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Speak Your Mind Texas coming to Victoria

Victoria Advocate (TX) - 1/17/2015

Jan. 17--An estimated one in five Americans will experience a mental health issue during their lifetime, and one in 20 people will develop a serious mental illness.

But mental illnesses often strike early, with half of all cases starting by age 14.

This is why addressing the issue of mental health and substance abuse in young people is so important, said Lane Johnson, director of clinical services at Gulf Bend Center.

Johnson said there's still a stigma attached with mental health, and a lot of people still don't seek treatment.

Gulf Bend, with support from Victoria school district , is presenting a two-hour event called "Community Conversation on Teen and Young Adult Mental Health," which starts at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday with guest speakers and opportunities for community members to voice their opinions and share their experiences.

"We certainly are hoping that citizens will attend," Johnson said.

Anyone in the Crossroads who wants to learn more and speak out are invited to attend the town-hall style meeting at the VISD Conference Center.

The agenda for the night includes a brief look at issues in the community by Dr. Paul Hamilton, clinical assistant professor and director of the forensic psychology program at the University of Houston-Victoria.

The audience will hear a personal testimonial by a person who has dealt with mental health issues.

Dr. Lillian Ringsdorf, regional medical director for Region 8 of the Texas Department of State Health Services also will attend to hear about the community's specific needs.

Participants will break into smaller groups to discuss mental health issues. They also will hear about the warning signs of mental illness and substance abuse and the existing resources to help youth who are struggling.

The event is part of a mental health awareness campaign by the Texas Department of State Health Services known as Speak Your Mind Texas.

Last summer, 16 cities hosted similar events and it has expanded to 16 more cities across the state.

More than 2,000 people took part in the first round of community conversations.

The Texas Legislature added more than $300 million in additional mental health funding for 2014-2015.

The funds are being used to expand services, decrease wait lists, make improvements at the state's mental health hospitals and develop targeted efforts for veterans and young people.

Still, Johnson said there are gaps in services locally and without community discussions, it's hard to see where improvements are needed.

"We hope that by simply having conversations, where people start talking about these things, it might help address that," he said.

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(c)2015 Victoria Advocate (Victoria, Texas)

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