As the nation's largest grassroots organization dedicated to helping people with severe mental illnesses, NAMI applauds Tipper Gore for her forthright disclosure of her personal struggle with major depression. We have long known that she is a woman of extraordinary insight, courage and compassion, and her decision to talk about her 1991 experience adds to our high esteem for her. Mrs. Gore's story gives hope to all Americans who struggle with severe mental illnesses. It strikes a significant blow against stigma and will encourage many people to seek treatment who otherwise might be afraid.
Depression is a biological brain disorder that can affect anyone.
Furthermore, Mrs. Gore's testimony underscores the fact that treatment works and is vital to recovery. At the same time, it is important to keep in mind that approximately 50 percent of individuals who suffer from an episode of major depression will experience second episodes. One reason for relapses is that millions of Americans go without adequate treatment, in part because healthcare insurance policies and laws prevent them from getting the treatment they may desperately need. Treatment works, but only if you get it. Virginia and Montana recently have enacted legislation to end such discrimination, bringing to 21 overall the number of states that have passed parity laws.