We can continue preaching about innate issues within the public school system’s approach to mental health issues — toxic gender stereotypes keeping us in a chokehold or technology rotting our brains from the inside out.

The list of problems appears infinite.

We can continue to sit and complain. Or we can attack the problems we see with how mental health is handled head-on.

Mental health care should be free for all.

I would agree that our society’s mental health has been deteriorating; just take a look at any article on the subject written within the past five years.

And I don’t know about you, but my eyes droop, back hunches and feet drag from the seemingly endless complaining and finger-pointing.

Guess what: I don’t start my day with SunnyD and an unhealthy addiction to The Backyardigans, anymore. AKA, if we haven’t exhibited many childlike symptoms, why are we still throwing unhelpful tantrums?

Maybe, we aren’t absorbing the adequate skills to emotionally grow: a job for your local cognitive-behavioral therapist, perhaps?

Psychotherapy is one extremely valuable solution for those struggling with finding balanced mental health, yet it is extremely underutilized. In fact, since the beginning of the 21st century, we began to medicate more with prescription drugs to an extent that may be hurting some patients, according to the American Psychological Association. 

The existential question I propose is: why are we doing this? As a CBT patient, I wonder if I should quit talking about my feelings with a professional and only imbibe Xanax and Prozac like it’s candy. In reality, the answer is more often than not a mixture of both talking and medicating; institute head and therapist at Northwestern University Paula Young explains in her study. 

I am more than aware that psychiatrist-prescribed medication is crucial in many cases, but I believe, there is another, more natural process that must coincide at least. 

A study done by the APA instigated an official report on the effectiveness of psychotherapy which listed the innumerable positive attributes of its application — of which I won’t bore you.

Instead, let’s talk about what I’ve seen. To be completely honest, it not only makes me depressed but also sets my soul on fire.

If I hear one more person say, ‘I feel so guilty using my parents’ money,’ for therapy, or ‘it’s just not worth the time,’ I swear I’m going to explode from toxic levels of frustration.

It’s not all about the money, or even the time — at least, it shouldn’t be.

Imagine people struggling with mental health issues not having to pay out of pocket, or at least only paying an amount that is extremely affordable.

Even better, if our psychotherapists were paid directly by the government, we wouldn’t have to worry about exorbitant costs and could find the mental help we need with very few barriers.

Some may say that there will be a general tax increase; this may be true, but don’t you think those with more access to mental health care should share the wealth?

It’s time to battle current Social Darwinian mindsets: it’s not every person for themself when it comes to the realm of mental health. If those taxed are the people who can spend twice the amount on therapy, they should be relinquishing a minimal amount of their savings for those who need mental health help.

The increased mental stability of the general population from the aid of therapy will, in effect, go back into a more stimulated and efficient economy.

AKA, those who can pay will get back what they put in.

Just like the framework of psychotherapy, if we put in more effort, meeting therapists halfway, we will get back all that we put in.

It should be accepted, dare I say, promoted that we as a society turn to working it out with a professional before we turn to popping pills as our one and only source of mental relief.

I could go on about our country’s drug problem and deaths of despair related to excess stress.

Instead, I offer hope of a future where the mental health stability and needs of all people, regardless of their demographics or status, are met — and I hope you will see through such a positive lens. 

Because we have to meet one another halfway; only then will we get something out.