According to Centerpartiet, the next government must invest more in mental health for children and young people than any previous government. This is an additional condition the party sets for supporting a government after the election. Party leader Elisabeth Thand Ringqvist said at a press conference that the next government must take responsibility for today's young people becoming the healthiest generation ever.
Centerpartiet wants children and young people to receive timely care and reduced queues to child and adolescent psychiatry (BUP), according to the party. It also wants to improve the transition between BUP and adult psychiatry. The party proposes that all young people up to age 25 who seek help for mental health issues should get a fixed care contact.
The next government must take responsibility for today's young people becoming the healthiest generation ever.
In Region Halland, Centerpartiet wants drop-in opportunities at healthcare centers for mental health and the right to get help longer from youth clinics, according to the party. Centerpartiet wants early support measures starting from preschool, expanded student health services, and lower thresholds to the labor market, according to the party. According to SVT Halland, Elisabeth Agerbjer described mental illness as a big problem, especially for many young people, and said several different efforts are needed.
Centerpartiet has not yet explained exactly how the additional spending will be financed, according to the party. The party's red lines against the Sweden Democrats and the Left Party remain even if the demands are met, according to Centerpartiet. The demand for record investment comes as mental health issues among young people have been rising, with long waiting times for BUP reported across the country.
Mental illness is a big problem, especially for many young people. We need to make several different efforts.
Centerpartiet argues that early interventions can prevent more severe problems later in life, reducing long-term costs for society. The party emphasizes that the fixed care contact would ensure continuity and personalized support for young people navigating the healthcare system. In addition to healthcare measures, Centerpartiet sees lower thresholds to the labor market as crucial for improving mental well-being, as unemployment and inactivity can exacerbate mental health problems.
The party has faced questions about how to fund the proposed 3 billion SEK increase, with critics pointing to already strained public finances. Centerpartiet maintains that investing in youth mental health is a priority that will pay off in the long run, but has not provided a detailed financing plan. The party's stance against cooperating with the Sweden Democrats and the Left Party remains firm, potentially complicating government formation even if its demands are met.
We will ensure that this depressed generation, which turns out to have no faith in the future and no joy in life, will feel good.