Dr. Horowitz addresses the Niagra Foundation in downtown Chicago, speaking about psychology and the economy.

A lot has happened since the last issue of INSIGHT went to press. We witnessed a historic election and another peaceful transition of one presidential administration to the next. Moments like these are typically greeted by waves of optimism and renewal. The last six months were different though. Melancholy news of economic distress filled airwaves, newspapers, web browsers, and 24/7 cable news channels. All of us in the psychology community are seeing the results. As the financial and housing markets sink, reports of anxiety and depression rise.

Our profession has changed since the last major economic recession. Buried in all of the sour news of financial collapse and government bailouts last fall was a positive story that affects us all. On October 3, 2008, Congress passed, and the president signed, the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Act.

It was a major victory for millions of Americans living with mental illnesses who for years faced unfair discrimination. For the longest time, we endured a system where if you had an ailment that involved any other organ—heart, liver, kidney, etc.—the case was there for insurance companies to help. However, if you had a condition such as schizophrenia, which affects the brain, it was nearly impossible to get the same level of coverage. This has now changed. Research tells us that physical health and emotional health are connected. When you’re diagnosed with a mental condition, should it be viewed as less of an urgent matter or receive less treatment than, say, a broken arm or a heart condition? Of course not. Our health care system needs to look at both mind and body to help us get better and live longer lives. This bipartisan bill is pushing us in the right direction. It’s a victory as well for the students, alumni, and faculty who serve our profession, not to mention a validation of how far we have come in our efforts to advocate for more attention to mental health issues.

In the short term though, the troubling economic cycle of cause and effect will surely continue—this issue of INSIGHT is devoted to the topic. But the news is not all gloomy. It was Einstein who said that “in the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” Resilience against hardship brings out the best in people. History teaches us that in hard times, a stronger sense of community emerges; people and families come together. Materialism dips and altruism rises. As psychologists, we can play a role in keeping this positive momentum going. We can help individuals cope and organizations realign, to become better in the face adversity. Communities, people, and companies need our training and skills now more than ever.