Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: United States
Delegate Name: Mohamed Omran
School: Forest Hills Northern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All United States position papers GLIMUN 2018 committees
Mental health disorders are responsible for millions of deaths every year. Over eight million people die yearly from mental health disorders, ranging from depression to addiction. One in four people worldwide are likely to suffer from some sort of mental health episode in their life, and yet, mental health is often unfunded and disregarded. Due to this, mental health disorders are left untreated and the victims are bound to a life of suffering. The poor state of many people’s mental health leads to catastrophic events, even in a first world country like the United States. For starters, the USA loses millions of citizens every year from a mental illness. Additionally, almost half (46%) homeless citizens and the majority of juvenile inmates (70%) suffer from mental illness. Neither of these living situations is beneficial for the individuals or the economy. It is estimated that the US misses out on $193.2 billion economic earnings yearly due to mental illness. For those suffering from a mental illness, most countries do not have access to psychiatric institutions. The institutions that do exist are often littered with human rights violations and are too expensive for impoverished citizens to afford. While improving these institutions would be initially pricey, countries will eventually reap the reward of a mentally healthy people as a mentally healthy person is more likely to be more productive and efficient improving the economy. Amid the lieu of mass shootings and terrorist attacks that have plagued the world in the last few years, an expansion of mental health resources could help quel these abhorrent acts by identifying and helping those in need before they harm either themselves or innocent bystanders. As President Donald Trump so admirably put it “We’re going to have to start talking about mental institutions …we have nothing between a prison and leaving him at his house, which we can’t do anymore,” honorable President Trump recognizes the need for expanding mental institutions and halting the placement of mentally ill in prisons or homes as this only compounds their illnesses. At this conference, the United States hopes to pass a resolution that better supports the mentally ill with ambitious goals to abate the deaths we see as a result of suicide, overdose, etc. These goals should be nation specific and funded by the entirety of the United Nations, with no one country carrying the burden. Ideally, the resolution would include sections suggesting the creation of new institutions that meet NGO and UN standards in human rights and aid. The life of a mentally ill person is difficult and common. Not only does their illness affect their daily lives, it also impacts the lives of those around them and more importantly, the well-being of the economy. Mentally ill people are not as productive in their work lives and as a result economies lose out on billions of dollars every year. More worryingly, is the rise in mental illness in youth populations. Our youth are our future and we need to support them through their challenges, whether it be depression, addiction, alcoholism, or anxiety. With the work of a United Nations, the World Health Organization can help create a healthier generation and a more promising future and economy.
