1.  Impact of untreated mental illness

2.  Cost of mental healthcare

3.  Systems around the world

4.  Education on mental health

5.  Stigma of mental health

The counterargument that universal mental healthcare is exensive is somewhat true as implementing a service like this would bring significant cost but in the long run the benefits that come from providing universal mental healthcare could end up saving the U.S more money. 

The purpose of my interview was to get more information on mental health and the opinion of my interviewee. My interviewee was Kevin Anaya, he is a suitable candidate as he has a more broad view in mental health. Kevin is student at Curie Metro high school and is currently a junior. The overall attitude of my interviewee was positive and very straightfoward. He knew what he was talking about and took the time to think over ever question and so when asked how universal mental healthcare would affect students he responded with "Students would be more social and more happy." He also expressed that violence may not change even if mental healthcare was universal as it wouldn't ease any financial burden on the people. Throughout the interview i got a look into a different perspective and learned a little more on what someone else might think on the topic. 

My personal opinion is that universal mental healthcare would allow for a new beginning to many people around the United States. By allowing people to be more mentaly secure you allow for more of a happy society, workplace, school and house life. 

The United States holds the highest suicide rate and lowest life expectency among the nations. In the United States, with mental illness on the rise, mental health care only becomes more costly and less accessible. As the United States struggles with the highest suicide rates and lowest life expectancy (TCF) the challenges in gaining access to affordable and accessible mental healthcare become a urgent need to address. (AAMC). While mental illness in the past was regarded as a demonic possession, a curse, or even a sin, many people who sought out help during these times would be treated poorly as a result.(PB). 52.7 million Americans are affected by mental illness that severely impairs the way they operate at work, school, with family, or even friends.(MHA). And research suggests that mental illness is on a rise and with it the barriers in accessing essential treatment and support. 

Impact of untreated mental illness 

Untreated mental illness can be a devastating spiral with consequences for the people suffering. 10 percent of children and adolescents are grappaling with homlessness, substance abuse, incarceration, or even suicide. These burdens often lead to drastic actions such as crime to obtain substances or suicide as a means to escape.(NAMI). Untreated mental illness can lead to worsening mental health problems. If you have untreated anxiety it could lead to frequent panic attacks and ptsd. It can also lead to chronic pains such as pains and aches that can lead to higher risks of strokes or overall health. (High Focus).

Cost of mental healthcare 

With an average cost of a therapy session here in Chicago being $145 it’s not a wonder mental healthcare isn’t accessible to all. 48.67 percent of Americans struggle with either depression or anxiety that often goes untreated for more than 11 years. Because of this many adults and young children suffer in silence or resort to drastic measures such as drugs, or even suicide to cope with their emotions.(SG and MHA). Over 27.2 million Americans do not have health insurance to help them gain access to therapy or mental healthcare. With over 958,000 thousand Americans in Illinois going untreated the same barriers keep appearing with either a shortfall of employees or a lack of treatment. Because of this millions of Americans suffer from crippling depression or anxiety that affects their day to day life and causes them an excess amount of stress that could potentially lead to even worse health or mental health problems. (CB and MHA).

Impact of education on mental health

Mental health education is an important aspect of raising awareness and providing resources to those in need. With over 52 million Americans struggling with mental illness, providing people with education on symptoms, risk factors, and where to get help will allow for a better way to accurately and efficiently identify, address, and support individuals who are facing mental health challenges. This strategy allows for people to pick up on mental distress in not only someone else but themselves which allows for a more understanding community. If we promote education for mental health early we allow for less stigma and can provide people around the world with the resources they need to live better lives. (Medcircle). Furthermore mental health education connects others who are struggling with mental illness and allows for family, friends, and students who may be unaware of the challenges and risks it brings. This education would allow for many people struggling to feel less alone and more informed and motivated to have people available to help them. Teaching about mental health can be beneficial to those who may not know the symptoms of mental illness, it would also allow to spread empathy and compassion to those facing these challenges. (NAMI).

Universal mental healthcare is to expensive

Opposing sides argue that universal mental health care would be too expensive to uphold or that it would be a burden to the healthcare system. They argue that trying to implement universal mental healthcare would only make it more difficult to maintain buildings and equipment as it would divert funds and attention from other healthcare needs. Additionally it would lead to budget cuts on essential services that could be devastating for a business. Opponents also argue that competitive salaries would strain workplace relationships and cause even more shortages to occur. Furthermore, offering medication would only make it difficult for pharmacies to budget and provide everyone with the medication they need. (WP). Universal mental health care is a fundamental part of our rights and is not too expensive. By implementing mental health care we promote the reduction of suffering, and allow for overall well being of individuals who may suffer from mental illness. Additionally by ensuring that this kind of process is in place we can address crises and prevent further tragides from occurring. Investing in mental healthcare can lead to cost savings in the future and reductions of stigma, discrimination, and societal burden of untreated mental illness. Furthermore by prioritizing mental health as a fundamental component of human rights we allow for support to be provided no matter what status, and background you may be from.(BMJ).

Conclusion

In summary, with the alarming rates of suicide and life expectancy in the United states at an all time high we as a nation struggle heavily with addressing the issues of accessible and affordable mental healthcare. It’s important to prioritize mental health services as it would directly impact the safety, and overall well-being of our communities. By investing into getting universal mental healthcare we can work towards creating a society where support and resources are available to everyone who is struggling with mental illness so that they may live a more fulfilling life. As we grow as a nation moving forward we should start implementing measures such as policy reforms that expand upon mental health coverage so that we can have early interventions on suicidal thoughts or actions. Additionally, these efforts will allow for a better view on mental health and its stigma. By improving education we provide awareness to many more people who may be unaware of the challenges they, loved ones, or others may be facing. Furthermore, by addressing these challenges we make an effort towards a healthier society where individuals have the opportunity to seek out help without prejudice and harm.

List of sources in alpha order

“About Mental Illness.” NAMI California, 26 July 2021, namica.org/what-is-mental-illness/#:~:text=Untreated%20mental%20health%20conditions%20can,and%20poor%20quality%20of%20life. 

“Access to Care Data 2022.” Mental Health America, mhanational.org/issues/2022/mental-health-america-access-care-data. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024. 

“Community Voices: Why We Need More Mental Health Education.” NAMI California, 26 Aug. 2021, namica.org/blog/community-voices-why-we-need-mental-health-education/. 

Economics and Mental Health: The Current Scenario - Knapp - 2020 ..., onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/wps.20692. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024. 

Gideon, Sydney. “How Much Does a Therapist Cost in Illinois?” SG Therapy Group, SG Therapy Group, 18 Nov. 2023, sgtherapygroup.com/blog/how-much-does-a-therapist-cost-in-illinois. 

High Focus Centers. “Dangers of Untreated Mental Illness.” High Focus Centers, 6 Apr. 2021, www.highfocuscenters.com/dangers-untreated-mental-illness/. 

Katherine Keisler-Starkey and Lisa N. Bunch. “Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2021.” Census.Gov, 15 Nov. 2022, www.census.gov/library/publications/2022/demo/p60-278.html. 

“Mental Health Education: Why It Matters & How to Approach.” MedCircle, 28 Feb. 2024, medcircle.com/articles/mental-health-education/. 

Modi, Hemangi, et al. “Exploring Barriers to Mental Health Care in the U.S.” Research and Action Institute, 10 Oct. 2022, www.aamcresearchinstitute.org/our-work/issue-brief/exploring-barriers-mental-health-care-us#:~:text=The%20shortage%20and%20maldistribution%20of,professionals%20compared%20with%20urban%20areas. 

Patel, Vikram, and Shekhar Saxena. “Achieving Universal Health Coverage for Mental Disorders.” The BMJ, British Medical Journal Publishing Group, 23 Sept. 2019, www.bmj.com/content/366/bmj.l4516. 

“The State of Mental Health in America.” Mental Health America, mhanational.org/issues/state-mental-health-america. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024. 

“U.S. Health Care from a Global Perspective, 2022: Accelerating Spending, Worsening Outcomes.” U.S. Health Care from a Global Perspective, 2022 | Commonwealth Fund, 31 Jan. 2023, www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2023/jan/us-health-care-global-perspective-2022#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20has%20the%20lowest,nearly%20twice%20the%20OECD%20average. 

University, Rice, et al. “Mental Health Treatment: Past and Present.” Psychology, 14 Feb. 2014, pressbooks-dev.oer.hawaii.edu/psychology/chapter/mental-health-treatment-past-and-present/.