Donovan Dicks

In modern America and around the world, mental health is growing issue. As it becomes

more prevalent in society, mental illness receives more attention. Mental health is a term used to

describe the state of ones emotional and psychological well-being. Mental illnesses are diseases

of the mind, and have a wide range of symptoms and manifestations. Multiple social,

psychological, and biological factors determine the level of mental health of an individual

(WHO Media Centre). An individuals mental health is certainly a matter of their own mind, but

should mental illness be a personal matter handled only by individuals, or should the state play

the dominating role in aiding those in need? The matter of mental illness is an issue that should

concern not only the individual suffering, but the community surrounding them, as well as the

local and federal governments.

The argument could also be made that mental health is purely a one-sided issue. In other

words, the matter is purely a responsibility of the state or individual, not both. In the case of it

being a duty fulfilled by the government, there are various programs that could be implemented

to assist the mentally ill. These programs can be applied from the local to state to national levels.

Recovery programs should be provided by the government, and the governments role should be

at the forefront of the mental health situation in America (Mental Health America). The issue

often spans beyond the individual and small communities (Mental Health America). Since

mental health has the potential to affect to productiveness of the population and therefore the

economy and other things crucial to the functioning of a nation, it should be the nations

responsibility to care for this issue. The governments best intentions would be to eliminate

things that would hinder the progress and success of the nation at large, and mental illnesses

certainly play a role in the overall productiveness of the society.

 On the other hand, the issue can be viewed entirely as an individual or community

responsibility. The individual and their communities are responsible for the successful recovery

from mental illness (Recovery: Recovery is Real). Considering how most of the causes of mental

illness are attributed to biological, psychological, and environmental factors, ones mental health

is a personal matter and varies greatly between individuals (The Kim Foundation). This

uniqueness of cases means that it would be easier to handle mental illness on a case by case

basis. Each individual would need a specific treatment or set of treatments to help them. As is

well known in the medical field, not all treatments are universal. The individualism requires the

victim and those close to them to determine and pursue the treatments best suited for them.

Mental health is also a very personal matter, and many would prefer this information remain

private. With privatized treatment options, the individual can retain their privacy and security.

Ultimately, this ensures the individual can get the most appropriate treatment and avoid

sacrificing their privacy.

While both of these views claim valid points, the best solution is to combine them. The

responses from the government and its citizens are inherently intertwined, thus eliminating the

possibility of a polarized issue. Mental illness must be a matter for both the state and individual.

This cooperation assures a successful path to a healthier public. The cooperation between the

government and the people is essential, but they do not perform the same duties. The government

provides services helpful to people, and it is up to the people to seek out help and find their own

path to recovery. The government avoids becoming intermingled in the citizens personal life

while still providing assistance. Thus, the individuals privacy is protected, and they still have

the opportunity to seek out appropriate and specialized treatment. The government can provide

these resources to better educate people on mental health and reach those in underprivileged
areas. Government provided mental health care centers can also cut costs and provide cheaper

solutions to those who cannot afford privatized health care. Ultimately, the combined approach

assists the most amount of people while ensuring the safety of the individual and allowing for

unique and specialized care.

 Works Cited

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