'Helping to reduce the stigma': Florida mental health experts applaud Sen. John Fetterman

Vangna Senator John Federman is highlighting the importance of seeking treatment if you're experiencing mental health issues. Federman checked himself into a hospital for clinical depression. New at 6, Angela Rosier talked with local mental health experts who hope his courage helps others. Hi, Temple. How are you doing today? I'm good. You doing well? Yeah, I'm doing great. All right.

Desmond Gilmore is the clinical director at Integrated Health Care Systems in Riviera Beach. We developed this organization because we realized that there were several people in the community that don't have the finances or the ability or the access to have good health services. Gilmore says they're also dedicated to helping those with mental health issues. None of us are pretty much exempt when it comes to mental health, and especially when it comes to depression. He and his clients are aware that Pennsylvania Senator John Federman checked into a hospital for clinical depression. It's ironic that you mentioned Federman because I was diagnosed with clinical depression, and I didn't fully understand it. And it gives him hope that his courage will help remove some of the stigma.

I'm happy that he's getting the help that he needs, and he was brave enough to get the help that he needs too, because it can just be really difficult also. Sometimes it can just be seen based off of the stigma as a weakness. Psychologist Rachel Needle agrees. Helping to reduce the stigma and realizing that it can happen to anybody and also knowing that if you are struggling, you're not alone and that it's okay to get help and to ask for help. She hopes the senator's openness may encourage others to also reach out. Seeking support is one of the most important things, whether it's from a friend, a family member, or if you're continuing to struggle and it's becoming more severe, definitely from a licensed mental health professional. And in our area, we're lucky we can call 211, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Angela Rosier, WPBF 25 News. According to Mental Health America, Florida ranks 49th in the nation for access to mental health care. The ranking is based on nine measures ranging from adults and youth who did not get treatment to those who are uninsured or unable to afford care. Nearly 2.9 million Florida adults, about 17% of the population, have some form of mental illness. And as a reminder, you just heard an Angela story that people at the 211 Helpline, Palm Beach and Treasure Coast, they are there. If you need someone to talk to, to reach a staff member for a free confidential call, all you have to do is call 211 to talk to someone via text, text your zip code to this number 898211.

West Palm Beach