Betting on a different horse: a qualitative analysis of mental health in health promotion policies

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyse the position and role of mental health in health promotion policy. Policy documents from Finland, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, England and Portugal indicate that, although mental health is considered a serious issue, it is problematic in policy terms. A range of arguments are put forward, making the case for the importance of mental health within the health promotion agenda, including the classification of mental illness as a public health problem, socio‐economic and individual costs of mental health problems and the view that mental well‐being is a crucial element of overall health. However problems of definition, measurement and a traditional focus on treatment and care continue to make mental health promotion problematic for policy makers.

Citation

Solin, P. and Lehto, J. (2004), "Betting on a different horse: a qualitative analysis of mental health in health promotion policies", Journal of Public Mental Health, Vol. 3 No. 3, pp. 8-17. https://doi.org/10.1108/17465729200400015

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