May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

Mental health is shaped not only in clinics and counseling offices, but also in the everyday stability of our lives—especially whether families can afford basic necessities like electricity, housing, food, and medicine. While the Public Service Commission (PSC) does not directly provide mental health services, its decisions have a real and lasting impact on the conditions that drive stress and emotional well-being across Georgia.

When utility rate increases are approved, families are often forced to make impossible choices between paying for power, food, rent, or medication. That financial pressure creates constant anxiety, uncertainty, and chronic stress—key factors that contribute to depression and other mental health challenges.

Power shutoffs and disconnection threats during extreme heat or cold add another layer of fear and instability, especially for seniors, children, and medically vulnerable individuals who depend on electricity for survival. These conditions can lead to sleep disruption, trauma responses, caregiver stress, and emotional exhaustion.

Energy insecurity also affects housing stability and health. When families cannot reliably heat or cool their homes, it contributes to poor sleep, worsening chronic conditions, and increased emergency room visits—further deepening stress in already struggling households.

In short, while the PSC does not treat mental health, its decisions can either reduce or intensify the daily pressures that directly impact it—especially around affordability, safety, and stability.

As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, we must understand that stability is health. Leadership matters. Families deserve decisions that prioritize people over profits and protect both their financial security and their well-being. Every Georgian deserves peace of mind, dignity, and the ability to live without constant financial fear.

Bottom Line

As your 3rd vote on the PSC, I will ensure that this issue is addressed as we make decisions for Georgians. Vote on Tuesday, May 19th for Shelia Edwards. #SheliaE4PSC