In the world of mental well-being, one pressing issue stands out: "the nearly insurmountable waiting lists faced by young people and adults seeking psychological support." It is a complex issue that our governments and organizations have been struggling with for decades. The COVID-19 pandemic has further magnified this challenge, putting the mental well-being of young people and adults worldwide under pressure. However, let us not overlook the deeper causes of this problem. A multitude of factors have undermined people's mental well-being in recent years. Think of societal and social pressures to meet unrealistic expectations, increasing work-related stress, the complexity of relationship conflicts, financial uncertainties, health problems, our resilience, and many other factors.
All these elements have contributed to the situation where professionals responsible for safeguarding our mental well-being are faced with an overwhelming demand that simply cannot be met within a reasonable timeframe. It is understandable that governments respond by allocating substantial budgets to address this growing crisis, and that deserves praise. Financial constraints often prevent people, especially young people, from seeking the help or guidance they need for their mental well-being. My appeal, however, goes to all agencies and individuals who allocate these funds and subsidies:
It is crucial that we emphasize the value of prevention as much as that of remedial approaches.
Here are my two main arguments for why preventive measures are essential:
Firstly, with preventive measures, we can prevent people from entering a dark period that not only undermines their mental health but sometimes also has far-reaching financial and social consequences, such as burnouts that typically result in disability and social isolation. This can create a downward spiral that is extremely difficult to break. Prevention can prevent much of this misery.
Secondly, think of the long waiting times for experts such as psychologists and therapists. By proactively focusing on prevention, people do not need to receive intensive guidance continuously, which in turn gives more time and space for these experts to provide acute and urgent assistance to those who need it the most. This makes the entire system more efficient and effective.
Thank you in advance for your efforts to promote mental well-being. However, let us not forget that half of these efforts must be directed towards prevention. This is not only a matter of responsibility but also of common sense. Young people, adults, professionals, and society as a whole will be grateful to you. Although I have only mentioned two reasons here, I realize that every aspect of mental well-being, no matter how small, is interconnected and equally crucial. Let us work together towards a healthier future for all of us, where prevention in mental well-being plays a central role.
Published by:
Ben Gabriston