By: Sierra Shumate
"If you know somebody who is struggling, help them reach out. Remember the family members who shoulder their own burdens and need our support as well. And more than anything, let people who are suffering in silence know that recovery is possible. They're not alone. There's hope. There's possibility. And that's what all of you represent with the extraordinary advocacy and work that you've already done."
On Monday, June 3rd, President Obama and Vice President Biden hosted a National Conference on Mental Health in the White House. The above passage was taken from President Obama's speech addressing the many mental health advocates, educators, and health care providers who were present at the conference.
The conference was based on the reduction of stigma that is present towards mental health problems, as well as ways we can recognize problems and the importance of helping millions of Americans who struggle with mental illnesses.
Obama believes that too many Americans with these types of illness are "stuck in silence." Due to the stigma associated with disorders in the United States, many people are afraid or embarrassed to seek help or therapy. Obama desires to eliminate the stigma associated with mental health in general, in order for people to feel comfortable in the state that they are in and able to recognize and do something about getting help. He states that treatment is crucial and preventative against tragedy--it can be inferred that the President was alluding to the recent events that have happened over the past few months--the Colorado movie theater shooting for example, and the horrifying school shooting that shocked the nation 6 months ago in Newton, CT.
Obama is continuing to address gun violence and mental health through administrative efforts. He will be holding a string of meeting with senior officials in the next month, and pledges that he and his administration is here to help "bring mental illness out of the shadows."
Source: NBC Politics
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