Heartfelt Story About Mental Health Will Have A Big Impact (Opinion)

From CalMatters:

Guest Commentary By Cathryn Leff

In summary

We need to destigmatize and normalize discussing, seeking and obtaining mental health treatment for the well-being of every individual and family system.

Re “I faced a challenge one out of every three people in America has: depression and anxiety”; Commentary, July 7, 2020

On behalf of the 32,000 psychotherapist members of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, we thank CalMatters for printing Lenny Mendonca’s heartfelt and impactful story about his mental health journey.

Mendonca wrote, “I’m sharing my story because we have too few business and public leaders making public space to discuss mental health, destigmatize professional shame and protect against the resulting economic impact it can have on people’s careers and our economy as a whole. The conversation is overdue and urgent.”

We at the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists echo Mendonca’s words, as we advocate for the need to destigmatize and normalize discussing, seeking and obtaining mental health treatment for the well-being of every individual and family system, and for the health and progress of our society as a whole.

Thank you Lenny for having the courage and foresight to be open and honest about your mental health. We wish you a successful and bright future.

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