Like thousands of Mainers, I am a mental health consumer. I take medications to help me to deal with depression and anxiety. I make no secret of this because I intend to lead by example. I intend to be open and honest because I believe this is what we need more of. How many thousands of Mainers suffer in silence because of the stigma around mental illness? How many thousands more suffer at the hands of those with mental illness that goes untreated? We must get rid of the stigma that prevents many who need treatment from getting it.
Maine has a mental health crisis that is not being adequately addressed by our state government. Think of how much happier and more productive we could be as a society with improved mental health and an adequate mental health system.
I lost a family member to Substance Use Disorder. I know first hand how this illness affects its victims and their family and friends. In my administration, we must and we will devote far more human and financial resources to the problems associated with mental health and substance abuse. We will make it a high priority.
