Because May is Mental Health Month, I feel inspired to write the following in hopes that others might try to understand and have empathy for someone battling clinical depression: As usual, a high-profile individual is unmercifully chastised and ridiculed for their battle with clinical depression.

Although I don’t agree with all of the issues for which U.S. Sen. John Fetterman stands for, his ongoing battle with clinical depression stands out.

I write this because I have battled many episodes of clinical depression for over 40 years. It is so debilitating and markedly shamed by others, leading many people to suicide.

For me, I become a different person as I am fighting this dreadful illness, and many people shy away from me. The looks of disdain are almost impossible to fight.

The blank expression that normally emanates from a depression victim is misinterpreted negatively most of the time: “What’s wrong with you?” in a very negative manner is asked repeatedly of the depressed. This is the worst thing one can do to a depressed person and can cause the depression to worsen.

I have been following Sen. Fetterman’s clinical depression fight ever since he was elected, because I relate to his deplorable treatment by others. I admire his willingness to share about it.

Kay Wawrynovic

Hollidaysburg