The article addresses the urgent issue of mental health in Norway, highlighting a disturbing statistic from 2024, where 739 suicides were reported, with 543 of those being men. The author argues that these numbers represent not just statistics but a national trauma that requires immediate action from the government. They express outrage at the perceived inadequacy of policies aimed at reducing waiting times for mental health care, pointing out that the current reality often far exceeds the targets set by health officials.

The piece particularly emphasizes the challenge faced by men in seeking mental health assistance, noting that many hesitate to reach out for help. When they do muster the courage to ask for support, the article insists that it is the responsibility of the health minister to ensure the system is ready to assist them promptly. However, reports indicate that actual waiting times for treatment often surpass the minister’s stated goals, which could leave individuals in crisis waiting unacceptably long for care, undermining their safety and wellbeing.

In addition, the article references the health minister’s commitment to reducing waiting times to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2025, with a goal of a maximum 40-day wait for adults seeking mental health services. Despite this promise, many regions are reportedly experiencing average waiting times that exceed this limit. As the writer points out, for someone in a mental health crisis, waiting 40 days is deemed irresponsibly long, calling into question the effectiveness of the current welfare system in providing timely care to those in need.