[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 79 (Wednesday, May 14, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E920]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          MENTAL HEALTH MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 13, 2008

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res 1134, 
supporting the goals and ideals of Mental Health Month.
  Mental Health Month helps to educate our communities that mental 
health is a fundamental and humane priority for America's well-being.
  The quiet suffering of the afflicted, the familial pain shared by 
their loved ones, and the societal stigma associated with mental 
illness all make mental health very important to all Americans.
  We must realize the toll mental illness has taken on the young. One 
in five children has a mental disorder. Furthermore, suicide is the 
third leading cause of death among teenagers, and every one in four 
Latina teens report seriously contemplating suicide, a rate higher than 
any other demographic.
  Mental illness continues to be a silent illness for our veterans and 
soldiers returning from serving overseas. More than one in five of our 
troops suffer from major depression or post traumatic stress disorder. 
No longer should these conditions be swept under the rug, these are 
difficult situations that a lot of military families are facing every 
day.
  Today senior citizens compose 12 percent of the population, but 
account for 16 percent of all suicides, higher than for any other age 
group. Our seniors are the foundation of this country and their mental 
health needs are underserved.
  These are alarming and concerning statistics. Yet, many of us still 
don't know the extent of the mental health problems America is 
suffering from. Untreated mental illness costs the American economy 
over $150 billion annually.
  I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this resolution and educate 
our communities that mental health is a fundamental and humane priority 
for America.

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