It is estimated that about 46% of American adults will experience a mental illness during their lifetime. In any one year, nearly 44 million Americans of all ages suffer from a diagnosable mental illness including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression. Each year, at least a quarter of all Americans also experience mood, anxiety, impulse-control or substance abuse disorders. Childhood mental illness often results in substance abuse and suicide attempts later in life. About 48,000 Americans commit suicide each year, including many of our veterans. Four times as many men as women choose to end their lives. Over 90% of these people suffer from either substance abuse or a treatable mental health disorder. Studies have shown that about 60% of women hospitalized for mental illness also have a history of trauma. The majority of women suffering from both substance abuse and mental health problems have been victims of rape, incest or physical or emotional abuse. And lastly, a least 49 of the 62 U.S. mass shooting suspects between 1982 and 2012 also suffered from mental illness.

Pending Legislation: S.2128 - Strengthening Medicaid for Serious Mental Illness Act
Sponsor: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (NY)
Status: Senate Committee on Finance
Chair: Sen. Ron Wyden (OR)