Mountain Climber Leads Expedition of Hope for People Battling Depression

Mountain Climber Leads Expedition of Hope for People Battling
Depression
Alaska's Mt. McKinley is first stop on quest to climb "Seven Summits" 


ANCHORAGE, AK, May 31  /PRNewswire/ -- American Joe Lawson today has embarked
on a journey to climb the world's highest peaks to focus global attention on
the need for greater depression awareness, treatment and support. As a
teenager, Lawson's father committed suicide after a long battle with
depression.  In honor of his memory he formed Expedition Hope(TM), with the
goal of preventing similar tragedies.

"My father's illness left him feeling isolated and too ashamed to ask for
help," said Lawson.  "That's why I'm dedicating this effort to him.  I want to
focus attention on the stigma that keeps so many with mental illness from
seeking the treatment they so desperately need."

Should Lawson reach the highest peak on each continent, he will join an elite
group of climbers to have accomplished this feat -- fewer than 100 worldwide. 
With the help of Eli Lilly and Company, his journey begins in North America
with Alaska's Mt. McKinley (20,320 feet).  Lawson will chronicle his climb on
the Web at http://www.expeditionhope.org/ , where people also can learn more
about depression and how they can support programs that help those with mental
illness.

"With mountain climbing, you have to overcome many obstacles in order to reach
the final goal.  Yet it can be done with the right training and assistance,"
said Lawson.  "The same can be said for people with depression and those who
care for them.  With the help of a healthcare professional and a support
network, relief is possible."

Lawson is an experienced mountain climber with previous involvement in the
Discovery Channel Eco-Challenge adventure race events and several adventure
travel companies.

About Depression & Suicide

Nearly 19 million Americans suffer from depression.(i)  Although it is one of
the most common psychiatric disorders seen by primary care physicians, it often
goes undiagnosed or is under-treated.(ii)  This may be in part because
depressed patients often present to their primary care doctor with physical,
rather than emotional complaints.(iii)  In order for people with depression to
recover completely, all of their symptoms, both emotional and physical, should
be addressed.

Despite extensive research into suicide, there is no simple answer to why some
people attempt to end their lives and others do not.  Although the vast
majority of people with mental illness do not die by suicide, having a mental
illness does increase its likelihood.  It is estimated that 2-15 percent of
people diagnosed with major depression commit suicide.  The risk is highest
among individuals who feel hopeless about the future, those who have just been
discharged from the hospital, those who have a family history of suicide and
those who have made a previous suicide attempt.(iv)  To learn more about how to
prevent suicide, visit the American Association of Suicidology at
http://www.suicidology.org/ .

About the Seven Summits

Mt. McKinley, also known as Denali, is considered the most challenging of the
Seven Summits after Mt. Everest, based on technical difficulty, physical
hardship and altitude.  After completing Mt. McKinley, Lawson will attempt to
climb Mt. Aconcagua (South America), Mt. Kilimanjaro (Africa), Mt. Elbrus
(Europe), Mt. Cartenz Pyramid (Oceania), Mt. Vinson Massif (Antarctica), and
Mt. Everest (Asia).

About Lilly

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing
portfolio of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical products by
applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from
collaborations with eminent scientific organizations.  Headquartered in
Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers -- through medicines and information
-- for some of the world's most urgent medical needs.  Additional information
about Lilly is available at http://www.lilly.com/ . O-LLY

(i)   National Institute of Mental Health.  Depression Research at the National
Institute of Mental Health: Fact Sheet.  Available at
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/depresfact.cfm . Accessed May 12, 2004. 

  (ii)  Kroenke K, et al. Am J Med. 1997; 103 (5): 339-347.
  (iii) Simon GE, et al. N Engl J Med. 1999; 341 (18): 1329-1335.


(iv)  Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration. National Strategy for Suicide Prevention:
Mental Illness and Suicide - Facts. Available at:
http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/suicideprevention/suicidefacts.asp .
Accessed April 15, 2004.

  (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050531/DETU005-a
           http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050531/DETU005-b
           http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050531/EXPHOPELOGO-c )


http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050531/DETU005-a

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050531/DETU005-b

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050531/EXPHOPELOGO-c

DATASOURCE: Expedition Hope(TM)



CONTACT:  Raena Latina of Expedition Hope(TM), Phone: [phone],

 ; or Carole Witsken Puls of Eli Lilly and

Company, Inc., Phone: [phone],  

Copyright