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Mental-health advocate and commissioner recounts isolation, urges lawmakers to share resources
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Summary
Brian Newner, a Special Olympics Missouri staffer and member of the Department of Mental Health Commission, gave a personal account of severe depression and isolation during COVID and described his Mental Health Huddle project to connect people to confidential, no-cost resources. He urged lawmakers to refer constituents to available help.
Brian Newner told the committee about a personal crisis that followed a serious injury and an extended COVID illness, saying prolonged isolation contributed to severe depression and suicidal thoughts. "I am not a medical professional. I am a patient," Newner said, describing his experience of 41 days in isolation and the path to recovery through professional care and peer support.
Newner described creating the Mental Health Huddle, an LLC meant to reduce barriers to help by addressing three hurdles: admitting need, financial constraints, and confidentiality. He said he uses his network from work with Special Olympics Missouri and the Department of Mental Health Commission to connect people to free and confidential resources and encouraged committee members to share information with constituents who may be struggling.
Newner framed his approach around practical steps he tells audiences: be vulnerable and seek help, identify and manage triggers, avoid one-way relationships that drain support, and find sources of hope. He said he is not soliciting money in the hearing and instead requested lawmakers to spread awareness and direct people to resources on his website.
Committee members thanked Newner for sharing his story; no committee action was taken.
