2023-08-19 15:37:52
Title: Positive Thinking: Rethinking the State of the World
By Walter Schrader
Leiden’s esteemed columnist, Walter Schrader, reflects on the power of positive thinking as he cleans up his desk and stumbles upon a book on the subject. In a world bombarded with negative news, Schrader believes it is essential to reframe our perspective and find reasons to be optimistic.
One surprising piece of information that illustrates the power of positive thinking is the fact that over 55 percent of young people feel neither lonely nor experience mental health issues. In the face of a tumultuous world, this statistic is certainly cause for celebration. However, it is difficult to ignore the alarming revelation that 30 percent of insects have already vanished.
Nonetheless, Schrader notes that the long waiting lists for mental health care can be seen as a silver lining. He suggests that the lengthy waitlists indicate that society is placing greater emphasis on preventive mental well-being. If individuals’ mental health is not of concern, there would be no referrals to mental healthcare institutions.
However, Schrader also highlights an issue through rose-colored glasses, expressing his surprise that the Alrijne Hospital only operates on patients insured with Zorg en Zekerheid, a local insurer. This revelation may encourage other insurers to reevaluate their strategies and attract patients who wish to avoid costly surgeries and unnecessary medications.
The destruction of medicines is another topic that invites a rethink. While the minister claims that hundred million will be disposed of, recent research suggests that the figure could amount to two billion. Although this seems concerning at first, Schrader argues that a larger number of patients will be spared from the harmful side effects of these medicines that are rendered harmless through proper disposal.
Moving on to healthcare accessibility, Schrader shares that residents in Friesland, Groningen, Drenthe, and Zeeland can no longer find a general practitioner (GP). While this development might be frustrating for those in need of medical assistance, it will undoubtedly resolve the issue of long waiting times for appointments.
In a nod to environmental concerns, Schrader raises the rising occurrence of forest fires, floods, and climate-related phenomena. While these events may seem daunting, the columnist suggests looking at the positivity that emerges from the statistic that 66 percent of young people do not experience mental health complaints. This resilience, adaptability, and confidence give hope that we can overcome these challenges together.
After serving as a general practitioner in Leiden, Walter Schrader has recently retired, although not entirely. He intends to continue his voluntary work alongside other healthcare professionals to contribute to Leiden’s efforts on particulate matter control, food forests, and preventive health care. Schrader’s monthly column on healthcare topics that are close to his heart can be heard on the radio program “De Morgen with Marianne and Roeland.”
In a world filled with negative news, it is crucial to take a step back, reassess, and embrace a positive mindset. Walter Schrader’s reflections remind us that even amid adversity, there are reasons to remain hopeful and work towards a brighter future.]
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