‘Therapy is like going to the dentist’: Alex Padilla shares family’s struggles as mental health caucus launches

SF Chronicle • October 28, 2023

California Senator Alex Padilla and his wife Angela discussed their personal experience with mental health issues during their first date. Angela shared her upbringing with a mother who struggled with mental health, leading Alex to pledge discretion and support. Now, as a U.S. Senator, Padilla, along with three other senators, has formed the first-ever mental health caucus. They aim to reduce mental health stigma, improve care quality, and expand the mental health workforce.

The caucus was initiated following Senator John Fetterman's public admission of seeking treatment for severe depression. The caucus comprises five Democrats and five Republicans, with more senators expressing interest. Padilla openly discussed Angela's mother's bipolar 1 with schizoaffective disorder and the challenges they faced. They emphasized the importance of sharing personal stories to combat stigma.

The Padillas found stability for Angela's mother through medication and the guidance of a committed doctor. The prescription required regular blood work, which some doctors are hesitant to prescribe due to the commitment it entails. Despite concerns during the pandemic, Angela's mother fared well. However, their family faced upheaval when Alex Padilla was appointed to the Senate in 2021.

The family, separated by distance, embraced therapy as a means of support. Senator Tina Smith also shared her struggles with depression, while Senator Thom Tillis discussed his experience with behavioral health problems. The caucus's primary focus is implementing provisions from the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which includes expanding mental health services in schools and increasing access to behavioral health telemedicine. They also aim to address the shortage of mental health service providers to ensure timely and accessible care for those in need.

This is a summarization form the an Article that appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle: https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/padilla-mental-health-18417815.php#photo-24350515

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