Mental Health Reform

Definition

Mental health reform refers to changes in societal attitudes and policies towards mental illness, often involving improved treatment methods, de-stigmatization of mental health issues, and better support systems for those affected.

Analogy

Think of mental health reform as a software update on your phone. Just like how updates improve functionality and fix bugs in your device, mental health reforms aim to improve the system's approach to treating and understanding mental illnesses.

Related terms

Asylum Movement: This was an effort in the 19th century to provide better institutional care for the mentally ill. It was a significant part of early mental health reform.

Deinstitutionalization: Refers to the process of replacing long-stay psychiatric hospitals with less isolated community mental health services.

Stigma: A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance or quality. In this context, it refers to negative stereotypes about people with mental illnesses that can hinder their treatment or acceptance in society.