Consideraciones estructurales para la intervención en salud mental: pobreza, desigualdad y cohesión social.

Abstract

The integration of the social perspective within the field of mental health continues to face difficulties. The analysis and intervention in this field are still characterized by a mastery of biology and psychology, based on a methodological individualism. The social disciplines, like education and social work, intervening under these logics of care organization, are frequently constrained in the exercise of excessively superficial and bureaucratic functions. Faced with the need for actions not being limited to the treatment of those already diagnosed, but also pursuing the goal of preventing mental problems thus promoting health maintenance, it is essential the professionals practising social intervention would know and internalise the numerous evidences suggesting the influence of structural circumstances on the prevalence of mental disorders. This article presents these evidences in a precise manner. It highlights the incidence of poverty and inequality as generators of risk in mental health. On the contrary, it emphasizes the important role of social cohesion as an element of protection.