When the Illness Originates in the Mind

The mental health of the general population is decreasing. This happens in spite of a growing focus on mental health both from a clinical perspective and from a life crisis perspective. Mental illness may be of biological, biochemical, psychological, social or existential origin. Whichever origin, it is important to consider the phases that precede the manifestation of mental illness itself as well as its trajectory. Identifying the root of the illness could either support measures taken to cure illness or could support the process of commencing treatment. Current approaches for example the use of psychiatry fall short. Reviewing the literature, it seems to us that relief of mental suffering can be a process that is both long and strained and filled with obstacles that may altogether prevent it from happening. This raises a number of fundamental questions; one seems to be what does it take to make a difference to the many people whose mental health is precarious; another is how can we bring existing knowledge and experiences to good use to this end; finally, how can we respond at a more fundamental and coherent professional, organizational and not least cultural level to the suffering of people facing mental health challenges? The purpose of this essay was to examine what we know from research and philosophy to suggest a way forward.