Latest News

Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Social justice affects mental health: expert

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 02/15/2012 8:54 PM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

The Occupy Winnipeg camp at Memorial Park in Winnipeg last November.

Social justice and fairness has "a very profound influence on mental health," an international mental health expert told a Winnipeg conference on Wednesday.

Canada has produced some of the world’s best research showing the links between social inequality and mental health problems, but has largely failed to act upon that evidence, said Dr. Lynne Friedli.

"There’s a gap between what your research tells you and the level of political commitment," she said in a keynote address to an audience of 300 at a national mental health summit.

Friedli, a London-based independent researcher who has advised the World Health Organization on mental health issues, noted the gap between the rich and poor in Canada is growing.

In an interview, she said that she was surprised to pick up Canadian newspapers and see "very little popular debate" about fairness and justice and who is disregarded in society.

She expressed hope the Occupy movement would succeed in bringing more attention to social inequities, which she said is a big contributor to mental health problems and, in turn, to physical health problems.

"We need a lot more conversation about fairness because fairness has a very profound influence on mental health," she said.

In her 45-minute talk, Friedli drew links between poverty and the socially marginalized and mental illness. She argued that there are big economic and social returns from investments aimed at promoting fairness and particularly the well-being of families and children.

The economic returns from investing in social programs are not always immediate, but it’s wrong to think there is no payback, she said. She advised governments to consider the economic and social impacts of these programs -- especially those targeting children -- and resist the urge to cut them back during an economic downturn.

Premier Greg Selinger, who had come to the conference to bring greetings from the province, sat at a front row table, scribbling notes as Friedli spoke. Several members of his cabinet were also in the room, listening attentively.

The conference, which grew out of discussions on the societal impacts of mental illness at a meeting of Canada’s premiers last summer, has attracted academics, mental health professionals and government types from across Canada. It concludes on Thursday.

Selinger said afterwards that there’s a growing body of evidence that suggests that investments in child recreation and education are good value for the money.

"But she’s saying more than that," he said, referring to Friedli. "It’s not just about the evidence (about the importance of promoting social equity) any more. It’s about a willingness on the part of the community to grasp onto these issues and make them a priority."

Selinger said the province is interested in social models that produce results, and he thinks it’s on the right path with its various healthy child initiatives.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca

(You must be logged in to post your reaction)

Your reaction?

More Latest News

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010; View the changes. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.