Promoting Public Mental Health and Well-being: Principles into Practice

What causes a person to flourish or languish? Or to be well or ill? How can the mental health and well-being of society as a whole, and individuals, be promoted and enhanced? This book explores the social, economic, political, cultural and environmental factors that affect mental health and well-being on a societal and individual level, and how prevention and intervention can enhance mental health. Taking a holistic approach to mental health, the book sets out effective strategies, from creating a supportive environment to building personal skills. Three extended case studies demonstrate how principles can be applied in practice in different situations: a specific social problem (suicide); a population group (young Black and minority ethnic groups); and a medically defined problem (people with long term conditions). This is an essential book for all those involved in mental health services and promotion, from service commissioners to front-line practitioners, as well as mental health and public health students.

Catherine J. Mackereth is a Public Health Consultant with leadership for adults and older people, working in Scotland; until 2013 she was involved in commissioning Mental Health services using an integrated model of care in the North East of England.

Jean S. Brown is a Public Health Consultant and mental health epidemiologist, working on a freelance basis.

Alyson M. Learmonth retired in 2012 from her post as Director of Public Health in Gateshead, with a special interest in inequalities, as well as evidence-based commissioning. She remains professionally active, particularly in relation to the application of health impact assessment.