Chris Van Deusen of TX Dept. of State Health Services Talks About Speak Your Mind Campaign [AUDIO]

During Wednesday's edition of Lubbock's First News on KFYO, Chris Van Deusen came by the studio to discuss the Speak Your Mind Texas campaign focused on mental health awareness.

Van Deusen is part of the Texas Department of State Health Services. He discussed the "Speak Your Mind" campaign that is intended to help individuals speak up about any mental health concerns they have.

Many people do not realize how common mental illness is. "We know that about 20%, 1 in 5 Americans, will have some sort of mental health issue in their life. And then 1 in 20 will develop a serious illness," Van Deusen said.

"That's really one of the first steps to addressing the problem is making people understand how common this is and that it's not something you have to be ashamed of. You know, there's help out there. People get better when they get appropriate treatment and working together we can all help whoever it is that needs to get that help."

The key to getting treatment is the willingness to discuss the mental health concerns individuals may have. Depression is one of the most common mental health concerns that is often not brought up by sufferers. Part of the intention of these meetings is to allow people to see the wide range of options for treatment.

July 24th will be the date of a free Town Hall style meeting. This meeting will take place at the Legacy Event Center from 8:30AM-11:30AM. All people with questions or concerns are encouraged to participate, especially young adults or those who are around young people often.

To find out more about mental health and answers to your mental health questions, visit the Speak Your Mind Texas website here.

To listen to the full interview, click the play button below: