[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 150 (Thursday, October 24, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1573]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 24, 2013

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, mental health is a core part of our overall 
wellness. A commitment to a positive state of mental health is an 
essential part of keeping happy and healthy. I applaud the efforts of 
our nation's mental health advocates who are working hard to promote 
National Mental Health Awareness Week. Serious emotional and mental 
health disorders are real and treatable--and awareness is what makes 
that treatment possible.
  Our need to address mental health affects every family. There are so 
many individuals deeply in distress who need someone to reach out to 
them. That is why I am a proud member of the Congressional Mental 
Health Caucus, a bi-partisan caucus dedicated to promoting education 
and awareness of mental health issues. We here in Congress need to do 
our part to reduce the stigma surrounding those who are suffering, as 
well as increasing the availability of mental health services to people 
who need them.
  However, real mental health care starts at home. There are tragic 
losses that may never have occurred, if certain individuals had better 
resources to improving their mental health. If friends and families 
were better able to recognize symptoms of mental distress and act to 
help their loved ones in need, we could prevent certain incidents that 
cause great harm to the individual and to the society-at-large. The 
support of one's community can be paramount in helping to improve the 
mental health of our nation.
  I commend the outstanding work of our community organizations in 
addressing this problem. Organizations such as the Union Settlement 
Association, and their Johnson Counseling Center have served the Harlem 
area since 1895 and promote treatment and awareness for New Yorkers 
suffering from psychological distress. Other groups such as the New 
York State Coalition for Children's Mental Health Services, the New 
York Mental Health Assessment Partnership, and the Children's Aid 
Society can all serve as models to us for the future. I encourage 
everyone to support such groups' efforts so that they can better serve 
our communities, and do away with any stigma attached to acknowledging 
a disorder and seeking help.''

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