The Nov. 19 front-page article “After the worst moment of his life, a new calling” highlighted an extreme, ongoing issue that otherwise does not receive nearly enough attention. After reading this article about Virginia state Sen. R. Creigh Deeds (D-Charlottesville), I was both astounded and inspired. Mr. Deeds is accomplishing something amazing by trying to make mental health more publicized, in hopes that it will create a spark of change. Many people experience mental health issues, yet a majority of them do not receive the help they need.

As citizens of a community, city, state, nation and world that is palpably affected by mental health, it is our job to come together in an effort to prevent further poor mental health phenomena. More often than not, individuals are willing to share their own thoughts and feelings if they see that they are not alone. There needs to be some form of safety so that individuals will feel more comfortable expressing what they are going through and admitting they need help.

Mr. Deeds’s efforts are contributing greatly to positive trends in uplifting mental health; however, without joined efforts, there will be no significant change. You do not have to go through something to be able to support it, so let’s make a change.

Kayden Maskelony, Suffolk, Va.