In a recent BBC article, Health Secretary Wes Streeting defends the government's forthcoming reforms aimed at cutting the benefits bill. Streeting's argument is that there is an "overdiagnosis" of mental health conditions, leading to "too many people being written off." But is cutting benefits the right solution? This is a concerning perspective that risks undermining genuine struggles, ignoring the complex factors contributing to mental distress, and ultimately failing to address the root causes of the mental health crisis.
While more awareness about mental health is good, the ease with which information – and possibly wrong information – spreads online raises concerns about self-diagnosis. Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, while offering helpful places for connection and support, can unintentionally add to this trend, creating a culture of self-diagnosis.
TikTok has undoubtedly become a powerful platform for sharing personal experiences, creating communities, and increasing self-awareness. However, this openness also carries potential risks. The sharing of symptoms and diagnoses, can unintentionally lead to overdiagnosis, where individuals begin to identify with mental disorders and look for signs in themselves, even if they don't really have those issues.
... ignoring the complex factors contributing to mental distress, and ultimately failing to address the root causes of the mental health crisis.
The constant stream of "perfect" lives – glamorous travels, high-paying jobs, and expensive brands – creates an unrealistic picture of reality. This on-going comparison can lead to feelings of not being good enough. Many feel pressured to achieve the same, which can lead to burnout and mental health issues. In this situation, it can be easier to identify with the mental disorders one sees on social media, because it seems more relatable to one's own experience.
As Minesh Patel from Mind points out in the BBC article, the pandemic and the subsequent cost-of-living crisis have made us more vulnerable. Isolation and economic insecurity have undoubtedly affected our mental health. Patel also points to problems such as poverty, low-paying jobs, and systemic racism. These factors can also contribute to a growing mental health crisis.
Streeting's focus on cutting benefits as a solution is a misguided approach. Addressing potential benefit fraud is important, but framing mental health solely through this lens ignores the root causes of the problem and risks further marginalizing those already struggling. Cutting support will not magically solve the problem; it will likely worsen it.
Cutting support will not magically solve the problem; it will likely worsen it.
It is clear that society and governments have not been prepared for this increase in mental health problems. And while addressing over-diagnosis is a valid concern, it should not be used as a justification for reducing support. Instead, the government should be investing in early intervention, accessible mental health services, and addressing the underlying societal factors that contribute to mental distress. This requires a significant increase in funding for mental health services, not a reduction in support for those who need it most. Cutting benefits is a short-sighted solution that will ultimately cost more in the long run.
The solution is not to "write people off," but to provide them with the resources and support they need to thrive, which requires a significant financial investment.