What the Experts Say

Among the advocates for parity of mental health is presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. "Our nation must do whatever it takes not only to remove the stigma from mental illness, but to begin treating mental illness as the illness it is on parity with other illnesses.

Accompanying Clinton on her message to congress is Dr. Steven Hyman, director of the National Institute of Mental Health. He sates that, "More than 19 million Americans suffer from depression alone. More than 2 million Americans have schizophrenia. We have also learned some very important facts about (mental illnesses). Mental illness are real illnesses of a real organ-the brain. Just like coronary artery disease is a disease of a real organ- the heart. We can make diagnoses, and these diseases are treatable.

Harmful Stigma Towards Mental Illness

Stigma is defined as a mark of disgrace or infamy; a stain or reproach, as on one's reputation. It is an unfortunate truth but a large amount of stigma exists towards the mentally ill. It is this stigma that prevents almost half of the 16 million Americans who suffer from mental illness each year from seeking professional help. While this is a startling statistic, some argue that stigma as a salutary effect. These people argue that the negative associations that go along with the mentally ill prevent people from over utilizing psychiatric help. However, it is my belief that stigma is a crippling force in the mental illness society. 8 million people neglect help each year. That number is far too large in this day and age. It is up to us, the public, to refrain from encouraging the existence of stigma- that means no name calling and making an effort to keep an open mind.

Coverage's Strongest Argument: Mental Illness is on the Same Level as Physical Illness

Although some feel that mental illness is not an illness at all, but rather a personal failing, it is proven that mental illness is just as treatable as physical ailments; in fact, major depression has a higher recovery rate when treated than coronary artery disease. It is simply ignorant to consider mental illness anything other than an illness.

Pros and Cons

Pro Coverage Points

• Mental illness is not any different than physical illness in regards to importance
• The lack of coverage for mental illness patients adds to social stigma
• The Numbers- Massive amounts of Americans suffer from mental illness
• There is a direct relationship between mental illness and suicide, homelessness, and incarceration

Anti Coverage Points

• Mental illness is a "personal failing" not a disease
• Medicine is too loosly perscribed
• Coverage means more money out of public's pocket
• Some mental illnesses are not serious enough

Mental illnesses are real. Insurance companies need to realize this. Their policies are discriminant against the mentally ill.