An Oklahoma representative is publicly talking about his battle with depression for the first time.
Rep. Forrest Bennett, of Oklahoma City, sent out a series of tweets on Friday morning.
Read below:
Depression isn’t the same for everyone. But for me - and perhaps for Bourdain - it has meant feeling everything a little more. The highs; the lows. One thing is common: the stigma. I’m talking about mine for the first time publicly because we owe it to ourselves. #talkaboutit 1/
For so many, it’s manageable until it isn’t. For me, a quick series of close family deaths sent me over the edge and into a rut. Because I HAVE ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTHCARE, I was able to get help. The hardest thing was admitting to myself that I needed to. 2/
— Rep. Forrest Bennett (@ForrestBennett) June 8, 2018
Because a few of the people closest to me know, they check on me. Because I know, I check on myself. I stopped ignoring it and let me tell you, it was the most empowering thing I could’ve done. I’m okay. I’m no less capable because of it. The stigma is the worst part about it. 3/
— Rep. Forrest Bennett (@ForrestBennett) June 8, 2018
There isn’t much you can do for people with depression, but one of the things you CAN do is the most powerful: help us destigmatize mental health. #Talkaboutit if you have it, or love someone who does. Thanks for reading. 4/4
— Rep. Forrest Bennett (@ForrestBennett) June 8, 2018
The tweets came after the news about CNN's Anthony Bourdain, who committed suicide at the age of 61.
Anyone who is struggling can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
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