This article shares the stories of several young individuals who have suffered in silence, highlighting the societal pressures they faced. With words translating to "To the painful child, don't disappear, 'hide'", it captures the urgency with which Japan is pushing for better mental health resources for struggling youths. It explores the initiatives being undertaken by schools, parent communities, and local authorities in various parts of the country to ensure their well-being.
Mental health has long remained a sensitive and somewhat overlooked issue in Japan. Factors such as immense educational pressures and restrictive societal norms contribute to this. Recently, there have been passionate discussions about improving mental health services for children in Japan. This piece signals a shift in societal attitudes towards recognizing and addressing these issues.
While mental health awareness has improved dramatically in countries like the US and EU, Japan has been relatively slower to adapt due to cultural and societal factors. Despite this, the initiatives mentioned are a step in the right direction to ensure better mental health support for their youth, similar to measures undertaken in the west.