Blair’s Right, We Must Stop Over-Medicalizing Life’s Ups and Downs

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 really 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.

A recent report shows that nearly 25% of children in England have a “probable mental disorder.” In this #BeKind era, suggesting that resilience could help is often met with backlash.

Blair emphasizes that life has its ups and downs, and we need to be careful about labeling normal challenges as conditions. He calls for a serious conversation about mental health spending, which is crucial.

A friend in the mental health field has been warning about this crisis for years. Those who can’t cope with life’s challenges are taking resources away from those with real mental health issues.

In today’s world, there’s a whole industry focused on young people’s mental health. What used to be called worry is now often labeled as anxiety, and sadness from loss is seen as depression.

NHS psychiatrist Joanna Moncrieff argues that many in her field are more interested in money and status than genuinely helping people. She believes that life’s difficulties might be better addressed through exercise and mindfulness rather than medication.

Employers are finding it tricky to hire young people. While many are hardworking, some call in sick just because they feel a bit down. Sometimes, getting out and facing the day is what they really need.

We shouldn’t ignore real 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 and the economy.

By encouraging resilience, we can free up NHS resources for those who truly need professional help.