2010•Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health NursingRequires access
Real mental health promotion requires a reorientation of nursing education, practice and research
Timothy Wand
Open publisher page 76 citations
Abstract
Accessible summary • Mental health promotion is concerned with achieving positive mental health and well-being in the general population as well as addressing the needs of those at risk from, or experiencing, mental health problems. • There is now widespread recognition of the interrelationship between physical and mental health and the individual, organizational and economic benefits associated with addressing physical and mental health needs together are established. • Research on positive mental health has been found to result in impressive and enduring effects on multiple areas of functioning and has the dual effect of reducing risk. • Mental health nursing education, practice and research must adopt broader mental health promotion principles in order to meet the needs of consumers and the wider community. The evidence for the individual, social and economic benefits of mental health promotion is now well established. The indication is that a broader public health approach that addresses social and environmental factors related to mental health and well-being is required. Mainstream mental health services, however, continue to operate in relative isolation, allocating the greatest proportion of funding and resources to the treatment of mental illness and disorder. Relevant to health promotion, this paper explores the bidirectional link between physical and mental health and the social determinants of mental health. The growing interest in the positive aspects of health and well-being which focuses on wellness rather than illness is also discussed. One example of how mental health nurses can adopt principles of positive mental health to education, practice and research is presented. The author proposes that as the largest professional group in health care, nurses must become more actively involved in initiatives that reorientate practices and services away from an illness culture towards the adoption of wider mental health promotion principles.