The Japanese government has introduced wide-ranging plans for the mental health of the inhabitants due to increasing rates of stress and anxiety. The measure was unveiled today by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, due to new research showing that mental disorders have affected the population of Japan at different ages.

The program designated as Kokoro no Kenko (Heart Health) will launch several initiatives aimed at encouraging workers’ mental health and helping those experiencing psychological difficulties. One of the critical factors of this policy includes opening a network of mental health centers across the country that will provide free consultations to everyone. These clinics will be manned by professional staffs who will be working extra hours to suit those in employment.

Apart from the clinics the government has in pipeline a policy that will require that schools at the basic education level through to high school incorporate education on mental health. Stress relieving measures, emotional skills, and knowing when to seek help will be some of the aspects that will be touched on in this curriculum. The ministry of Social Services has had this vision of implanting such values in the young ones so as to prepare them to take on the future generations mental health issues.

The initiative also workplace part, with new rules providing that employers must have mental health support for their workers. These programs will include periodic stress check, availability of counsellors and administration training on how to identify and actually manage employees with mental health problems. Any organisation that does not adhere to these regulations might be charged penalties.

To effect these measures, the government has put aside five hundred billion yen (approximately three and half billion US Dollars) in the next five years. This funding will be used in hiring more mental health professionals, in development of online mental health services, and in research on the best ways and means of preventing and treating mental illnesses.

Following the announcement, mental health practitioners and organisations have endorsed this proposal. Dr. Dr Yuki Tanaka, a distinguished psychiatrist of Tokyo Medical University agreed to this watch by commenting that this brand approach effectively addresses origin of most mental health challenges in our society and is welcome support in all establishments. They believe that the iniciative is a notable leap in reducing prejudice and using the primary resources it is to enhance people’s health in general.”

But as for criticism, some complains emphasizing that this program is not enough profound to treat the root problem associated with Japanese culture, stress and anxiety. Instead, they highlight other more sweeping cultural shifts and transformations in the economy and schools.

However, it is inspiring to realize that most of the people support this initiative, despite such concerns for the inevitability of facing additional costs. An online survey by the Asahi Shimbun newspaper last month revealed that 78% of respondents approved the government’s actions to put psychological wellbeing at a premium.

For many however, the start of the program beginning this year is a glimmer of hope towards a changing attitude regarding mental health in Japan. Benefiting millions of Japanese citizens, the focus on prevention, education and readily available support which is targeted by the “Kokoro no Kenko” initiative has the potential to function as a valuable example for many other nations which has to face similar issues.