Thrive

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Mental illness is a significant source of suffering, affecting at least 20 percent of individuals in developed countries. It reduces life expectancy comparably to smoking, accounts for nearly half of all disability claims, contributes to worker absenteeism, and impacts educational and income levels. Despite the availability of effective treatments, many individuals remain untreated or inadequately treated. Layard and Clark advocate for innovative policy changes in addressing mental health issues and explore viable solutions to alleviate the associated miseries and injustices. They highlight that modern psychological therapies can be highly effective, potentially transforming the lives of millions at minimal or no cost. Treating mental health issues not only improves individual well-being but also leads to significant savings in physical healthcare and boosts economic productivity through increased workforce participation. The authors outline successful psychological treatments and discuss their effectiveness for different populations. They emphasize the importance of prevention through improved educational systems and societal structures. By illustrating the urgent need to address mental illness, the authors present new options and possibilities for tackling one of the most pressing challenges of our time.