# Introduction

This course will explore the different perspectives of mental health and the way in which they are understood.

As well as traditionally being related to biology, neurology and psychology, experiences of mental health are also linked to social factors such as housing, employment, poverty or isolation. In addition, other aspects of people’s lives, including their relationships and social networks, their ability to maintain a home and broader living circumstances, as well as their need to access and use welfare and support services, will all affect mental health. Finally, understanding aspects of mental health through a spiritual, global, technological and sustainability lens is now central and the importance of the impact of these aspects increasingly recognised.

This course will help you explore all of these features of mental health as it is understood in society today.

The course is divided into three main sections. In Section 1 you will begin to explore some of the many perspectives of mental health. You will consider the significance of the language used around mental health and mental ill-health and start to investigate the different approaches and models. In Section 2 you will have an opportunity to briefly examine a historical overview of the treatment of those will mental ill-health in England and Wales. The course finishes in Section 3 with suggestions to help you reflect on strategies and to practise skills that will be of help when studying.

## Before you start …

Write a letter to yourself briefly describing your initial thoughts about the subject of mental health in society, your own value base including any prejudices you might have, and what you hope to learn.

Seal your letter in an envelope. You will be reminded to open it again at the end of the course to see what might have changed.

This OpenLearn course is an adapted extract from the Open University course K243 Critical perspectives on mental health in society.

OpenLearn - Mental health in society
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