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Shurtleff, daughter talked of her struggles in '06
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anonymous | 11:43 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009
Have dealed with a child with similar problems. This is more prevelant than our
neighbors would like to believe. I am so impressed that he has been so candid
about personal family struggles. This never really ends. This is a struggle
you live with every day as a family. It is my hope that we support one another
instead of judging from the outside.
Anonymous | 11:44 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009
I couldn't hold back tears as I read this article. As a parent of children
who have suffered with psychological problems and who has been personally
dealing with depression for about 18 years, I know the feelings of helplessness
and frustration involved. People who have not had to deal with these issues
can't imagine what is involved. People tend to look DOWN ON THOSE WHO HAVE
TROUBLE COPING AND LABEL THEM AS WEAK AND SELF CENTERED. Often people
don't even realize they have a problem until years have gone by and lots of
damage has occured. HATS OFF TO mR. sHURTLEFF FOR PUTTING THE NEEDS OF HIS
DAUGHTER BEFORE HIS OWN PERSONAL AMBITIONS.
Thank You | 12:03 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009
My heart goes out to the Shurtlerff's and all others who deal with these
types of problems. Thanks to Danielle for sharing your struggles and giving us
all hope!
Comments continue below
Not with Us, but...ours | 12:12 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009
This is a problem that is not with us in my family, but it is ours nevertheless.
I am very impressed with the stand Mr. Shurtleff has taken and wish him, his
daughter, and their family the best as the continue to move forward.
Makes me appreciate how so many of our young people need to know they are loved and are special - that life is more than the brief disappointment that happen sometimes.
Good luck Shurtleffs
Makes me appreciate how so many of our young people need to know they are loved and are special - that life is more than the brief disappointment that happen sometimes.
Good luck Shurtleffs
Sara | 12:29 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009
Now I wonder how he feels about lack of mental health coverage with health
insurance. we can barely afford Insurance and no way we can afford mental health
coverage. I suffer with similar issues and Cant afford to get the medical help I
need because Insurance wont cover therapist visits and such which can run as
much as 300$ a month. Now there is an issue he should address. Mental health
coverage should be mandatory with health insurance it is just as important and
the lack of it can take away a life.
Anonymous | 12:34 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009
Sometimes I have trouble believing in God;s love when coping with depression. I
have had it most of my life and I'm now sixty-two. I look around at people
who are enjoying successful careers and social experiences. It is hard for me
to even go out of the house any more. It doesn't feel that God is aware of
struggles. The most fun I get in life is reading about others successes or
hearing about them on the news. My heart goes out to the Shurtleffs and
especially to Danielle. I know what it;s like to want to end it all. I
don't because of the pain it would cause my family.
Great article | 12:52 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009
I really wish Mark Shurtleff and his family the best.
BRL | 1:12 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009
I respect Shurtleff for making the right decision and stepping down to take care
of his family. I wish them all the best.
RE: Sara | 12:29 p.m. | 1:43 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009
Mr. Shurtleff can't do much about health care reform now he has dropped out
of the race for senator. Had he been elected senator he would have been able to
help reform health care. His current position as Utah Attorney General is an
executive position and not legislative. His job is to make sure laws are obeyed
and to punish those who break them.
Good Luck | 2:20 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009
I hope their family can figure things out. They're good people.
meds | 3:19 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009
I wonder if any of the meds she takes have "suicidal thoughts" as side
effects? (psst, the answer is yes, they do.)
Parents who are brave enough to look outside the box for answers and solutions are often rewarded. There are low-risk or no-risk supplements that have been used to treat mood and stress for thousands of years.
I wish their family success. If she has been on the meds for a while and they aren't working at removing such a serious health risk, then try a new method.
There are plenty of doctors in Utah who are highly skilled at weaning patients off dangerous drugs and finding safe, and effective remedies.
Parents who are brave enough to look outside the box for answers and solutions are often rewarded. There are low-risk or no-risk supplements that have been used to treat mood and stress for thousands of years.
I wish their family success. If she has been on the meds for a while and they aren't working at removing such a serious health risk, then try a new method.
There are plenty of doctors in Utah who are highly skilled at weaning patients off dangerous drugs and finding safe, and effective remedies.
NMP | 4:40 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009
To Anonymous 12:34 p.m. Nov.4, 2009
I was so glad to hear your story and hope that you will keep on being strong. Our Heavenly Father does love you and is aware of what you are going through. We all go through things in this life and no matter what our challenge is, it is up to us to make the right choice and you surely have. We all have to keep on keeping on. Our day to rejoice in the success of our choices will soon be here.
I also commend the Shurtleff's and their daughter and wish them the best.
I was so glad to hear your story and hope that you will keep on being strong. Our Heavenly Father does love you and is aware of what you are going through. We all go through things in this life and no matter what our challenge is, it is up to us to make the right choice and you surely have. We all have to keep on keeping on. Our day to rejoice in the success of our choices will soon be here.
I also commend the Shurtleff's and their daughter and wish them the best.
Instereo | 5:26 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009
Mr. Shurtliff and particually his daughter Danielle have my best wishes. I was
also interested in his remarks about understanding some of the health coverage
issues that our nation is dealing with. As hard as it is on him, he has a good
income, insurance, and the position and drive to take care of his own problems.
I hope that he understands there are many people that don't have someone
pulling for them like he is for his daughter. I commend him for his decisions
and for his dedication to his family. I hope that he can use his talents,
abilities and newly aquired insights to help the citizens of our state and
nation who don't even have minimal health care let alone the costly type of
health care his daughter and family may need.
Neighbor | 6:39 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009
Having known Mark and Danielle for years, you would never know the challenges
she faces just by watching her grow up. She seems like a typical teen, just
like many who are out there with the same challenges. We need to show support
for all the kids out there because you never know who is struggling. Kudos to
Mark for once again showing his true character in putting first things first.
It is interesting | 8:58 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009
to me that when someone is born with a condition that is obviously
"physical", no one blames them for its results--for example, someone
who inherits childhood diabetes. But if you inherit a disorder that is
"mental" you are somehow expected to overcome it by force of will--or
faith. The brain is just another organ of the body--and if it doesn't work
properly, you can't think clearly.
This makes it extremely hard for both the sufferers and their families. And the medical treatment of mental problems is only in beginning stages. Many of the drugs DO have serious side effects--they don't work exactly the same for all patients. There are no guaranteed treatments for some disorders. And because thinking isn't clear, patients often can't manage their own care.
I am personally grateful for my faith in life after death--and for the belief that ALL conditions will be healed--including mental ones.
This makes it extremely hard for both the sufferers and their families. And the medical treatment of mental problems is only in beginning stages. Many of the drugs DO have serious side effects--they don't work exactly the same for all patients. There are no guaranteed treatments for some disorders. And because thinking isn't clear, patients often can't manage their own care.
I am personally grateful for my faith in life after death--and for the belief that ALL conditions will be healed--including mental ones.
cirque1203 | 8:36 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
I can not express my SINCERE ADMIRATION for and to you as an HONEST POLTICIAN !
I to suffer with these conditions however after my stay at a residential
treatment center, the TOOLS I learned while I was there and my own family
support I am and have been doing extremley well. The 2 months spent in treatment
SAVED MY LIFE and SAVED MY SOUL... As well as my 2 beautiful childrens lives.
How truly admirable of you to put your family in front of such a succesful and
demanding career. NOT only did you do that but you were honest with us! I wish
more politicians had your level of integrity! I am sure that your beautiful
daughters life really does depend on family support. Mr. Shurtleff you are an
incredible role model. I can not express the respect I have for you enough. I am
confident due to the personal choice you made the outcome will be worth every
second of it! trust me been there done that !
Thank you for all you have done for the state of Utah and it's citizens!
Thank you for all you have done for the state of Utah and it's citizens!
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Utah's Attorney General Mark Shurtleff and his daughter Danielle are seen photographed in March 2006 in Murray.
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