We all know and have seen how depression and mental health negatively affect people throughout the world. Sunny Neelee, a legislative delegate, proposed his bill on a state fund grant system of $750 million to support mental health services in Texas public schools. Neeazlee says, “I believe that this bill would’ve helped the people who don’t get the help they desire and that less high school students will face negative mental health in the future.”

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “An estimated 5.0 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. This number represented 20.1% of the U.S. population aged 12 to 17.” Having that huge percentage of the adolescent population affected by mental health is alarming in itself. From childhood to adulthood, life should be fun, encourage growth, happiness, and sadness; but not to the extent of depression. Creating a space where children are aware of mental health services in their schools would create a bigger impact for them to come forward and talk to someone.

A trial court delegate says, “I’m aware of the resources our school has on mental health, but it’s not widely advocated for. I feel like our main counselors job is to talk about classes and futures.” Some delegates have great mental health resources and services in their schools that are advocated for, almost every other delegates have some mental health resources that aren’t fully advocated for or known.

Sunny Neelee’s bill not only proposes mental health professionals to come into play for students,but it also proposes submission of annual reports on fund usage, measurable outcomes and services provided.  This bill isn’t just written for fun, it’s a reality that hits harder than we realize. In a world where mental health often goes unseen, this delegates funding bill may be the first step toward change…. Real Change!