The lack of early intervention and continuity of mental health care for our youth in Virginia is tragic. Our state ranks at 47 for treatment of childhood major depression–the leading risk factor for suicide. That means 7 out of 10 kids most at risk for dropping out of school, ending up in prison or dying by suicide don’t get the help they need.
My family lived that statistic. My son died from it. After years of struggle with depression and addiction, the funniest and most popular kid in school killed himself–my 20-year-old son Charles.
Mental illness is treatable. Suicide is … Read more...