Mental health disorders cross party lines. Half of all Americans will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. They affect us, our friends, family members, and other members of our communities regardless of where we stand politically. All states, regardless of political make up, can support access to care. Now more than ever voters need to tell officials at all levels of government to take action to address mental health in our communities. Using your voice to vote in local and national elections is one way to advocate for mental health.
Questions to Ask Candidates
PRIORITY: INCREASE THE AVAILABILITY OF QUALITY MENTAL HEALTH CARE
40,000 American lives are lost every year to suicide. If elected, how will you make sure everyone has access to the mental health care they need to help prevent these tragedies?
It’s hard to get care if you can’t make an appointment with a mental health professional. Most counties in America are officially designated as mental health professional shortage areas. If elected, what will you do to increase the availability of mental health services in our community?
Depression or bipolar disorder is the 6th most common reason adults are hospitalized. If elected, what will you do to help people get the mental health care they need to stay out of hospitals?
PRIORITY: PROMOTE EARLY IDENTIFICATION AND INTERVENTION
The number 1 reason children under 18 are admitted to hospitals is for depression or bipolar disorder. If elected, what will you do to help children get the mental health care they need before they reach crisis point?
Half of all mental illness begins by age 14, 75% by age 24, yet it takes an average of 74 weeks in the US to get care after first experiencing symptoms of psychosis. In the UK the delay is an average of just 7 weeks.
If elected, what will you do to help America’s youth get the timely treatment that’s available across the Atlantic?
PRIORITY: REDUCE CRIMINALIZATION
2 million Americans with mental health conditions end up in jail each year often as the result of their illness.
Jails aren’t designed to provide mental health care or to help people recover. If elected, what will you do to reduce the jailing of people with mental illness?
PRIORITY: ENFORCE MENTAL HEALTH INSURANCE PARITY
Mental health care is still being denied by health plans at higher rates than other medical care. People can’t experience recovery if treatment is denied. If elected, how will you work to enforce mental health parity laws?
PRIORITY: SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH CAREGIVERS
8.4 million Americans provide care to an adult living with mental illness and typically provide 32 hours of care each week—more than a part-time job. If elected, how will you help these family caregivers?
About half of mental health caregivers are not satisfied with the amount or quality of mental health services in their area. It’s even worse in rural areas. If elected, how will you help family caregivers get the support and services they need?
