It's wonderful to see such work happening. I present a weekly radio program on KKUP 91.5FM and would love to talk to local representatives about the initiative on "Let's Talk About It" It's on air every |Tuesday evening at 11pm. I would love to speak with all those mentioned in the article and have them as guests on the program. Talking about Mental Health in a positive forum is my way of breaking stigma and pointing ways to recovery. Thank you for sharing the article

Hi,
I wanted to introduce myself and also wanted to applaud this incredible article and program.
I am a local girl who grew up in Los Altos and suffer from major depressive disorder.
I was diagnosed when I was off in Tucson, Arizona for college my sophomore year and had NO idea what the heck happened to me.
The education I received in school, or lack there of, regarding mental illness and depression made it impossible for me to be able to reach out for help because I had no clue what was going on with me. All I knew is I wanted to take my life and that was not the girl I used to be.
I am now a mental health advocate for adolescents in Santa Clara County and am in the process of implementing some workshops and online courses for those suffering from mental illness and feel compelled to get rid of this stigma which is ridiculous because no one chooses this.
The shame I have carried for 20+ years for having depression is no longer going to hold me back. I have decided to come forward with my struggles and be honest about what it's truly like to live this life and the thoughts that can go on when you hit a low point.
I would love to talk to Donagh McKeown and have a weekly or monthly talk about breaking this stigma.
Choose Compassion Over Judgement, Mental Health is a very serious disease that needs exposure and needs a new perspective. It's time to heal our communities perception so we can start saving lives for those who suffer and refuse to come forward because of shame.
All my best,
Courtney Bridgman

Thanks so much to Courtney for being brave and coming forward and sharing her story. So many families in our community, including mine, are affected by mental illness, especially depression. I don't know how an illness became shameful but I agree with Courtney. It's time that we all come forward and require that our health providers and hospitals provide treatment (and education) for these common illnesses. BACA has a petition on change.org in support of inpatient beds and services for suicidal teens (of which there are NONE in Santa Clara County). Please go to change.org and search "Santa Clara mental health beds" and sign the petition.
Thanks!