A Nation at Risk

Mental illness is a serious problem in the United States. Besides the "normal" causes of mental illness, U.S. citizens live in a society that is very materialistic, unstable and often unpredictable. In fact, one might joke that the most predictable thing in our society is the loss of a job.

Americans are very mobile. They move from place to place, often across the continent, as they pursue careers and love interests. Of course, moving and making new friends can be a very painful experience.

Children are subjected to even more stress in school districts that have evolved into roller coasters, with a never ending parade of burned out teachers and administrative corruption. And what about the effects of violent movies, TV shows and video games?

A large percentage of America’s homeless population consists of the mentally ill, and their numbers are growing. A trouble economy continues to cost people jobs. Many who remain employed have seen their paychecks and benefits shrink. Millions of Americans are without medical care, which may include mental health treatment.

The Veterans Administration is hard pressed to cope with military personnel returning from Iraq with post-traumatic stress syndrome and other problems.

Financially stressed citizens often look to Canada for affordable prescription drugs. But what country should they turn to for their mental health care needs?

Mental Health Politics

Mental health professionals generally treat the symptoms, not the cause. In fairness, most are probably too overwhelmed to pay much attention to some of the major causes of mental illness.

However, there are things that private citizens can do to help maintain their mental health, just as a healty diet and regular exercise promotes physical health. On an individual level, people should eat right, work out, and enjoy some kind of social life.

On the community level, people can and should get politically active and campaign for laws that help protect our heath. These could include laws that protect the air and water we breathe, as well as laws that bring more stability to public schools or properly fund mental health organizations.