Asking for help is not a sign of weakness

Montana faces a mental health epidemic. All our families have been touched by this crisis in one way or another. Tragically, many of Montana’s mentally unwell end up in prison or end their own lives rather than get the help they need and deserve. In fact, our suicide rate is second in the nation.

It is a crisis that demands our immediate attention, compassion, and action. September is Suicide Awareness Month, and I feel it is my duty to speak as your congressman, as a Montanan and a combat veteran about an issue that strikes at the core of our state and nation - veteran suicide.

Unfortunately,...