Hi john,

I have always been open about my struggles with mental health. When I was in college, I experienced my first battle with depression. As a young woman, it was hard to figure out what I needed, but I was fortunate enough to seek out and receive help.

When my depression returned later as a young mom, it didn’t get any easier – thankfully, I had the resources to navigate my mental health struggles.

For too many people, however, those struggles are hard to address because of the lack of resources, awareness, and advocacy around mental health.

That is why I helped create the Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus, to destigmatize conversations around mental health and help those who are struggling — and why I introduced new legislation with my colleague, Chris Murphy, to tackle loneliness.

After the pandemic, millions of Americans feel lonelier and more isolated, and we must include and center this issue in our conversations around mental health.

We are ready to tackle this issue, and I am doing the work that is needed to help find solutions to the loneliness epidemic. That is why Chris Murphy and I have pioneered legislation to take loneliness seriously, and we will do everything we can to ensure those who need help can get it.

Let these efforts be a reminder that you're not fighting this fight alone, that it’s okay to reach out for help, and that it never hurts to extend a smile or helping hand to someone — you never know when they might need it.

– Tina