Community Psychology and Mental Health Inequities in South Africa
Background:
Disparities in access to psychological healthcare are extensively documented in the literature and intersect with a variety of societal and political factors that influence health. Notably, poverty, joblessness, and societal bias play a significant role. Hence, the theme “Mental Health in an Unequal World” was chosen as fitting and pressing for World Mental Health Day in 2021.
Prof Shekhar Saxena has been a leading figure in bridging the gap in treatment for individuals with mental disorders and has significantly contributed to promoting a comprehensive reform agenda on a global scale. In this excerpt from an interview with Suntosh R. Pillay from the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine at UKZN, Prof Saxena contemplates the achievements and obstacles encountered while advocating for a fairer, more impartial, and healthier world.
Instructions:
With this background information in mind, look at the following flyer from the World Health Organisation (WHO, 2013) and read the excerpt from Pillay’s (2021, pp. 116-119) interview with Prof Shekhar Saxena, then answer the long-essay question that follows:
Figure 1: Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030 flyer (WHO, 2013)
Excerpt from Pillay’s {2021, pp. 116–119) interview: (Please note ‘SP’ stands for ‘Suntosh Pillay’ while ’55’ stands for ‘Prof Shekhar Saxena’.)
SP: Prof, thank you so much for making the time for this interview. The theme of World Mental Health Day 2021, set by the World Federation for Mental Health, is about mental health in an unequal world. Areyou optimistic that we aremaking progress in terms of reducing the inequities in mental healthcare?
55: Thank you Suntosh. Mental health is an area that really cuts across many dimensions. Obviously, it’s part of health, but it has very close connections with a number of social, demographic, and economic variables, and we do know that we live in a world that is highly unequal, and to some extent becoming even more unequal. So, the threat to mental health is very large. Fortunately, the awareness about inequality and its impact on mental health is also increasing. I’m hoping that increased awareness will actually give rise to more action by policy makers.
SP: What exactly is global mental health and how does global health play a role in reducing health inequities in the world?
55: … A few decades ago, mental health was equated with psychiatry, which is a medical discipline. But with the efforts of many people, this area has become much wider and comprehensive, transitioning from psychiatry as a medical discipline, to mental health as an essential component of our life, our health, and our development. Global mental health also includes the concept of learning from each other. If there is an advancement that is taking place in South Africa, then other countries need to learn from that, and see to what extent it is applicable in their setting, and vice versa. It is also about populations. We look at how public policies can improve mental health for all. It has a very clear connection with living in an unequal world because that is a significant threat to population health.Unless we take care of that we will be failing in our objectives. We need a focused concentration on the social, demographic, and economic determinants of mental health and how those are equally important together with providing care for people who are already living with mental disorders.
SP: Social and political determinants of health play a large role in reducing inequities. In particular, South Africa is trying to pass a National Health Insurance bill through Parliament to create a central fund in order to improve universal health coverage {UHC) in this country. Based on your research and your work around UHC, if you were advising our health sector, what are some of the biggest lessons that you’ve learned in your work, around how to increase universal mental health coverage in specific countries?
55: Mental health should be an integral part of UHC. We’re not living in times where specialised mental healthcare should be available on a segregated basis. We are living in a time where mental healthcare has to be included and integrated at all levels of healthcare, starting from basic primary care to highly specialised care. If that is the objective of the mental health policy within South Africa, which I understand it is, then the insurance strategy must follow that. If the financing mechanisms can take care of that, as a part of the state’s endeavour, that will be a huge step forward.
Essay Question:
In an essay format of no more than 3000 words (minimum 2000 words), discuss how community psychology could assist the global mental health initiative in reducing health inequities in South Africa. Use pertinent examples from the above background information, WHO flyer, and excerpt from the interview between Suntosh R. Pillay and Prof Saxena, as well as at least five additional academic sources to substantiate your discussion.
Use the following points as a guide to structure your essay:
- Begin with a paragraph which explains what community psychology is and then describe the key areas that you will discuss further in the main body of your essay. These key areas will highlight how community psychology can assist in reducing health inequalities in South Africa. (10 marks)
- Briefly explain the emergence and relevance of community psychology both internationally and in South Africa. (10 marks)
- Discuss the history and background of access to mental health care within the South African context with reference to our history of segregated mental health care and current socio economic restrictions. (10 marks)
- Explore the differences between traditional psychology and community psychology in relation to mental health care inequality. (10 marks)
- Discuss mental health promotion, prevention, community engagement and upliftment to address mental health care inequalities in South Africa. (10 marks)
- Provide an overview of mental health policies and frameworks in South Africa. Highlight one policy/framework which exacerbates mental health care inequalities and one
- Examine the role of NGOs and humanitarian action in alleviating mental health care inequalities in South Africa. (10 marks)
- Application of the background information, WHO flyer, and excerpt from the interview between Suntosh R. Pillay and Prof Saxena, integrated into your discussion of the above points. (10 marks)
- A conclusion drawing your discussion together and highlighting your main points in relation to how community psychology can assist in reducing health inequalities in South Africa. (10 marks)
Psychology Assignment Answers: Expert Answers on Above Psychology Questions
Community psychology and key areas
Community psychology emphasizes on collective wellbeing rather than individual treatment. The key areas include the history of mental health inequities, community engagement, policies etc.
Relevance of community psychology
The origin of community psychology in South Africa can be traced back to the post apartheid era and its mean objective is to address the systemic inequities and promote community based interventions.
Access to mental health care in South Africa
The services for black community were not funded adequately after the segregation of apartheid era which led to unequal access. This issue is still visible in South Africa amidst socio economic restrictions and rural urban divides.
Traditional versus community psychology
The focus of traditional psychology was on individual treatment while the community psychology focuses on prevention, empowerment and collective solutions.
Overview of policy and frameworks
The major South African policies includes Mental Healthcare Act (2002) and national mental health policy framework. The root cause of inequality was the lack of implementation and funding issues.
Role of NGO and humanitarian action
The role of NGOs can be identified from the fact that it is responsible for providing grassroot services, crisis response and training for community workers.
Interview with Saxena
Professor Saxena highlighted mental health as a key factor and associated it to inequality. The flyer by WHO emphasizes on prevention, promotion and integration at all care levels.
| Disclaimer: This answer is a model for study and reference purposes only. Please do not submit it as your own work. |
