The photo above shows a traveling exhibition by Active Minds, an advocacy group, consisting of 1100 backpacks which represents the approximate number of undergraduates who commit suicide each year. This number has been on the rise in recent years in colleges and universities across the nation. What is leading to this increase is multifaceted. According to […]
Taking Off the Mask of Mental Illness
There are many reasons people may wear masks. They may be worn to present ourselves in ways that are socially acceptable or to shield ourselves from inspection. The reasons for wearing a mask are plentiful and the results can be both helpful and harmful. Mental illness can also be a mask; it can mask who we […]
The System is Broken by CNN
The mother who founded the Facebook community “An Addict’s Mom” to give a forum of support rather than shame to parents with children battling the disease of addiction, has lost her son prematurely. Barbara Theodosiou’s son began receiving mental health care at age twelve. By age thirteen, he was using drugs. “It shocks me. It crushes […]
Honoring the Dedication of T. Darmstadter
On Tuesday, May 26, 2015, Burke honored Mr. Tom Darmstadter, outgoing president and founding member of East Texas Behavioral Resources, with a plaque in our Angelina Mental Health facility at 1522 West Frank Street in Lufkin, Texas. Mr. Darmstadter has played a pivotal role in the acquisition, enhancement and general maintenance of over a quarter million […]
Saved from suicide
Jasper teenager Alex L. shared her brave story of depression and recovery with us for the Lufkin Daily News’ article about mental illness. As she prepares for college in the fall, she’s thankful that someone made a fateful call that saved her life. Read Alex’s full story below and in the Lufkin Daily News. And please […]
Peer Specialists Provide Real World, Lived Experience
By SHELLY LADDEN — for The Lufkin News Editor’s Note: In observance of Mental Health Month, The Lufkin News is featuring local mental health stories and services throughout May. Lufkin woman Angie Tinajero is a certified peer specialist at Burke, a mental health services provider in East Texas. And when she tells her clients “I […]