Investing in mental health isn’t just good ethics —it’s good economics

Perhaps one of the most overlooked and misunderstood concepts, trauma profoundly shapes our habits, personality, mental and physical health, relationships, and work—often in ways that are difficult to recognize. When left unaddressed, trauma can disguise itself as self-sabotage, showing up in patterns of overgiving, perfectionism, or the belief that everyone else’s needs matter more than our own. 

In part due to unaddressed trauma—and influenced by social conditioning, past experiences, and environmental factors—many individuals remain stuck in the precontemplative stage of change. In this stage, people often lack awareness of the problems affecting their lives and, as a result, have little motivation or readiness to take action toward growth or healing. 

“Less is more” has never been more relevant than in today’s world of constant information, endless marketing, unlimited choices, and nonstop to-do lists. This overload taxes the brain and nervous system, leading to stress, decision paralysis, and burnout. Pulled in too many directions, we deplete our healthy stress response, diminish focus and emotional capacity, and ultimately compromise our overall wellbeing. 

Many of us have turned to self-help or therapy, only to feel disappointed by the results. This often reinforces a confirmation bias—the belief that “nothing works”—as we share our experiences with others who have faced similar frustration. Over time, this cycle can deepen feelings of hopelessness and keep us from exploring approaches that could truly make a difference. 

Like trauma, stigma can be difficult to recognize because it often hides in plain sight, taking many forms. We may feel shame, guilt, or inadequacy when considering sharing our struggles or seeking help. Unfortunately, mental health illiteracy persists—even among healthcare professionals and educators—not due to lack of compassion, but as a result of decades (if not centuries) of misunderstanding the nature of mental illness, inadequate public policy, and deep-rooted social conditioning. 

Last but certainly not least, although mental healthcare is foundational to wellbeing, it has progressed far less than other branches of medicine. Many clinicians receive limited training, while the healthcare system continues to prioritize medication management over root-cause healing. Meanwhile, mental health professionals face severe burnout, low pay, and limited resources. So, if you believe a traditional EAP will save the day, it’s time for a reality check—the current model simply isn’t designed to create lasting change.