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4707 Hwy 61, #232
St. Paul, MN 55110

Phone: 651-407-1873
Fax: 651-407-1754

The Importance of Mental Health Research and Intervention

By Marley Prunty-Lara
Board of Directors, Mental Health America (Formerly the National Mental Health Association)
Student, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

May 12, 2007

“It was as if I woke up one morning and suddenly found myself quite lost.  I no longer recognized my life; my feelings; my inner thoughts. There were more questions than answers; and everything felt so out of control.  The labels, the whispers, the accompanying isolation; all because I became somehow different.  More than anything I just wanted to be well and I didn’t understand why it was so hard to understand me…”

This story is my story.  It is one I have again heard in my advocacy work and on my journey toward recovery from bipolar disorder.  This story is why I am here before you today.  I have learned that there is more beyond the cage of imprisonment that is mental illness.
  
This year in America, 1100 college students will commit suicide.  That is roughly three a day.  Three college students will end their lives today and over 90% of those who commit suicide have a diagnosable mental illness.  We must do more not only to prevent suicide but also to prevent the harrowing, sinister struggle that accompanies the absence of mental health. 

The University of Minnesota is attempting to address this crisis through its research practices.  Practices that do more than save lives; they give lives back. 

Our society is not well when even one suicide is committed as a way to end the suffering of mental illness.  Our society is not well when children are forced to drop out because school systems cannot adequately meet their mental health needs.  Our society is not well when those who seek help are put on waiting lists because of shortages in the number of care providers.  Moreover, our society is not well when homelessness is the only answer and jail is the only treatment facility.  

Advances in clinical research are paramount to the success of communities, families, businesses, and government institutions.  I believe in the work being conducted at the University of Minnesota because I know that treatment works.  I know because I am living it.    

I want to thank all of you for being here today.  Receiving effective treatment should not be something only the lucky experience.  I have passionately lived within the prison of mental illness and have experienced the incalculable emancipation that accompanies wellness.  I believe action must be taken to prevent the formation of the haunting memories so many of us long to undo – and with your help, the University can continue that mission.  Thank you.