Through detailing the story of her brother — whose undiagnosed bipolar disorder and severe manic episode led him to his arrest and detainment by police for days — UNT social work student Reagan Kremer advocates for those with mental illness. She notes that they are more likely to be arrested, and offers solutions such as mobile crisis teams, which conduct mental health assessments on site for those who need help. Reagan Kremer is currently pursuing a bachelor’s
degree in social work at UNT. Kremer, who
grew up with her nine siblings in Independence,
Iowa, moved to Texas in 2017 and received her
associate degree from North Central Texas
College before transferring to UNT in 2020. She
is passionate about advocating for better mental
health resources and hopes to further challenge
the stigmas that surround mental illness. Kremer,
a first-generation college student, has battled her
own mental health issues since she was 15, and
says the support she has received from others has
been not only life changing, but lifesaving. Her
personal experience has deepened her passion
for mental health advocacy, and she eventually
plans to pursue her master’s degree through
UNT’s social work program. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx