Mental Health Awareness

What is it?

The stigma with mental illness are the stereotypes, way we react to those who are in a crisis, and the way mental illness is handled/discussed in society is wrong and is in desperate need of reform.

We believe awareness needs to be raised so that people can reach out and get help for things like self-harm, suicide and mental health in general without having to worry about people believing it is 'just for attention' or 'just a phase'.

Political Aspects

This issue is concerned mainly with the left side of the political spectrum, as the need for change is in place. Rather than sticking to the way things are.

There are very few laws in place for this topic, the only things that are in place are being able to plead insanity, and having your rights taken away and being admitted to a psychiatric hospital if you're found to be a danger to yourself or others.

In addition to this, if a adult with authority (teacher, social worker, therapist, ect) believes or has proof you are a danger to yourself or others (self-harm, suicidal ideation, or homicidal thoughts) they are required to report it to a minor's parents. In the nature of mental health though.

The funding for mental health has been cut in many states, and the only access to care for those without insurance is either through the penile system, or by paying copious amounts of money in order to get the help they need.

Important Questions

What is the prevalence of diagnosed mental disorders?

Is it the governments' responsibility to ensure people get help?

Where does the stigma come from?

Social Aspects

The various information on mental illness is false, in order to change this, we need to reform the way mental illness is upheld in society through education and state mandated assemblies for school.

Those who need access to care for their disorder will refuse to get the help they need because society currently thinks of mental illness as being fake, or something to be ashamed of. This in turn allows people to suffer, and possibly end their lives as a result of ignoring the issue.

People struggling with mental health issues are labeled as 'freaks' and treated unfairly for things they can't change on their own.

The issue is also inclined towards the left of the spectrum becuase it implies the government spending money on raising awareness, whether it is taking money from another cause, or adding more onto the nation's debt. Socially, people who can't afford help are less likely to receive it.