Change Our Focus, Change Our Society

The Current State of Societal Issues

Despite substantial investment in government programs aimed at resolving societal problems, public perception often remains that these issues are worsening. A report by the Pew Research Center highlights that public trust in government remains near historic lows, with only 24% expressing that they can trust the government always or most of the time (Pew Research Center, 2020). This skepticism extends to the effectiveness of government programs addressing social issues.

The Root of the Problem: Emotional Mismanagement

As a former high school teacher and psychotherapist, I have observed that many societal issues stem from an inability to constructively handle emotions. Educational systems heavily focus on intellectual and physical development but often neglect emotional education. This oversight can lead to various forms of escapism and self-destructive behaviors, including but not limited to:

• Eating disorders
• Substance abuse
• Alcohol dependency

These issues are not isolated but are widespread across various demographics. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2019, an estimated 51.5 million adults in the United States suffered from some form of mental illness, with a significant number related to poor emotional handling (NIMH, 2019).

Transformative Educational Practices

Integrating Emotional Intelligence

To address these foundational issues, it is crucial to integrate emotional intelligence training into the educational curriculum from kindergarten through higher education. Emotional intelligence involves understanding and managing one's emotions and empathizing with others. Schools implementing programs on emotional intelligence report lower incidents of aggression and distress among students (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning).

Enhancing Communication and Self-Esteem

Alongside emotional intelligence, enhancing communication skills and self-esteem should be prioritized. These elements are essential for healthy personal and professional relationships and can significantly reduce societal issues such as violence and mental health disorders.

Proposed Educational Reforms

1. Mandatory Classes: Implement mandatory classes on dealing with feelings, self-esteem, and effective communication from an early age.
2. Relationship and Parenting Education: Introduce relationship and parenting classes in high schools and colleges to prepare young adults for future familial responsibilities.
3. Premarital Counseling: Require at least ten hours of premarital counseling, including parenting skills, before issuing a marriage certificate.

Potential Benefits and Savings

Focusing on the root causes rather than the symptoms of societal issues can lead to substantial economic and social benefits. For instance, preventive mental health programs can significantly reduce the economic burden associated with mental health issues, which was estimated to cost the U.S. economy $193.2 billion in lost earnings per year (National Alliance on Mental Illness).

Conclusion

By shifting our focus from merely addressing symptoms to tackling the root causes of societal issues, particularly through education, we can foster a healthier, happier, and more stable society. This approach not only promises to reduce the economic burden associated with these problems but also enhances the overall quality of life for all individuals.