In her recent op-ed piece, “Sickness and work is a disaster that must be fixed” (FT Weekend, September 2), Camilla Cavendish makes a compelling case regarding a critical issue. While the spotlight has often been on reintegrating the over-50s into the workforce, the most significant increase in economic inactivity has, in fact, been observed among young individuals. Many of these young people have taken leaves from work due to enduring mental health conditions.
Mental health challenges frequently manifest during adolescence or early adulthood, disrupting individuals’ education and careers, hindering them from reaching their full potential in life.
Cavendish astutely points out that “leaving people waiting weeks or months to talk to a therapist is not good for mental health.” The problem extends beyond accessibility; it encompasses the limited array of interventions available to individuals once they navigate the system.
Although many individuals benefit from existing mental health treatments, ranging from traditional talk therapies to pharmaceutical options, these methods are not universally effective. Through investment in mental health science, we can gain deeper insights into the development and resolution of mental health conditions. Research will enable us to intervene as early as possible with personalized treatments, departing from the “one-size-fits-all” approach.
We currently stand at a tipping point in mental health science, with novel and enhanced interventions on the horizon. These innovations encompass digital interventions, fresh pharmacological treatments for psychosis, and cost-effective approaches to harnessing the power of sleep and circadian rhythms.
Governments worldwide must prioritize support for mental health science. As the UK’s political parties prepare for the forthcoming general election, we hope to witness investments in mental health research and a heightened focus on this pressing health challenge alongside the most immediate physical health concerns. There has never been a more crucial time for a government to commit to finding effective solutions for those grappling with mental health issues.
