Bipolar, depression walk held at Veterans Park

A fund-raising walk for those affected and touched by depression and bipolar disorder was held at Union Township’s Veteran’s Park Sept. 20.

With almost 100 people participating in the walk, the Batavia bipolar support group raised about $840.

“It was a great day and everyone really seemed to enjoy themselves,” said walk organizer Taressa Ingle, who formed the group earlier in the year. “We came very close to our goal of raising $1,000.”

The first annual bipolar walk in Clermont County was important to have because organizers want to stress how important it is for the community at large to realize that people suffering from depression and bipolar are just ordinary people going through rough times.

"We wanted to get the word out that people with depression or bipolar disorder can live functional lives just like everyone else," Ingle said. "The funds raised will help more people seek treatment."

Clermont Counseling Center Director Tricia Burke said that funds for 2008 have already dried up, so this fund-raiser was crucial at this time.

"Our United Way funds are used up for the year," Burke said. "We are thrilled that the bipolar support group has taken the initiative with this fund-raiser; it will help many people in the county get the help they need."

According to Burke, bipolar disorder experts believe that the disorder occurs in 1 percent of the population among all age groups.

The Batavia support group, which is a local chapter of the national Depression Bipolar Support Alliance, has 30 active members.

The bipolar support group meets every Saturday afternoon from 1 - 2:30 p.m. at the Emmanuel United Methodist Church on Amelia-Olive Branch Road.

For more information, contact Taressa Ingle via e-mail at taressa80@hotmail.com.