Written by Student Associate Hailey Willerth
Addressing Mental Health Problems in America
The National Issues Forum issue advisory states that one in five Americans will have mental health problems in any given year. But, many individuals feel that mental health is not being treated appropriately, and that dangerous mental illnesses are going undetected and untreated. Therefore, the driving question in this resource is: How can we reduce the impact of mental health problems in America?
What are the options for addressing mental health problems in America?
Put safety first
More preventative action is necessary to deal with mentally ill individuals who are potentially dangerous to themselves or others. These individuals should be sought out and their needs addressed
Example action
Employers can require random periodic testing for serious mental health issues among employees
Consequence to consider
This would be an infringement of privacy and could result in many more unemployed or underemployed people who pose no danger to anyone
Ensure mental health services are available to all who need them
People should be encouraged to take control over their own mental health and be provided the tools to do so.
Example action
Provide convenient mental health screening sites throughout the community
Consequence to consider
People may avoid using screening tools due to privacy concerns or for fear of a possible diagnosis
Let people plot their own course
Even when problems exist people should make their own decisions about whether to seek treatment
Example action
Doctors can prescribe less medication and focus instead on counseling and talk therapy
Consequence to consider
Some people who could use medication will not get the relief they need
For each option, the issue advisory provides more examples of actions that could be taken and includes the trade-offs for each of these options. Click here to view the full issue advisory and learn more about how to address mental health problems in America.
“Mental Illness is America: How do We Address a Growing Problem” is an issue advisory written by the National Issues Forum, or NIF, in collaboration with the Kettering Foundation. It was published in 2013.
The National Issues Forum, founded in 1981, is an organization that produces issue guides and videos to help communities discuss difficult issues through the deliberation process. The Kettering Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps write issue guides for NIF and researches how citizens can address the problems affecting their communities.