"My personal goal
with this hearing is to bring Mental Illness out of the
shadows, and emphasize that conceptually, these are really
“Brain Diseases”—conditions that are biological, diagnosable,
and treatable. Though the title of this hearing describes
Mental Illness AND Brain Disease, I want to emphasize that
they’re really one and the same."
In June 2006, Rep.
Myrick made public that her granddaughter had bipolar
disorder. Rep. Myrick’s family had been dealing with the
issues that surround a mental illness, or ‘brain disease’
diagnosis for well over a decade. In order to bring the issue
to light, Rep. Myrick organized a hearing on the issue in the
Energy and Commerce Committee during the summer of 2006.
Since that time, Rep. Myrick has promoted brain disease
awareness with countless interviews and speeches on the
topic.
Her goal is to
help change the stigma associated with brain diseases, like
bipolar disorder, severe depression, and schizophrenia, so
that people will see that brain disease is ultimately no
different than diabetes or Heart Disease. These diseases
affect the brain, while those affect the kidneys or the
heart. She also hopes that her efforts will help those
affected by brain disease- both patients and families. More
medications and treatments for brain disease are available
today than at any point in our history. These make it
possible for many patients to live with depression and bipolar
disorder, just like many Americans live with diabetes,
arthritis, and other physical illnesses. Of course, many
patients still struggle on a daily basis to find treatment for
their brain diseases, and it’s not always easy to find help.
As science improves, and as awareness efforts continue, Rep.
Myrick’s hope is that more Americans with brain disease will
go on to live healthy, productive lives.
For more information please click
here to read Rep. Myrick's op-ed and full opening statement at
the Health Subcommittee hearing.
If you or a family member suffer with brain disease, please
use these links below as resources for information and help: