 While mental health was the topic of discussion at a seminar at the Brainerd Public Library Monday morning, fourth year medical student Tyler Studer held the presentation on mental illness including depression and anxiety. The presentation was aimed at not only raising awareness but offering ways for people to help and support friends and family who are battling mental illness. Members of the community believe it's important to be aware of mental illness and to destigmatize it as well. The stigma keeps people from getting help. There's nothing different about having pneumonia than there is about having depression. But there's a stigma about in the general public about reporting it. That needs to be eliminated by making people understand that emotions are okay and depression and anxiety are an illness. This can be cured, there is hope. The presentation also discussed suicide prevention and offered up the suicide hotline. That number for the suicide hotline is 1-800-273-8255. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.