When it comes to dealing with mental illness, Austria needs an overall strategy more than ever. Mental health problems are still far too little discussed, although they are now a widespread disease, Yannick Shetty, youth spokesperson for NEOS, explains in krone.tv’s live talk.
Every third Austrian suffers from a mental illness at least once in his life. The situation is especially dramatic among young people: “About 60 percent of all teenage girls have depressive symptoms and suicide attempts have tripled in the years of the pandemic. We must act!” says Shetty.
And further: “I think that the government is not doing enough about this subject.” Shetty explains that this is gross negligence because children and human lives are at stake. “Austrians have been paying higher social security costs since 1992 because the law was changed at the time, with the promise that psychotherapy would be possible in cash.” So one would pay twice: “higher social security costs and private for psychotherapy”.
The initiative “Healthy from the crisis” introduced by Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens) and State Secretary for Youth Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) is better than nothing, says Shetty. However, this falls into the “combat symptoms” category. You have to fix the problem permanently. The NEOS therefore demand psychotherapy in cash. “The mental health of Austrians, especially young people, can also cost us something.”
If you or a loved one need support, the telephone guidance service offers you advice for all situations 24 hours a day on the free telephone number 142. More information can be found here.
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Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
