No Longer Angry, Just Sad.

By Kenna Cramer

I’m no longer angry, just sad. The night prior I attended my first presidential event in Iowa. Despite my first-day exhaustion, I was excited and grateful; I have been gifted the rare opportunity to witness and hear candidates speak. Quickly into a particular candidate’s response, I had become lost and confused. Not only could I not resonate with this democratic candidate, but I couldn’t even decode their answers to the specific questions directed towards them. 

Amid my complete and utter puzzlement, the presidential candidate’s claim suddenly caught my attention: there is no mental health crisis, rather, it is the government making people ‘crazy’. I was immediately shocked, quickly proceeding into anger. As an individual with a close loved one who suffers from a severe mental illness, I was baffled. How could someone, seemingly an educated presidential candidate, further perpetuate malicious stereotypes? 

Throughout the night, I had to decompress; my emotions ranged from anger to the verge of tears. Yes, the current administration has caused much distress and anxiety in this country, however, no government caused the bipolar and suicidal tendencies within not only my loved one but others suffering from mental illness. 

Now, I am no longer angry, just sad. I am saddened that important American figureheads still believe and candidly express such ignorance. I am saddened that such messages are being received and further spread by their support. And, overall, I am saddened that those with a mental illness are continued to be furthered isolated.