially teens) experience various degrees of memory loss, anxiety, change in personality, and ultimately depression. Along the way, many begin to seek relief by self-medicating with alcohol and drugs which both exacerbates and masks the real nature of the problem. At the end, months or years later, blame is usually placed on drugs, alcohol and toxic music when the true underlying cause was a common concussion. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) anxiety and depression affect 38,000,000 Americans each year. Suicide, often the result of an untreated anxiety-depressive disorder is the eighth ranked cause of death in America (Amen, 2003). Suicide is now the third leading cause of death for teens. The technologies and techniques of successfully dealing with this epidemic (emphasis mine) are now available and I feel a moral obligation to do something about this. In 1995 my son was fortunate to have received proper treatment for a debilitating concussion and he survived suicidal depression – I also knew four other fine young people who did not.

Purpose: The purpose of the film is to provide victims, parents and care-givers with knowledge of the possible consequences of post concussion syndrome (PCS). This knowledge will include the symptoms of PCS as well as available treatments, medications and techniques for healing. These techniques include diet, biofeedback, cognitive therapy, natural supplements, aerobic exercise, as well as art and singing therapy.

The film: The film will be approximately one hour in length, hosted by a recognizable personality. It is expected to feature one or more medical authorities explaining the phenomena in layman’s terms, using brain scan technology and computer generated imaging. It is both practical and desirable that the film be translated into multiple languages for foreign distribution as well.

Distribution: Distribution of DVD and VHS copies of the film will be facilitated by one or more foundation grants allowing placement of the film into schools, hospitals, doctors’ offices and possibly to youth sports leagues. The goal is that any child who is diagnosed with a concussion will go home with a copy of the film.

Anticipated result: Now that this connection has been scientifically established, a coordinated program of education in the treatment and prevention of PCS induced suicides is called for. The expectation is that this project will dramatically reduce the frequency of PCS induced depression and suicide. I invite you to join me in this lifesaving effort.

Sincerely,
Bill Brown
Fullerton Union High School
201 E. Chapman Ave
Fullerton, Ca. 92832
714-626-5447