2024-11-07 09:00:00
Who could be against it? “Mental health” has become, in a few weeks, an issue on the political agenda of all the ministries of the new government – starting with health, work, education, housing, etc.
And “major subject”defended the Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, Thursday October 10, beginning this marathon day marked by the presentation of two budgetary texts, with a trip to Vienna on this theme. Mental health will be “great national cause” of the year 2025. Of which act.
And yet, behind this political communication, a reservation is heard in circles of psychiatrists: shining the spotlight on mental health does not risk relegating psychiatry, its establishments, its patients to the shadows?
Also read the decryption | Article reserved for our subscribers Mental health elevated to a “great cause”, while the healthcare system is overwhelmed
Read later
The semantic battle is not new, but it is not trivial. The notion of mental health emerged in the 1960s, when until then we only spoke of psychiatry, asylums or “mental hygiene”. It is psychiatrists themselves who instill this new name, in an emancipatory way, to put the patient “back in the city”. In the 1980s, doctors again proposed replacing psychiatric hospitals with public mental health establishments, which would be the case in the following decade.
A “state of well-being”
But gradually, mental health will go well beyond the medical field, and encompass ever more numerous dimensions: in the 2000s, the World Health Organization defined it as an essential component of health, as a “state of well-being which allows everyone to realize their potential, to cope with the normal difficulties of life, to work successfully and productively”. At the risk of muddying the waters, by considerably opening the field, as other authorities will continue to do.
Today, the expression of “poor” mental health, or mental health “disorders”, can refer to people suffering from insomnia or anxiety, as well as to schizophrenic or bipolar patients. , to hyperactive schoolchildren, young people experiencing suicidal thoughts, exhausted employees. The avalanche of figures put forward in the public debate reflects this same vagueness. From one report to another, or depending on the actors who speak, we are talking about 1 person in 3, 1 in 4, 1 in 5… During the year, during their life, occasionally or in the long term: all estimates seem possible.
You have 56.29% of this article left to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.
1731126742
#destigmatize #sick #euphemize #disease
**Interview with Dr. Isabelle Moreau, Psychiatrist and Mental Health Advocate**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Dr. Moreau. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments regarding mental health in France, especially in light of the Prime Minister’s declaration of mental health as the “great national cause” for 2025.
**Dr. Moreau:** Good morning, and thank you for having me. This is indeed an important topic that deserves attention.
**Interviewer:** The Prime Minister has emphasized that mental health is now on the political agenda. What does this mean for the psychiatric community and the patients you serve?
**Dr. Moreau:** It is a double-edged sword. On one hand, bringing mental health into the spotlight can lead to greater awareness and potentially more funding and resources. On the other hand, there is a concern that the emphasis on “mental health” might overshadow the realities of psychiatric care and the specific needs of patients with severe mental illnesses.
**Interviewer:** That’s a valid point. Can you elaborate on the fears around this shift in focus from psychiatry to a broader notion of mental health?
**Dr. Moreau:** Certainly. The term “mental health” encompasses a wide range of issues, from everyday stress to severe psychiatric disorders. In the rush to address mental health as a broad concept, we risk neglecting those in the most vulnerable positions—those requiring specialized psychiatric care. Hospitals and clinics are already overwhelmed, and without targeted support and resources, we may see a further dilution of care for those who truly need it.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned resources. What specific actions would you like to see from the government to effectively support mental health care in France?
**Dr. Moreau:** First and foremost, I would advocate for increased funding specifically allocated to psychiatric facilities and programs. It’s also crucial to ensure that mental health professionals receive adequate training and support. Policies should be crafted not just around mental health messaging but should translate into actionable measures that enhance care for those with severe psychiatric conditions.
**Interviewer:** With mental health being proposed as a great cause, how do you think the media and public perception can help or hinder this movement?
**Dr. Moreau:** Media plays a significant role in shaping public perception. A positive portrayal can destigmatize mental health issues and encourage individuals to seek help. However, sensationalizing mental health without proper context can lead to misinformation. It’s important for public discussions to be nuanced and reflect the complexity of mental health challenges, rather than simplifying them into mere slogans.
**Interviewer:** In your view, what steps should be taken to ensure mental health initiatives are sustainable beyond political rhetoric?
**Dr. Moreau:** Sustainability requires an ongoing commitment. This means establishing frameworks for continuous funding, fostering partnerships between governmental organizations and mental health advocates, and ensuring that the voices of patients and professionals are included in decision-making processes. Mental health should be treated as an integral part of public health policy, not just a fleeting topic in political discourse.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Moreau, for your insights. It’s clear that while the spotlight on mental health is a step forward, it’s essential to ensure that we are taking meaningful actions that address the needs of all individuals.
**Dr. Moreau:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial we continue this conversation, and I hope we see actionable change in the near future.