After the public health crisis, let’s avoid a mental health pandemic!
12 April 2020
Madame Prime Minister,
Have you thought about the post-traumatic stress that threatens the entire Belgian population ? For yes, whilst we are going through a medical health crisis, we shall shortly be experiencing an even more far-reaching psychological crisis. All our fellow citizens are currently awash in an emotional tsunami, and a Governmental Group of Experts must think about this NOW, not in two years, when Belgium will be flooded by another tidal wave of mental ailments that will paralyse the country in turn. Indeed, what use will all the industrial and commercial tools at your disposal be if no one is able to use them?
Europe is talking about an “economic recovery plan”. What if Belgium became the first in the world to launch a “well-being recovery plan”?
Madam Prime Minister, who could have thought two years ago that Belgium would experience such a health situation? So, let’s act with foresight, as of today, so that in two years’ time we shall not experience a serious mental health crisis that will totally immobilise the country.
I hereby submit my request to avoid such a psychological pandemic: Would you please create a Government Group of Experts specialised in well-being and self-fulfilment, i.e., psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists, with a view to being able to consult them regularly as part of your national lockdown exit strategy?
Indeed, whilst I am convinced that scientists will soon find a medical solution to the current health crisis and, somewhat later, a universal vaccine for all viruses, it is imperative that a “well-being unit” for the Belgian population as a whole should be set up AS OF TODAY. I am convinced that this health crisis will have a major emotional impact on the 11 million inhabitants of this country, an impact that will affect all our fellow citizens for the rest of our lives.
Thank you in advance for your attention to this request, Madam Prime Minister. I look forward to hearing from you in the very near future. Until then, I remain,
Respectfully yours,
Azita Rahimpoor
Emotional Education Coach
French/English conference interpreter
French/Persian certified translator