Social Policy Mental health and disability.

This paper explores the interaction between mental health and disability policy. It starts by looking at the historical development of policy in these two areas. It then looks at how mental health and disability policy have interacted in recent years. Finally, it discusses some of the challenges that need to be addressed in order to ensure that people with mental health problems receive the support they need.

Mental health and disability are both areas of significant policy concern. There is a considerable body of research evidence that demonstrates the importance of social factors in the development of mental illness. For example, poverty, poor housing, and unemployment have all been linked to increased risk of mental ill-health. People with mental health problems are also more likely to experience disabilities, including physical and learning disabilities.

The historical development of policy in these two areas has been shaped by a number of factors. The most significant of these is the rise of the medical model of mental illness, which has led to a focus on individual treatment and rehabilitation, rather than on addressing the social factors that contribute to mental ill-health.

This has meant that, until recently, mental health policy has been largely distinct from disability policy. However, there has been an increasing recognition in recent years of the need to address the social factors that contribute to mental ill-health. This has led to a growing body of research evidence on the ‘social determinants of health’, which includes factors such as poverty, housing, and employment.

The government’s commitment to tackling inequalities and promoting social cohesion has also influenced policy in these areas. In 2010, the government published its Mental Health Strategy, which set out a vision for ‘a society where people with mental health problems can participate fully in all aspects of life’. The strategy included a number of specific commitments to address the social determinants of mental ill-health.

The most recent iteration of disability policy is the Disability Discrimination Act 2005, which introduced a duty on public bodies to promote equality of opportunity for disabled people. The act includes a specific requirement to take action to reduce the disadvantages experienced by disabled people.

The interaction between mental health and disability policy has been shaped by a number of factors, including the rise of the medical model of mental illness, the increasing recognition of the importance of social factors in the development of mental ill-health, and the government’s commitment to tackling inequalities.

There are a number of challenges that need to be addressed in order to ensure that people with mental health problems receive the support they need. These include:

- Ensuring that mental health policy takes account of the social determinants of mental ill-health;

- Integrating mental health and disability policy;

- Ensuring that disabled people are not discriminated against in access to services and support;

- Addressing the specific needs of different groups of disabled people, including those with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, and mental health problems.