Seeking a specific story line...

[Tom]

Hi, I'm hoping someone can recommend a book in which the storyline involves a society (ideally, the U.S.) which has a highly advanced mental health care system. For instance, a system where individuals would be screened to catch mental health issues in the early stages -- much like we currently do for colon cancer, breast cancer, heart disease, etc. It certainly doesn't have to be that in particular -- what's important is a story where taking care of one's mental health is normal -- no stigma about revealing one is depressed, no stigma about seeking therapy...where perhaps a person could openly tell their boss or HR manager that they're feeling depressed. Many thanks!

[Cheryl]

Wow, great idea. That's a book that needs to be written, for sure.

[Helena]

I've been wracking my brains as I'm sure I have read (or watched) something like this, but I just can't put my finger on it. It was a very, very long time ago. If I think of it I'll post again.

I have a feeling it may have been a Star Trek or Doctor Who episode, but I honestly can't be sure.

I'm hoping someone else reading this will have seen the same episode or read the related book and can give you a better recommendation.

[Tom]

Thank you!

[Andres]

I know that 1984 has references towards your everyday behavior. People report you for acting differently etc.
Also the giver has the medication to keep you in SAMENESS but other than referencing how they kind of monitor behavior I don't know of one flowing around mental health specifically.

I'm sure there will be something more in the scifi genre because of the studies they have done with the astronauts and maintaining their mental health.

[Tom]

Thank you!

[Bonnie]

This Greg Egan story is an account of a boy with a brain tumor that made him cheerful. Modern medicine saved him from the cancer, but (science-fictional) treatment options became existential problems for him as an adult. It was like a mental health problem.
"Reasons to be Cheerful", 1997

Greg Egan has another story where people --in wealthy nations-- have these rings that keep them healthy. I can't remember if/how they accounted for mental health though.
"Yeyuka", 1997

Neither portrays the positive society you are asking about, but they are good at making us question Why Not?; and they are really good stories. Available in Greg Egan's short story collections and many anthologies, like The Year's Best Science Fiction: Fifteenth Annual Collection.

[Tom]

Thanks so much!

[Dawn F]

Come to Denmark and you don't have to read about it in a book but can actually experience a health care system open for everyone and where you can tell your boss or HR you're depressed and you get referred to free therapy ;-)

[Tom]

Ha, yes -- in fact the reason I'm asking is for a marketing campaign I'm writing for an emotional healthcare company...the U.S. healthcare system is a terrible greed-filled mess.

[Jemppu]

Dawn wrote: "...a health care system open for everyone ..."

*grateful every day*

And continuously baffled how a country with anything less can be classified a welfare state.

[Andres]

Did you check 'The Circle'

I thought I remember their health information being available on their watch or something like that.

[Tom]

Thank you ...what I need is specifically a storyline about a world with no stigma whatsoever about mental health issues...