Teens tell painful stories
| Wednesday, Oct 28 2009 04:27 PM
Last Updated Wednesday, Oct 28 2009 04:27 PM
Kurt Rivera, of KBAK-Channel 29, begins a five-part series Sunday on the lives of teenagers suffering from mental illness.
The series is designed to reduce the stigma of having a mental disorder by profiling several local teens who talk about their struggles.
The series airs at 5 p.m. Sunday-Friday on KBAK Eyewitness News and again at 10 p.m. on KBFX-FOX 58:
Rivera provides a guide to the series:
Sunday
Mental illness: how does it strike teens? We profile 16-year old Alissa Heffernan, who was diagnosed as bipolar and has depression and social anxiety. The former A student and outgoing teen suddenly changed in junior high school and has tried committing suicide. The discussion includes Heffernan, her mother and James McGough, M.D., a doctor specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry at the UCLA Medical Center.
Monday
Mental illness through the eyes of 25-year-old Landon Scranton. By 10 he tried committing suicide, following the lead of his father and uncle, who both killed themselves. He talks about his bipolar condition from "problem child," who dabbled in drugs, to a budding songwriter/singer with a CD of songs relating to mental illness due out early next year.
Tuesday
A profile 16-year-old Marley Ramirez. Marley's life unraveled before her parents' eyes. She was diagnosed bipolar, began "cutting" or scarring her body in a cry for help. She is on a mission now to educate her fellow students and the public about mental illness.
Wednesday
Feature on a success story. Ashley Nommensen, 19, was a bright, talented girl who had her life turn around overnight. We talk to her, and her parents, Neil and Mickie Nommensen, about their fight to get assistance for Ashley. She eventually sought help at UCLA and is now no longer on medication.
Thursday
Profile of a unique local group, only one of its kind in the country. Young adults, ages 13-25, meet and discuss common problems associated with their mental illness. Parents meet at the same time in a different room. Russ Sempell is the founder.
Friday
Problem-solving segment with interviews of experts on teen mental illness.
-- From a KBAK media release
