May 22, 2024 - Bruce Simpson (Eastern State Hospital & mental health awareness)

This podcast discusses suicide, which may be difficult and distressing for some to listen to. Resources and assistance are available at 988lifeline.org.  LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 22, 2024) – On May 1, 1824, Eastern State Hospital opened its doors as part of Fayette Hospital, becoming just the second state psychiatric hospital in the nation. Now 200 years later, it also holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating state psychiatric hospital in the U.S. Last week, Eastern State Hospital held a celebration to honors its 200 years of mental health service to the Commonwealth. Lexington lawyer Bruce Simpson – who received treatment at Eastern State Hospital following a suicide attempt – joined the celebration to share his personal story and to thank the staff who helped him.   On this episode of "Behind the Blue," Simpson joins the podcast to talk openly and candidly about his nearly lifelong struggles with mental health, including his suicide attempt. He also highlights the importance of Eastern State Hospital and why mental health should be prioritized just as highly as physical health. "Behind the Blue" is available on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of "Behind the Blue" each week. UK's latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university. Transcripts for this or other episodes of Behind the Blue can be downloaded from the show's blog page. To discover what's wildly possible at the University of Kentucky, click here.