The form of mental illness we are talking about is severe depression. When people struggle with severe depression, they lose hope. I want the Governor of Minnesota to understand that this mental illness is not a moral failing. I want Governor Ventura to understand that all these families that have gone through so much pain need support. They do not need ridicule.
Today is the ninth annual National Depression Screening Day.
This is when communities set up free confidential screening opportunities for people to talk privately with mental health professionals, receive educational material about the symptoms and treatment for depression, and when appropriate obtain referrals for care. Clinical depression is one of the most common illnesses. It affects more than 19 million Americans a year. These educational programs are to be commended. But if we do not have the resources to fund proper treatment for mental health, then all of this research and all of this education and all of this information may be for nothing.