“Have Heart”

On February 23, 2019, Rebecca’s Dream supporters gathered at Kenilworth Club, Kenilworth Ill., to “Have Heart” and to promote awareness and compassionate understanding of depression and bipolar disorder as real diseases.

The 670 Score radio personality, Dan Bernstein, Master of Ceremonies, led us through the evening and shared a powerful message about the importance of mental health stigma and the progress we’re making to eliminate that stigma. Bernstein drew from his personal knowledge and talked about the large number of famous athletes speaking out against the stigma and telling the world about their own mental illnesses, and from his wife, Beth Bernstein. Beth shared her real story and compelling message about living with bipolar disorder and her hope that sharing her story to help others with their own struggles. Both Beth and Dan Bernstein stood together stressing the importance of the work Rebecca’s Dream is doing. They urged all to continue the fight against the stigma surrounding mental illness, and expressed their appreciation for the help, hope, knowledge and support offered by Rebecca’s Dream to so many in need.

The room was filled with guests of all ages as Rebecca’s Dream’s President, Stan Slovin spoke and recognized Rebecca’s Dream’s Heroes. He identified many people in the room for their work and support. They shared their vision of a world where the stigma of mental illness would be only a memory, and appreciation for the work of the volunteers and the dedication of our donors who make it possible to continue the mission and vision of Rebecca’s Dream.

President Slovin also shared next steps for Rebecca’s Dream.

  • Educating parents, of teens entering high school, on ways to identify possible signs of mental distress within their families and how to seek help through the Teens and Transitions program on April 16, 2019 at Highland Park High School.

  • Producing the story of author, Mark Litzsinger, and his inspiration behind the book Out of the Shadows.

  • Providing a forum for school representative to share and learn about mental health issues today, through a program, Wake Up Call.

  • Taking a Stand and Walking for Mental Health Equality on May 19, 2019, Grant Park, Chicago. Partnering with Mental Health Association of Greater Chicago.

  • Distributing ” IT’S ALL IN YOUR HEAD” to libraries, classrooms, doctor offices and individuals requesting RD’s free book on teens and mental illnesses. View more information and get a copy of the book here.

  • Providing positive and proactive programming to tweens, teens and families about the sings of mental illness and ways to seek help through a panel discussion with Writer’s Theater, coming early June.

  • June 9, 2019 partnering with Writers Theatre on the production of ‘next to normal,’ a multi-Tony award winner and Pulitzer Prize winner for Drama.

A fantastic dinner, successful silent auction, and dancing rounded out a memorable evening, and successful fund-raising effort.

Our warmest thanks for being a part of our family.

Your commitment to our mission and vision helps us provide help, hope and encouragement to those in need of mental health education.

We thank you for attending the 14th Annual Rebecca’s Dream Benefit and Auction, supporting RD through your financial generosity, volunteering, sponsoring, and for walking the path with us to reduce stigma of mental illness while we educate our audience and beyond. Because of your support we bring impactful programs to the community.

With infinite gratitude,

The Board of Directors of Rebecca’s Dream

Rebecca’s Dream College Scholarships in Memory of Dr. Harlan Haimes

Rebecca’s Dream 2019 Mental Health Award is an annual award that celebrates three exceptional high school seniors from Illinois schools. These students share in Rebecca’s Dream’s mission and vision to reduce the stigma of mental illness and ‘Change the Face of Depression.’

The high school students selected for this award each receive $1,500 and recognition on Rebecca’s Dream’s website.

Lovie Binion

Lyons Township High School

Morish Shah,

Stevenson High School

Ally Fein

Deerfield High School

Dr. Harlan Haimes Scholarships are in memory of our Co-founder, Dr. Harlan Haimes.

Rebecca’s Dream is grateful to Harlan for his dedication, devotion and vision to reduce the stigma of mental illness by promoting awareness and compassionate understanding of depression and bipolar disorder as real diseases.

The awardees were recognized at the 14th Annual Benefit and Silent Auction. Susan Haimes presented the awards in memory of her husband, Dr. Harlan Haimes. Joining her in the presentation were daughter Shara Lieberman and granddaughters Hannah and Marissa Lieberman.

Some Impressions from our Gala Event!

UPCOMING EVENTS

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

-William Arthur Ward

“IT’S ALL IN YOUR HEAD”

‘’IT’S ALL IN YOUR HEAD” contains information about: ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, stigma, symptoms and ways to cope.

Author and illustrator Marlee F. Is a teen living successfully with depression. As Marlee struggled to understand her thoughts, feelings and moods she created “IT’S ALL IN YOUR HEAD.” Marlee’s passion became helping teens easily understand they are not alone during difficult mental health challenges ~ help she wishes she had during her early years of confusion and shame.

Mental disorders don’t discriminate.

One in five teens are affected by some form of disorder severe enough to impact their daily lives.
However, with professional help and self-care most teens feel better within 4-6 weeks.

Tips & Tools

7 Tips for Managing Depression While You’re Traveling

  • Have A Plan & Unstructured Time —Making plans is the best way to beat back the feelings of indecision and overwhelm that can trigger a lack of motivation or bring on a sudden depressive episode.

  • Manage Your Expectations — Accept that there will be a gap between the trip of your dreams and what actually happens.

  • Be Kind to Yourself —Knowing what triggers your personal symptoms, whether it’s stressful situations, lack of sleep, or feeling disappointed, is key to stepping in before things get too hairy.

  • Get Support— Depression can be isolating enough in your day-to-day life, so make an extra effort to shore up your support system before traveling.

  • Watch your Alcohol Intake — Especially if you’re traveling for pleasure, an afternoon’s worth of day drinking on the beach can really catch up with you.

  • Strategize Around your Personal Symptoms — If fatigue and energy levels are difficult then pace yourself. If sleep is a problem then plan accordingly.

  • Take Care of your Body’s Needs — Exercise, good nutrition, hydration and ample sleep can reduce depression symptoms.

Source: Bustle by Mariella Mosthof

Featured Book

Mental Health News

Catch up on the latest articles and news headlines about mental health, bipolar disorder and depression at Rebecca’s Dream “The Voice” and Press.

Support the Dream

Help us by making a gift to promote awareness and compassionate understanding of depression and bipolar disorder as real diseases.