As representatives of the Department of Psychiatry and the Psychiatric Services at the University of Michigan Health System, we applaud The Michigan Daily for publishing Kaitlin Williams’ personal statement, “I struggle with mental illness” on Sep. 3, 2012. We want to respond directly to Kaitlin and everyone who understands how she feels.
Thank you, Kaitlin, for having the courage to share your story. While Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) and other services on campus don’t always get it right the first time, we do our best to try to get the right help to the right person at the right time. We know, as you are learning, that there are treatments that work, and that those who struggle with depression and other mental illnesses do not need to suffer.
We are always here to help you and everyone who reads and resonates with your message. Call 734-936-5900 at any time, or just come to the main emergency entrance of University Hospital on East Medical Center Drive.
Gregory Dalack
Chair, Department of Psychiatry
Rachel Glick
Medical Director, PES
John Kettley
Clinical Director, PES