A Talk with MIRA's Past President

Patrick J. Mason

Why has the mission of MIRA become such an important cause for you?

I suffered sporadic bouts of depression for several years without finding a treatment that worked for me. Prior to the introduction of today's highly effective anti-depressant medications, talk therapy was the prescribed course of treatment. I have learned that I have a physical disorder - a chemical imbalance - that is at the root of the depressive symptoms. 

It is amazing to learn that over 80% of the people treated with anti-depressant medication recover from their illness. Not only the quality of lives, but lives themselves are saved due to medical research into the function of the brain. The work on brain disorders has been impressive, but we have a long way to go. Research is the answer.

Yet, I find it very disheartening to learn that two-thirds of the people who suffer from depression never receive treatment. Can you imagine saying the same for other diseases such as cancer and heart disease? The real difference here is the stigma that is attached to mental illnesses. We are here to combat stigma through awareness programs and efforts to raise the level of understanding about the physical nature of mental disorders.

Can you tell us some of the significant accomplishments of MIRA in the community?

MIRA has funded over twenty-five research grants for projects that directly impact our community - a community that will see one in five members suffer from a mental disorder at one time in their lives. 

Through the efforts of our research committee, we have been pleased to provide the seed money for new initiatives in brain research. Even though it is sometimes hard to say just how a particular project affects the community, virtually every new medical treatment and cure has come about as the result of painstaking research - rarely are they discovered by accident.

We have also worked to raise the level of understanding of thousands of our community members to the nature of mental illnesses and the stigma that is still attached to the illness and to the sufferer. One of the best ways to combat stigma is to provide contact with individuals who have a mental illness. Through our efforts in the media including television and radio shows, newspaper interviews, magazine articles and in our speaking engagements, we have demonstrated that the face of mental illness is not necessarily different from your own.

At our annual Gold Key Event, we have brought in nationally known speakers such as Maureen Reagan and Paul Williams, to share their experiences with the pain and suffering of brain disorders. 

There is a great deal to do  -  we are trying to fulfill the need for information in the schools, community organizations, and the workplace through our awareness programs. We will continue the workshops and seminars that have been so well received.

Why do you believe that private fundraising is so vital in brain and mental illness research?

Private sector fundraising for brain research is fundamental because the level of public funding is dramatically below the levels for other major health concerns such as cancer, HIV, and heart disease. Ironically, four of the top ten causes of disability in the United States are mental disorders.

The stigma that is attached to the illness impacts the ability to raise funds for vital research projects. It takes a continued effort to increase awareness of the physical nature of mental illness to effectively raise funding for brain research into these disorders.

Perhaps most importantly, MIRA provides initial funding or "seed money" for researchers at such prestigious institutions as University of Michigan Medical Center, Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University Medical School and William Beaumont Research Institute. Once launched, these projects can go on to secure millions in funding for their vital research.

We are also working to provide our donors with a look inside the results of their giving. This means updates on the research projects and the scientists on our web site and at our events. It is nice to be able to see your generosity becoming the foundation for a better understanding of these terrible disorders.

What are some of your goals for MIRA?

If we have learned anything in the past nine years, it is that we have so much more to do. We can only succeed in that by becoming more diligent at getting the message out regarding the physical nature of mental illnesses, the devastating impact of stigma and the critical need for research dollars.

What message would you have for those who are suffering from mental illness?

First and foremost, there is nothing to be ashamed of and, secondly, make sure that you have been evaluated by a medical professional who specializes in psychiatric disorders.