Blair’s Right, We Must Stop Over-Medicalizing Life’s Ups and Downs
Tony Blair’s recent comments highlight the need to rethink how we view normal emotions in today’s society
England, Mental Health, Tony Blair, NHS, Social Media
London: The number of kids needing anxiety treatment has skyrocketed, doubling in just four years. The pandemic and school closures played a big role, along with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
It’s refreshing to hear Tony Blair speak out about this. He’s got a point that many might see as old-fashioned, but it’s just common sense. Over-medicalizing normal feelings is straining the NHS, leaving less for those who truly need help.
Plus, social media keeps young minds constantly engaged, making it hard for them to switch off. Encouraging kids to think they have a mental health issue when they’re just going through a rough patch isn’t helping either.
According to a report, nearly 25% of children in England have a “probable mental disorder.” In this #BeKind era, suggesting that resilience might help is often met with backlash, but it’s a conversation we need to have.
Blair pointed out that life has its ups and downs, and we shouldn’t rush to label every struggle as a condition. We’re spending too much on mental health services when we could be focusing on teaching kids how to handle life’s challenges.
A friend in the mental health field has been warning about this crisis for years. Those who can’t cope with life’s ups and downs are taking resources away from those with real mental health issues.
It’s concerning that an entire industry has emerged around young people’s mental health. What used to be called worry is now often labeled as anxiety, and sadness from loss is quickly termed depression.
In her book, NHS psychiatrist Joanna Moncrieff argues that many in her field are more interested in profit than helping people. She believes that life’s challenges might be better addressed through exercise and mindfulness rather than medication.
Social media can sometimes help by allowing celebrities to share their experiences, but it can also create a bandwagon effect, leading to the over-medicalization of normal feelings.
Employers are finding it tricky to hire young people. While many are hardworking, some call in sick just because they feel a bit down. Often, getting out and facing the day is what they really need.
We should never ignore genuine mental health issues, but we also shouldn’t blow things out of proportion. The old saying “keep calm and carry on” still holds value. It can help people get through tough times and is good for their well-being.
Plus, it frees up NHS resources for those who truly need professional help. It’s all about finding that balance.
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