Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman checked himself into a hospital last week for treatment for depression. Many people praised his openness and courage to voluntarily seek inpatient treatment. Fetterman’s experience is not unique. A third of recovering stroke victims – and more than 8% of all Americans—will struggle with depression. Many more of us have experienced depressive symptoms or have watched a loved one battle the disease. 

But so much stigma still surrounds mental illness, including depression, with its symptoms often hidden and misunderstood. Barriers to mental health care access like provider shortages, affordability, and cultural competency continue to prevent more than half of people from getting the help they need. 

Today, we’ll discuss how our understanding of depression has evolved and look at the root causes of the disease and the stigma that persists. We’ll also talk about how families can help a loved one who is battling mental illness – and how those families also need support.

Nii Addy, Albert E. Kent Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Director of Scientist Diversity and Inclusion at Yale School of Medicine. Host of the Addy Hour podcast.

Ashley Clayton, Mental Health Advocate and Research Associate at the Family Violence Research Program at Yale School of Medicine

Andrew Nierenberg, Director of the Dauten Family Center for Bipolar Treatment Innovation, Massachusetts General Hospital and Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Options for Deaf and Hard of Hearing)

National Alliance for Mental Illness : call or text the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264,

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: (800) 826-3632

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline

Veterans Crisis Line

Philadelphia crisis line: 215-685-6440

Montgomery County Mobile Crisis Support: 1-855-634-HOPE (4673)

Delaware County Crisis Connections Team: 1-855-889-7827

New Jersey Hope Line: 855-654-6735