The National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, is dedicated to building better lives for those affected by mental illness.

Today, representatives from the Kentucky chapter of NAMI gathered with state lawmakers and other mental health advocates to encourage Kentucky students and others struggling with mental health to seek help.

We all know someone that's affected or that is related to someone that's affected.

Regarding mental health, I myself have had family members that have been affected by mental illness, and I tell you, it takes a toll.

Not only one person, but but everyone but one person goes through with mental illness.

Ultimately, we just the family members and the community as a whole.

It does not matter if you are a United States senator or somebody that's homeless under a bridge.

Mental health knows no socio economic or cultural boundaries.

This is a jargon optic challenge that all of us are dealing with before the pandemic.

The CDC reported that nearly one in five American children had a mental disorder like depression, anxiety or substance abuse.

But only 20% of them received care from a specialized provider and 15% of high school students in Kentucky reported seriously considering suicide.

Many of them were afraid and are still afraid because of the stigma that comes along with mental health issues.

So they weren't seeking the help that they actually needed.

Don't be afraid to ask for help.

That's the message that we have to inform and tell all the people that we serve.

Our objective is to have a healthy society, both mentally and physically here in Kentucky.

Mental illness is no different from any other illness that we may face.

We have been at this for a while now.

Kentucky remains a national leader in this work, primarily because of the foundation laid by so many of you who have been carrying this torch for so long.

You are valued, you are appreciated, and you are a partner in this work and always will be.

You are the best of what team Kentucky has to offer.

According to the CDC, 57% of high school girls and 29% of high school boys reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2021.