To the Editor:Re “Michelle Obama Says She Is Dealing With ‘Low-Grade Depression’” (nytimes.com, Aug. 6):Michelle Obama has performed a tremendous public service by using the word “depression” to describe her mood state. She validates what so many Americans are feeling as a result of the racial crisis, the pandemic and the resulting quarantine and financial devastation. Her words are especially validating for women, who suffer from depression twice as often as men, and for women of color, who may be struggling with front-line jobs and poverty. Mrs. Obama’s comments and the strong support she received also highlight yet another change we need to make to American public health policy as soon as possible: greater access to mental health services. It is axiomatic among health care professionals that children’s mental health is directly related to the mental health of their parents, especially their mothers.

Source: New York Times August 11, 2020 18:11 UTC