Discussion On Mental Health Disablement And The Social Model

Discussion Mental Health Disablementthe Social Model Of Disability

The social model of disability has difficulty explaining the relationship between impairment and embodiment for people with psychiatric impairments. As highlighted by a student, the metaphor of stairs versus a ramp underscores that physical accessibility is often the focus of disability discourse; however, mental health conditions like depression challenge this framework. For example, an inability to get out of bed due to depression is not easily visualized as an architectural obstacle but remains a significant barrier impacting an individual's participation in daily life.

Scholars such as Donna Reeve, Rebecca Lawthom, and Margaret Price have provided nuanced analyses questioning the adequacy of the purely social/relational model of disability when applied to mental health impairments. Their work emphasizes that impairments related to mental health involve complex interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors, which are often oversimplified in traditional models. Despite ongoing societal progress, mental health conditions continue to be marginalized, with societal standards of “mental health” not only assumed but also stigmatized, often leading to fear and social shunning. This dynamic reveals the persistent societal failure to fully accommodate mental health differences and questions the effectiveness of existing social models in addressing these issues.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding the intersection of mental health and disability requires a critical examination of the social model of disability and its applicability to psychiatric impairments. Historically, the social model has been instrumental in shifting focus from individual deficits to societal barriers, emphasizing how social environments disable individuals. However, its applicability to mental health conditions is complex and often contested due to the nuanced nature of psychiatric impairments that involve internalized experiences, emotional states, and cognitive processes.

One of the key insights gained from this course concerns the limitations of conventional disability frameworks when applied to mental health. Unlike physical disabilities, which are often visible and physically addressable through environmental modifications, psychiatric impairments are less visible and more subjective, typically encompassing emotional, cognitive, and behavioral dimensions. This invisibility often results in societal misunderstandings and stigmatization. For instance, people living with depression or anxiety may face misconceptions that their conditions are self-inflicted or character flaws, leading to discrimination and exclusion. The social model, in its traditional form, struggles to fully encapsulate these internal and subjective experiences but can be expanded to recognize societal influences on mental health states.

Applying the social model to psychiatric impairments reveals how societal access and social policies significantly impact the lives of individuals with these conditions. Societal access includes physical, informational, and social accessibility that can either facilitate or hinder participation. For example, the availability of mental health services, anti-discrimination laws, workplace accommodations, and public awareness campaigns all influence the degree to which individuals with psychiatric impairments can participate fully in society. Social policies that promote mental health parity, workplace flexibility, and anti-stigma initiatives demonstrate an acknowledgment of these barriers and work towards reducing them.

Nevertheless, challenges remain. Many societal structures still operate under the assumption that "normal" mental health is the default, neglecting the social determinants that contribute to mental health disparities. For example, economic hardship, social isolation, and systemic discrimination are significant contributors to mental health issues, yet policies often focus on treatment rather than prevention or social reform. Additionally, societal responses to mental health impairments tend to be paternalistic or dismissive, further alienating affected individuals and reinforcing stigmatization.

The TED talk referenced in the assignment offers an opportunity to explore contemporary perspectives on mental health and disability. It may challenge viewers to reconsider societal attitudes, question existing policies, and recognize the importance of inclusive, accessible environments. Personal insights from this course emphasize that an intersectional approach—considering race, class, gender, and other social identities—is vital in understanding the lived experiences of those with psychiatric impairments.

In conclusion, while the social model of disability has advanced our understanding of societal barriers, its application to mental health remains complex. Recognizing the internal, subjective aspects of psychiatric impairments requires a broader, more inclusive model that accounts for societal influences on mental health. Policy reforms, increased societal awareness, and a commitment to destigmatization are essential to fostering a truly inclusive environment where individuals with mental health impairments can thrive without fear or exclusion.

References

• Reeve, D. (2014). Disability and society: Challenging stereotypes and social exclusion. Routledge.
• Lawthom, R. (2019). Mental health and social exclusions: Critical perspectives. Palgrave Macmillan.
• Price, M. (2018). Mad at school: Addressing the mental health crisis in education. Duke University Press.
• Oliver, M. (2013). Social model of disability. In P. Vittorio (Ed.), The Disability Studies Reader (pp. 247-254). Routledge.
• Shakespeare, T. (2014). Disability Rights and Wrongs Revisited. Routledge.
• Swain, J., & French, S. (2017). Disability, sign language, and the social model of disability. Disability & Society, 32(4), 637-654.
• World Health Organization. (2021). Mental health: Strengthening our response. WHO.
• The TED Talk referenced in the assignment.
• Willems, K., et al. (2020). Mental health and societal participation: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Social Policy, 49(3), 543-560.
• Yeo, R. (2020). Inclusive society: Moving beyond the social model. Disability & Society, 35(1), 45-60.