During their More Good Days in May segment as a part of Mental Health Awareness Month, The Bubba Show from Pittsburgh's 100.7 Star welcomed in Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to talk about the importance of mental health conversations and the resources he's dedicated to mental health within the commonwealth.
LISTEN NOW: Governor Josh Shapiro on 'The Bubba Show'
"I think it's one of the issues that's defined my work in public life and public office," Shapiro shares. "I quite frankly, never understood why we're really open about the fact that, 'hey, we broke our leg, need a cast, need rehab to get better.' Everybody's willing to talk about that. Doctors are willing to treat that, right? Medicaid covers it, but yet, when we have an issue between our ears, when we've got mental health struggles, even though that is just as important as your physical health, folks kind of retreat in the shadows about it. They don't talk about it. Medicaid doesn't cover it. Private insurance sometimes doesn't cover it, and there's like this stigma around it."
"I've just been working really hard over the years to change that, to be talking about physical and mental health on the same platform and then changing our policies to reflect that. So it's something that's been really, really important to me, and I think we're making strides on it, but we got a long way to go."
It’s okay to not be OK. We know the power of talk can save lives. Audacy's I’m Listening aims to share valuable resources for those who need to connect, heal, and share their own stories. To those who are dealing with mental health issues, understand you are not alone. If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, know that someone is always there. Additionally, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 988. Find a full list of additional resources here.