Students with psychological disabilities here at SUNY Stony Brook have supportiveresources to turn to for assistance in coping with their impairments. The UniversityCounseling Center, located on the second floor of the infirmary, has a staffof trained professionals that work collectively to find the support that isbest suited for the individual needs of each student. Those with documenteddisabilities can seek the resources of Disability Support Services located inthe Humanities building.

DSS holds regular support group meetings for individuals with Attention DeficitDisorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and well as a new general psychologicaldisabilities group. Although their particular illnesses may differ, participantsof the general group do share much in common, such as their experiences withmedications.

Meetings are held Mondays at 3 p.m. in the DSS offices in Humanities. DSS DirectorJoanna Harris hopes the group will continue to grow as students become awareof its existence. Students interested in the ADD or OCD support groups shouldcontact Peggy Perno, Senior Counselor at DSS.

According to Director Harris, the program at Stony Brook is significantly moreutilized than similar programs at other SUNY schools.

Disability Support Services at Stony Brook currently assists approximately160 individuals, whereas other SUNYs average only about 30 to 40 people activelyseeking out support. All information disclosed to DSS or the University CounselingCenter is strictly confidential.

Jerry Pollock, a professor on campus who has experienced Bi-Polar disorder,would like to come in contact with students who also have this illness. Pollockhas spoken to about fifteen students as well as members of the local communitywho have suffered from Bi-Polar disorder, also known as Manic Depression.

People with the disorder suffer from intense mood swings and consequent changesin thinking and behavior. The cause is not known. Any person can develop manicdepression.