A Countercyclical Approach to Enhancing Health and Well-being in Healthcare Systems: Strategies for Economic Resilience and Sustainable Care

LAKER, BENJAMIN; WEISZ, N.; VASSOLO, R. S.

BMJ Leader

BMJ Publishing Group Ltd

Año: 2024

This discourse probes into the complex interplay between economic downturns, mental health outcomes, and organisational behaviour. It underscores the multifaceted consequences of recessions that extend beyond the financial implications and advocates for a more inclusive approach to tackling the mental health repercussions. The commentary elaborates on how periods of economic distress intensify stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns, aspects often neglected in conversations surrounding economic crises. Socioeconomic inequalities in mental health become more pronounced during economic downturns, demanding targeted interventions for those in disadvantaged socioeconomic positions. A clarion call is made to policymakers, healthcare providers, corporate entities, and community leaders to collaboratively address the profound and enduring impacts of recessions. By decoding the subtle interactions between economic variables and mental health, we can design effective policies and initiatives that advocate for fairness and accessibility in mental health service provision.