Population & Global Mental Health (POPH90275)

Mental health is a key public health priority. The impact of mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) disorders and psychosocial disability are substantial on individuals, families and society worldwide, contributing to 10.3% of the Global Burden of Disease and 28% of Years Lived with Disability. Many MNS disorders can be prevented and/or treated with effective strategies for mental health promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation at the population level.

This subject is an introduction to the field of population and global mental health and will provide an overview of the trends and determinants of mental health; the inter-connection between mental health and physical health; its association with socio-cultural factors; its differential conceptualisation and manifestations across cultures; the individual, familial, societal and global implications of mental disorders; leading contemporary frameworks, theories and approaches to mental health system development and implementation; and the importance of a holistic and whole-of-society approach. The subject will highlight the critical role of the community and society as a whole in supporting people with mental health problems. The students will be introduced to some of the major initiatives in this area both within Australia and overseas.