Over the past year or so I’ve read for the first time a bunch of research into the economics of mental health, along with a little on the early history of psychotherapy.
Mental health is, undeniably, a big problem in modern societies. (It may have been just as bad in earlier societies too, but the data is much worse.) If we could fix it, people would be happier, more capable and generally use more of their potential.
What’s struck me most?
- Boy, we really know surprisingly little about improving mental health.
- Mental health professionals are really loathe to admit this.
- A program to spend money in this area might do a lot of good, or become a huge money pit – or even both.
- Not a lot of research is being done to find out how public health spending can do more good at the least cost.
After looking at the literature for a while, my primary piece of advice for anyone feeling anxious and depressed would be:
“Have you tried walking a dog for at least half an hour a day?”
https://www.google.com/search?q=study+dog-walking+health+benefits&oq=stu...
