Mental Health Matters: A Conversation About Mental Health & Why It's Your Responsibility

The Nancy Ruffin Show

May is Mental Health Awareness month and on this episode of The Nancy Ruffin show, Nancy talks about why mental health is everyone's responsibility. In NYC, at least one in five adults suffer from depression, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts or other psychological disorders every year. Poor and minority residents are disproportionately affected by mental illnesses and are more likely than whites to be misdiagnosed or untreated.

Nancy discusses mental health in communities of color, the lack of effective resources, and how barriers to treatment stop people from getting the care they need. She also shares her own personal experience with losing loved ones to suicide, depression, and drug abuse and offers tips on what you can do to help those around you who may be struggling.

Did you know in NYC:

• 20% of lower-income mothers develop symptoms of depression after pregnancy.
• 25% of the 230,000 veterans who live in New York, are estimated to have PTSD and/or major depression (that's one out of every four veterans).
• 35% of NYC Department of Homeless Services shelter clients have a serious mental illness; it’s closer to 40% among homeless who live on the streets.

For more information and resources visit: Thrive NYC

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