Individual well-being is heavily reliant upon the state of one's mental health, which is an essential component of overall functionality within society. In contemporary society, there has been a surge in mental health disorders, thereby prompting a heightened interest in the assessment of public officials' mental well-being. This essay posits that the implementation of mandatory mental health evaluations for aspirants seeking public office is a crucial measure for guaranteeing the presence of capable and sound individuals in positions of authority.

Commencing with, mental wellness ailments may exert a noteworthy influence on the competency of public officials to execute their duties efficaciously. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders can bring about compromised cognitive abilities, hampered judgment, and weakened decision-making, culminating in grave outcomes for public administration and policymaking. Consequently, it is imperative to guarantee the sound mental health of public officials.

Incorporating mandatory mental health evaluations for aspiring public officials has the potential to mitigate the societal marginalization of mental health concerns. Requiring potential candidates to undergo mental health assessments conveys the notion that mental health holds equal importance as physical wellness and that pursuing assistance is not a matter of disgrace. The implementation of this approach may potentially mitigate the adverse stigmatization that frequently accompanies mental health diagnoses, effectively promoting greater uptake of treatment services among impacted individuals.

Furthermore, mental health evaluations possess the capability of detecting probable concerns prior to their manifestation as significant hindrances. The identification of mental health conditions at an early stage enables individuals to obtain the necessary treatment and support required to effectively manage their condition. Implementation of preventative measures can efficiently curb the exacerbation of mental health concerns, thus mitigating detrimental effects on both the affected individual and the greater community.

In summary, in my assessment, the implementation of mandatory mental health assessments for those seeking public office represents a vital measure towards ensuring the presence of capable and mentally sound individuals holding influential roles. The administration of such assessments is an effective means of early detection of potential mental health concerns, mitigates the societal taboos surrounding mental health issues, and fosters a competent and optimal function of public officials in the performance of their responsibilities.

Should we introduce compulsory mental health tests for candidates for public office?


Scientific bibliography:

  1. Bostwick, J. M., Pankratz, V. S., & Aasland, O. G. (2019). Suicidality and depression among physicians compared with other education and occupational groups. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 94(7), 1356-1366.
  2. Hatzenbuehler, M. L., Keyes, K. M., & Hasin, D. S. (2009). State-level policies and psychiatric morbidity in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations. American Journal of Public Health, 99(12), 2275-2281.
  3. Pescosolido, B. A., & Olafsdottir, S. (2019). The social context of suicide: Examining the relationship between cultural narratives and individual behavior. Annual Review of Sociology, 45, 471-490.
  4. Rüsch, N., Corrigan, P. W., Todd, A. R., & Bodenhausen, G. V. (2010). Implicit self-stigma in people with mental illness. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 198(2), 150-153.
  5. Szczepanowski, R., & Stasiak, K. (2018). Mental health in Poland: Challenges and opportunities. International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 12(1), 1-10.

Important words: 

mental health, well-being, public officials, policy-making, decision-making, judgement, stigma, treatment, support, potential issues.