Political Quotes

“I am here this evening to discuss a tragic issue that is affecting way too many Americans across the country. This tragedy is mental health and suicide. A majority of Americans are encountering an unprecedented amount of stress due to COVID-19, and resources previously used to help individuals cope are even more limited. What is more concerning is that compounding stressors and depleted resources increase the likelihood of public health disparities like the one I am discussing today. If there ever were a time to invest in mental health, it is now. In a recent article from the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers discussed several risk factors that put our Nation collectively at a higher risk for suicide. These risk factors include economic stress, decreased access to community and religious support systems, lack of access to adequate mental health and suicide prevention services, and social isolation. This has unfortunately caused a severe lack of personal and social connection, which we know to be a protective factor against suicide. This evening I want to specifically highlight veterans as they face unique risk factors for suicide, in addition to the increased stress around COVID-19. Research illustrates that veterans have a higher rate of suicide and certain mental health conditions than their civilian peers. We know there is not one single explanation or reason for suicide, and there is no one single treatment or prevention strategy.…”