Taking care of mental health for a healthy, intelligent, humane and happy generation

For the first time, in the Report synthesizing opinions and recommendations of voters and people sent to the 10th Session of the 15th National Assembly, it clearly shows that voters and people are deeply concerned about the increasing and rejuvenating situation of sudden death and stroke, the increase in young people suffering from depression, and emphasizes the need to care for and support mental health.

Voters' concerns are completely legitimate because mental health is not only a personal issue but also has a profound impact on the whole society, directly related to the quality of human resources.

For a long time, health care in our country has mainly focused on physical health: disease prevention, treatment, and epidemic control. Mental health - the "hidden" part that has a direct impact on behavior, productivity, creativity, and quality of life - has not received adequate attention. Pressure from work, study, social networks, competition in urban life, living, unhealthy and unscientific lifestyles ... are creating a "silent wave" that causes the rate of anxiety disorders, depression, insomnia, occupational stress... to increase rapidly, especially among young people, teenagers, and young workers.

Recognizing this danger, Resolution 72-NQ/TW of the Politburo on a number of breakthrough solutions to strengthen the protection, care and improvement of people's health has placed mental health on par with physical health, considering it a component of the comprehensive health of Vietnamese people.

The Resolution clearly states that "people are the central subject, given the highest priority in building and implementing policies to strengthen protection, care and improvement of physical health, mental health, stature, longevity, and healthy years of life for comprehensive development;... Raise awareness of disease prevention, healthy lifestyle, and build a culture of health among the people". The Resolution also requires focusing on mental health care, creating a balanced living, working and studying environment, reducing stress and pressure. This is an important step forward, demonstrating the Party's humane and scientific vision in the strategy of comprehensive human development.

Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Thanh said that the Report synthesizing opinions and recommendations from voters and people sent to the Tenth Session should further emphasize the need to pay attention to mental health issues in order to come up with fundamental solutions to reduce sudden death, stroke and depression among young people. This is certainly also the wish and expectation of voters and people when sending recommendations to the National Assembly.

Experts believe that early prevention and early intervention must become the central principles of health and social policies. That is, building a healthy working and learning environment, reducing pressure overload; promoting school psychological counseling, systematically integrating educational programs on mental health, stress management skills, school nutrition and the benefits of physical exercise into the official curriculum, starting from early grades. Researching , building and perfecting the system of school psychological counseling rooms at all levels, ensuring professionalism, confidentiality and friendliness.

Improve the capacity of commune and ward health care in screening and early detection of stroke risk factors (high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, etc.) and early signs of psychological disorders in young people. Research on expanding the scope of health insurance coverage for psychological counseling and treatment services, reducing financial barriers for people.

In particular, it is necessary to create a healthy social environment, reduce pressure, and promote a positive lifestyle. The education sector needs to continue researching solutions to reduce exam pressure and overcome "achievement disease". Enterprises need to build a balanced work culture, respecting the health and personal time of employees.

The State invests, plans and builds more safe, free public spaces for physical activities such as parks, playgrounds and walking paths; and strictly controls the advertising and sale of alcohol, tobacco and unhealthy foods.

The media needs to take the lead in eliminating prejudices about mental illness, encouraging people to proactively seek support when experiencing emotional problems, stress or anxiety, making society understand that depression is also a disease that needs to be treated like diabetes or high blood pressure, and that stroke is no longer an "old person's disease".

Sustainable development cannot be separated from taking care of people's physical and mental health. When the Party and the State have identified "health as the most valuable asset of human beings, the most important foundation for everyone's happiness, for the survival of the nation and the prosperous and sustainable development of the country", then taking care of mental health is no longer the sole responsibility of the health sector but a shared responsibility of the whole society - from the education system, labor, media, to each family.

Transforming voters' and people's opinions into fundamental, comprehensive solutions to improve people's physical and mental health is the responsibility of the Government and the National Assembly. This is also a worthy "investment" to build a new generation of Vietnam - healthy, intelligent, humane and happy.

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/cham-lo-suc-khoe-tinh-than-vi-mot-the-he-khoe-manh-tri-tue-nhan-van-va-hanh-phuc-10390251.html