Why Mental Health Should be on the Political Agenda

A recently released senate report on mental health and addiction titled "Out of the Shadows at Last" suggests that mental health facilities fail to adequately support the mentally ill. These failures, says the report, persist largely because the mentally ill are misunderstood and stigmatized.

In a nation with so many competing needs it's difficult politically to devote substantial resources to any small group. To make mental health and related issues like homelessness national priorities it is necessary to reiterate that mental illness has profound effects on every Canadian.

1 in 5 Canadians will suffer from mental illness. The consequences are severe and various and include loss of vitality, loss of productivity, loss of family and friends, and loss of life.

Mental illness makes national headlines only when a crazy man shoots something, and it remains on the political back burner because the severely mentally ill do not vote. 1 in 5 Canadians (and their family and friends) have good reason to change this. Politicians have good reason to listen because 1 in 5 Canadians represent some pretty hefty political pocket change.

The benefits of a national mental health care strategy are numerous. With support the mentally ill go to work. They commit less crime. They are less prone to addictions. They live happier, more productive lives. Families stay together. And fewer people live on the street. These are consequences that any of Canada's political parties would be happy to promote.

In the introduction to the senate report on mental illness one woman tells the committee that she "would do anything to have breast cancer over mental illness...because [she would] not have to put up with the stigma." 1 in 9 Canadian women will develop breast cancer. 1 in 5 Canadians will suffer from mental illness. Both issues are of vital importance, but one fails to evoke sufficient public concern. This needs to change.

A national mental health care strategy will increase the standard of living not only for the few who now live on the street. It will improve life for everyone, in every neighborhood, in every home, big and small.

We should therefore strive to make mental health a political priority in the next election.