What if We had Mental AND Physical Checkups?
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

What if We had Mental AND Physical Checkups?

Why do we get annual doctor visits but not annual mental health check ups?

12
What if We had Mental AND Physical Checkups?

With everything going on right now, I thought it'd be a good time to raise the following question: Why do we get annual doctor visits but not annual mental health check ups?

I was talking this over with my sister the other day and we were both a bit shocked by the realization. Imagine, what would happen if people got mental health check-ins and mental health professionals were able to help someone who was at risk or who was starting to show some maladaptive behavior? Imagine how much suffering and heartache and time they could save clients who all too often seek mental health help when things are at their worst?

This type of things is what the health community refers to as preventative care and, to me, especially in regard to mental health, this sounds like an amazing idea. How awesome would it be to catch someone and give them help before they start self harming or having suicidal thoughts? Saving people from having to experience that suffering would be such a blessing.

I'm not saying that preventative mental health care measures would be the end all be all panacea that would cure all mental ailments, but having support before things get to be too much to handle is always a good thing.

When I think about such preventative mental health care measures, I always drift back in time a little to when I was small and imagine how much more energy I could have had if someone gave me a few strategies to manage my emotions instead of me relying on my own constantly wavering willpower and motivation to get me through. And then my mind drifts back even further to how it could have changed my parents lives and even their parents lives.

During a time like this when there is not only ample time to think but an ample amount of things that can weigh us down mentally, I think it's important to brainstorm ways we can continue to add to the mental health conversation to make not only our lives better but future generations as well.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

39013
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

23507
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

949771
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

127819
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments