Five years ago, in the FRONTLINE documentary, The New Asylums, filmmakers Karen O’Connor and Miri Navasky, documented how the Ohio prison system struggled to provide care to thousands of mentally ill inmates. This year, in the new FRONTLINE documentaryThe Released, they return to Ohio to investigate what happens to mentally ill offenders when they leave the prison system. Typically, these offenders leave prison with a bus ticket, $75 in cash, and two weeks’ worth of medication. Studies show that within 18 months, nearly two-thirds of mentally ill offenders are re-arrested. The Takeaway is joined by filmmaker Karen O’Connor for a look at how the prison system has changed since she first captured it on film five years ago.

Here's a sneak peek at the film:

It's not just the market that's bottoming out in this recession. There are nationwide reports of anxiety and stress in the face of these trying economic times. Reports are so widespread that the federal government was prompted to put up website warnings about symptoms of depression, substance abuse, and even suicide. Pam Belluck is covering the story for the New York Times and in her research she met Victoria Villalba, a woman who has been experiencing severe anxiety about the economy. They both join The Takeaway to share their stories.


For more, read Pam Belluck's article, Recession Anxiety Seeps Into Everyday Lives in today's New York Times.

Also, check out the government's website, Getting Through Tough Economic Times for more information on the signs of recession depression and where to get help.