The Impact of Societal Challenges on Mental Health Conditions: Implications for Research and Psychotherapy?

Abstract

Mental health conditions cannot be studied in isolation and are increasingly studied as a complex system. Societal changes and challenges (the digital AI and social media era, climate change, inequality, polarization, war in Europe) have an impact on mental health, as well as the prevalence of mental health conditions. We have no idea what the accumulating effects of the combination of these societal challenges are on the prevalence of mental health conditions. At the same time, we need a mentally resilient population to deal with these societal challenges. Therefore, it is evident that mental health research as well as timely access to psychological interventions need to be prioritised. We need to study the onset and maintenance of mental health conditions, incorporating the impact of these societal challenges. Theory development is needed to identify feedback loops that can be targeted with interventions as well as policy making. The expertise of clinical psychologists is of value for policy making, and clinical psychologists might have to consider engaging more in policy making, also in dealing with societal challenges. In clinical practice, we might have to integrate the public mental health impact of current societal challenges in our diagnostics, prevention and treatment, as well as acknowledge to the individual that seeks treatment that these societal factors do affect people’s mental health.