Sunday, October 10, 2010

Depression and Mental Health in Neoliberal Times: A critical analysis of policy and discourse

    
          I looked at an article called "Depression and Mental Health in Neoliberal Times: A critical analysis of policy and discourse". The article critically examines how neoliberal politics have affected British Columbia's social services in the area of mental health. Many of the neoliberal themes that I have read about in the Mullaly text surfaced in this article and the author made a clear argument that the Liberal government in power is responding to mental illness and depression from a very conservative standpoint.

         Poverty, stress, fatigue and loss of control over one's life are listed as factors that lead to depression (Teghtsoonian, 2009). In relation to these factors, it is sourced in the article that, due to spending cutbacks to social services, tax breaks for the rich and other neoliberal political moves, the rate of depression in Canada is growing (Teghtsoonian, 2009). However, the government continues to decrease spending in the area of mental health in the form of staff and service cut-backs. This is a very clear picture of conservative politics.

        When addressing the problem of depression, the current government promotes a focus on educating people on how to live a healthy life, such as information on proper nutrition, a call for more physical activity in the schools and community, and peer lead support groups. People are encouraged to get help in the private sector rather than the public. These techniques are referred to as "self management skills" and imply that people are responsible for learning how to keep themselves mentally healthy, rather than depending on the health system for aid and assistance (Teghtsoonian, 2009). With the support of friends, family and community, making the choice to be emotionally healthy is possible. This is an example of the neoliberal residual approach.

        Systems inequalities, poverty, discrimination and the negative effects of current policies are not addressed by the Liberal government and the focus is on the individual. The actions taken stress the need to ensure that individuals all have access to important information that will help them chose to be mentally healthy, as it is their responsibility and not society's. The focus on the individual is key to neoliberal thought.

       This article highlights the neoliberal practices implemented by the B.C. Liberal government in regards to depression and mental health. It draws attention to the fact that mental health is being seen a personal issue and that it should be dealt with in a private way, utilizing the residual approach. It creates a vivid image of how the neoliberal policies and cutbacks to social services are only perpetuating an increase of Canadians who will be exposed to the risk factors that lead to mental health issues.


http://www.sciencedirect.com.proxy1.lib.umanitoba.ca/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VBF-4W7MBMS-3&_user=1068138&_coverDate=07%2F31%2F2009&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_origin=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000051258&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=1068138
       
                                                                                                                                                
 Mullaly, B. (2007). The New Structural Social Work (third ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.
         Teghtsoonian, K. (2009, July). Depression and mental health in neoliberal times: a critical anlysis of policy and disclosure. Social Science & Medicice, 28-35.

-Crystal M. 
                                                                                                                                 

4 comments:

  1. You were brave to be the first one to post and you did a great job! The information you found is very informative and interesting!

    Sarah H

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  2. Thanks for sharing this very excellent example of how neoliberal policies affect mental health. You did a great job presenting the article and connecting it with Mullaly. It's also another example of how "Liberal" parties are not always very "liberal".

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  3. It is a shame that the liberal government is cutting back the amount of money put into mental health services. An area where large amounts of money should be invested in, as many people with mental illnesses need adequate help. No wonder why, for example the amount of people with depression in Canada is increasing.

    “When addressing the problem of depression, the current government promotes a focus on educating people on how to live a healthy life, such as information on proper nutrition, a call for more physical activity in the schools and community, and peer lead support groups.” This is all very great, and in fact may work for some individuals. Certain people with mental illnesses may be able to become healthier by using self management techniques and receiving support and help from close family members and friends. However, there are many individuals who need mental health services as self management does not work for them.

    As mentioned in your blog, it is harsh that the B.C. Liberal Government views depression and mental health as a personal issue that should be dealt with in a private manner. Not everyone with these illnesses can help themselves.

    Ashley R.

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  4. I think you did a great post.

    Your last comment of how the BC liberal government views depression and mental health as a personal issue and needs to be dealt with in a private manner seems very unfair. To me that sounds like the government is labelling the depressed and mentally ill as different and should be treated differently. I would imagine it would be extremely challenging to take care of yourself if your were under different conditions than the rest of society.
    Ashley, you are right not everyone can help themselves if they have an illness. It hardly seems fair to treat them this way.

    I think that each individual, no matter what setbacks they may have, need to be treated fairly and respectfully.

    Dana W

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