Mental Health in the Cities

In comparison with other centuries, in ours, one-third of the adults in the US report symptoms of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Suicide rates have increased by 30% since the early 2000s and 1 in 25 adults live with a chronic mental illness. Also, challenges exist in terms of access, stigma and adequately following along those who suffer. To respond to these concerns, the US Conference of Mayors successfully passed a bill suggesting solutions.

Firstly, some mayors of the Democratic Party started with motivating other mayors to ask the government to fund them in order to improve mental health in their cities. This can be achieved by investing in environmentally friendly policies such as green infrastructures throughout the city, emphasising the importance of the environment in our mental health. 

During the debate about community health, the mayor of Detroit, Mike Duggan, asked: “What steps will be taken to ensure that their resolution is sustainable in the long term?” One of the mayors that suggested the bill answered that, with the cooperation of all mayors, the government should agree to fund all cities no matter their budget or population.