In my line of work I frequently come across people who claim they would love to take up therapy of some kind, but don't have the time or the money to pursue such action.
'What could be more important than improving psychological health?' I hear you say, but it's not that simple. Families, bills, addictions, debts, education costs - and probably a host of other things all come before taking a roll of the dice upon a therapy that may or may not work. Perhaps the mental block of 'I cannot be cured anyway' is the most telling factor; of course a self-defeating prophecy.
Theoretically then, in a society where therapy was completely free and flexible, accessible at any time; what would it change?
Would it attract droves of people into therapy? Would more severe mental health conditions be averted if they were caught and treated at an early stage? Would millions be saved in industry through less sick days being taken and hence loss of personnel?
The real life experiment is well underway in the UK, with those exact same goals in mind.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/24/health/england-mental-health-treatment-therapy.html
I think its a brilliant idea, although still far from the 'utopia' of perfect therapy. There are still teething problems such as waiting times, while technology can certainly be used for the better in future practice. All the same its a huge step in the right direction for mental health. Just making mental health issues an acceptable and approachable subject is a big step, as bottling things up inside is never a good recipe for long term health.
If you don't live in the UK or a country providing such service, what then? Free online therapies can be found, mainly in the form of forums/chat rooms focused on different mental health themes. Seeing a therapist in person is rare to find, as therapists will expect to be paid for their time other than in exceptional circumstances. The online community is different however and the links below are just the tip of the iceberg of what can be found.
http://www.healthfulchat.org/mental-health-chat-rooms.html
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/online-safety-and-support/finding-support/#.W3kvQuhKjIU
https://mashable.com/2014/05/01/get-help-anonymously/?europe=true#d1Ox.ouQ2mqP
https://freeonlinetherapy.org/free-online-therapy-guide/
Sharing feelings is therapeutic. Friends and family who listen can be wonderful therapists. Paying huge sums for a highly qualified therapist does not guarantee they are the best person for you. An issue with free therapies can be people working unlicensed/untrained - so always check the validity of any organisation/individual before proceeding.
'What could be more important than improving psychological health?' I hear you say, but it's not that simple. Families, bills, addictions, debts, education costs - and probably a host of other things all come before taking a roll of the dice upon a therapy that may or may not work. Perhaps the mental block of 'I cannot be cured anyway' is the most telling factor; of course a self-defeating prophecy.
Theoretically then, in a society where therapy was completely free and flexible, accessible at any time; what would it change?
Would it attract droves of people into therapy? Would more severe mental health conditions be averted if they were caught and treated at an early stage? Would millions be saved in industry through less sick days being taken and hence loss of personnel?
The real life experiment is well underway in the UK, with those exact same goals in mind.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/24/health/england-mental-health-treatment-therapy.html
I think its a brilliant idea, although still far from the 'utopia' of perfect therapy. There are still teething problems such as waiting times, while technology can certainly be used for the better in future practice. All the same its a huge step in the right direction for mental health. Just making mental health issues an acceptable and approachable subject is a big step, as bottling things up inside is never a good recipe for long term health.
If you don't live in the UK or a country providing such service, what then? Free online therapies can be found, mainly in the form of forums/chat rooms focused on different mental health themes. Seeing a therapist in person is rare to find, as therapists will expect to be paid for their time other than in exceptional circumstances. The online community is different however and the links below are just the tip of the iceberg of what can be found.
http://www.healthfulchat.org/mental-health-chat-rooms.html
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/online-safety-and-support/finding-support/#.W3kvQuhKjIU
https://mashable.com/2014/05/01/get-help-anonymously/?europe=true#d1Ox.ouQ2mqP
https://freeonlinetherapy.org/free-online-therapy-guide/
Sharing feelings is therapeutic. Friends and family who listen can be wonderful therapists. Paying huge sums for a highly qualified therapist does not guarantee they are the best person for you. An issue with free therapies can be people working unlicensed/untrained - so always check the validity of any organisation/individual before proceeding.
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