At the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, First Lady Chirlane McCray sat with reporter Cindy Rodriguez and answered questions about her daughters struggle with mental illness. On Christmas Eve of 2013, right before her father took office, Chiara De Blasio disclosed on YouTube that throughout her teenage years she suffered through bouts of depression and used marijuana and alcohol to cope.  

McCray told the audience that while she never blamed herself for her daughter's condition, she did wish she had recognized the signs that her daughter was in despair. McCray described Chiara as an all-around successful young woman who did well in school and had lots of friends — and yet, she still seemed unhappy. McCray said she wrote off the behavior as normal teenage angst.

"That really wasn't the case," she told the audience. "My advice to any parent is just if you feel like something isn't right...trust your instinct."

Mental health is often an overlooked part of the public health system, full of gaps and inadequate care. McCray has launched an anti-stigma campaign and is part of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's effort to map out where services are needed and what illnesses people suffer from the most. The results are expected this summer. 

To hear the full recording from the event, listen below.