[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 83 (Monday, May 21, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H4269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

  (Mr. PAULSEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the month of May 
as National Mental Health Awareness Month, an important time to share 
resources for individuals and families that cope with any number of 
mental health challenges, because about 1 in 5 Americans experience 
mental illness, and 1 in 25 struggle with a serious mental health 
condition.
  Serious mental health illnesses are now costing Americans nearly $200 
billion in lost earnings each year, and 16 million Americans have had 
at least one major depressive episode in the last year. That is why it 
is more important than ever to ensure that people and individuals who 
need help are able to get it.
  The good news is that now individuals in need of help can call a 24-
hour national help line, operated by the Substance Abuse and Mental 
Health Services Administration, for a confidential conversation. Mr. 
Speaker, it may be the difference between life or death for someone who 
is in need

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