Eppie Lederer, the author of Ann Landers who died Saturday, left behind columns to be published through July 27. Here is one:
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Dear Ann Landers: In the wake of the terrible Sept. 11 tragedies, people across the nation have been examining the issue of mental illness. Children are particularly vulnerable. Researchers from Columbia University studied children in grades 4-12 in New York City six months after the terrorist attacks and found that 9 out of 10 showed at least one sign that they were still suffering. Children nationwide continue to experience anxiety, depression and stress.
Too often, the stigma associated with mental illness prevents people from seeking help. Also, parents and adults are often unaware of even the most obvious warning signs of mental illness in young people — which can lead to deadly consequences in the most extreme cases. Nearly 20 percent of American high school students report that they have seriously considered or attempted suicide at least once. In 1998, more teengers and young adults died from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza and chronic lung disease combined.
Mental illness is as treatable as other medical conditions. According to the surgeon general, a range of effective treatments is now available for most mental disorders. A growing call for equal insurance coverage for mental illnesses is also helping to provide greater access to treatment than ever before.
By expanding awareness and educating Americans about the warning signs of depression and mental illness, we can change people’s minds about this disease and break the cycle of ignorance and fear.
On behalf of the National Mental Health Awareness Campaign, I urge you to address this issue and encourage your readers to learn more about mental illness by visiting our Web site at www.nostigma.com. Sincerely,
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— Tipper Gore, Honorary Chair, National Mental Health Awareness Campaign
Dear Tipper Gore: Mental illness covers a wide range of problems that cannot be treated properly if they are hidden and avoided. Thank you for your excellent letter. I hope my readers will check out your Web site today.
Dear Ann Landers: I have been happily married to “Benny” for 21 years. This is my second marriage and his too. Our children are adults now and have lives of their own. The only thing we ever argue about is Benny’s ex-wife.
Benny is required to send his ex a small support check every month until she remarries, which she never will. For some reason, Benny feels obligated to enclose a short note with his check, saying he hopes she is well, and so on. Every two or three months, his ex sends a note in return with updates on their children, her health problems, her mother and whatever else is new.
I haven’t been in contact with my ex-husband in over two years. I see no reason for Benny to be nice to this woman anymore. Their marriage is over, and the kids are grown. It annoys me that they are so friendly. What do you say?
— The Wife in Virginia
Dear Wife: Benny and his ex-wife have children together. It is in everyone’s best interest for them to remain on cordial terms. You ought to be grateful your husband and his ex have a good relationship instead of the screaming matches and nastiness some second wives have to deal with. Kwitcherbeefin’, count your blessings, and don’t sweat the small stuff.