
Make Mental Health a Priority for Congress
The Issue
I have gone through my fair share of mental health struggles, as have so many of the people that I know. It's isolating to struggle with your mental health because of the stigma attached.
Let's rewrite the stories of mental health to lift each other up.
Every person, regardless of their age or background, should have access to quality mental health care without fear of prejudice or judgment.
In the United States, mental health is often overlooked, despite being a crucial component of overall wellbeing.
Why does mental health matter? Let's look at some statistics.
Over 52 million adults in the country suffer from mental illnesses, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
46% of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition at some point in their lives.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children ages 10 to 14.
42.5 million adults suffer from anxiety disorders, and 22.5 million live with major depression.
Nearly 1 in 10 adults experienced a mental health crisis in the past year, with young adults (ages 18–29) reporting the highest rates at 15.1%.
Importantly, depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion annually in lost productivity.
However, due to inadequate funding and support, countless individuals are left without the resources they need to heal and thrive. This lack of attention can lead to devastating consequences, including unemployment, homelessness, and in severe cases, death.
Congress needs to make mental health a priority by allocating increased funding and resources dedicated to mental health care and research. Early intervention and comprehensive support systems are necessary to destigmatize mental health discussions and provide essential assistance to those in need.
Comprehensive mental health education should be incorporated into schools to promote understanding and empathy from a young age.
Policy changes can make a profound difference. Acts such as the Mental Health Services for Students Act have shown how federal attention can lead to significant improvements, paving the way for progress nationwide.
By strengthening laws that protect mental health rights and expanding funding for research and support services, Congress can help create a nation where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health.
Your voice is powerful. Together, we can foster an environment of hope, healing, and acceptance for everyone facing mental health challenges. Share this with people.
14
The Issue
I have gone through my fair share of mental health struggles, as have so many of the people that I know. It's isolating to struggle with your mental health because of the stigma attached.
Let's rewrite the stories of mental health to lift each other up.
Every person, regardless of their age or background, should have access to quality mental health care without fear of prejudice or judgment.
In the United States, mental health is often overlooked, despite being a crucial component of overall wellbeing.
Why does mental health matter? Let's look at some statistics.
Over 52 million adults in the country suffer from mental illnesses, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
46% of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition at some point in their lives.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children ages 10 to 14.
42.5 million adults suffer from anxiety disorders, and 22.5 million live with major depression.
Nearly 1 in 10 adults experienced a mental health crisis in the past year, with young adults (ages 18–29) reporting the highest rates at 15.1%.
Importantly, depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion annually in lost productivity.
However, due to inadequate funding and support, countless individuals are left without the resources they need to heal and thrive. This lack of attention can lead to devastating consequences, including unemployment, homelessness, and in severe cases, death.
Congress needs to make mental health a priority by allocating increased funding and resources dedicated to mental health care and research. Early intervention and comprehensive support systems are necessary to destigmatize mental health discussions and provide essential assistance to those in need.
Comprehensive mental health education should be incorporated into schools to promote understanding and empathy from a young age.
Policy changes can make a profound difference. Acts such as the Mental Health Services for Students Act have shown how federal attention can lead to significant improvements, paving the way for progress nationwide.
By strengthening laws that protect mental health rights and expanding funding for research and support services, Congress can help create a nation where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health.
Your voice is powerful. Together, we can foster an environment of hope, healing, and acceptance for everyone facing mental health challenges. Share this with people.
The Decision Makers

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Petition created on September 6, 2025