Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) Experts Address Global Epidemic of Depression at
The Four Arts Society
The Lecture was Followed by a Luncheon to Launch HDRF’s First Ever Palm Beach Junior Committee
Over 80 guests attended a special presentation by Audrey Gruss, Founder and Chair of Hope for Depression Research Foundation and Dr. Eric Nestler, Chair of the HDRF Depression Task Force, at the Four Arts Society on January 6th. The lectures addressed the magnitude of depressive illness globally and in the U.S., where surveys show a third of Americans are experiencing depression and anxiety in the wake of the pandemic.
In the presentation, Gruss emphasized the need for biomedical research to find much-needed new treatments for depression and its related mood disorders, especially as the world reels from Covid-19. Dr. Nestler discussed how HDRF’s team of top neuroscientists — the Depression Task Force – have identified new opportunities for cures through advanced brain research. He shared the hopeful news that their strides in research have led to a pilot clinical trial now underway to test a brand new category of antidepressant.
Another hopeful part of the day was the official launch of Hope for Depression’s Inaugural Palm Beach Junior Committee – a core group of young parents and professionals dedicated to raise mental health awareness in their communities. They were invited to attend the lecture and a special luncheon afterwards with Dr. Nestler and Audrey Gruss at Le Bilboquet.
Gruss said: “Young people, increasingly, are much more open about mental health issues. As Palm Beach sees a major influx of young people and families, we want to harness their passion to find solutions to depression, one of the greatest issues facing humanity today.”
“I am so happy I took the day off to attend the lecture and luncheon,” said Lourdes de Guardiola, equestrian trainer and owner of Imperial Show Stables, “it’s important that I educate myself on recognizing symptoms so that I may intelligently guide my students to seek professional help when needed. I learned a great deal from the lecture and was delighted to have the opportunity to speak further with Dr. Nestler. He was not only informative but refreshingly accessible.”
Photos by Capehart Photography
