Panel speaks of mental illness at UW-L

Study shows $190 billion in
lost earnings because of mental illness

There’s a negative stigma around mental illness.

On Wednesday night at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, a panel discussion took place to talk about ways to get rid of that negative stigma.

Christi Pruse is a UW-L student and one of four panelists who shared their stories.

“I acted like nothing was wrong and I was fine, and that was exhausting,” Pruse said. “Eventually things got so bad that I had to go home (from college). 

“I immediately went to see a doctor and was diagnosed with major depression, severe anxiety.”

Pruse said she suffered for years before telling anyone and implored those in the audience suffering to tell the people they love of their battle. 

The prevailing theme from the discussion was, “It can get better.”

Pruse said solutions vary and everyone needs to find what works for them. 

The group showed studies showing that mental illness costs the US over $190 billion in lost earnings every year.