Two UNMC mental health professionals will discuss bipolar disorder following the Feb. 16 and March 2 performances of “Next to Normal” at the Omaha Community Playhouse.
The 2010 winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, “Next to Normal,” is a raw account of a family dealing with mental illness, tragedy and the realities of modern society. It follows an overly medicated mother trying to cope with bipolar disorder as her family struggles to maintain normalcy.
The National Institute of Mental Health calls bipolar disorder, or manic-depressive illness, a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.
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Angela Jenson-Frey in the Omaha Community Playhouse production of “Next to Normal.” |
The Feb. 16 discussion will be led by Rachel Labaton, Ph.D., who holds a doctorate in clinical psychology with a specialization in child and adolescent psychology at UNMC; and Kristi Barth, the mother of a son diagnosed with depression and bipolar disorder.
On March 2, Howard Liu, M.D., assistant professor of psychiatry at UNMC, will lead the discussion. Dr. Liu maintains an outpatient practice treating children and adolescents with mood disorders, anxiety disorders and ADHD. He is a frequent commentator on media programs regarding issues in child and adolescent mental health.
For tickets and show times, contact the Omaha Community Playhouse at 402-553-0800.