Citation
(2014), "2013 Awards for Excellence", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 18 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-03-2014-002
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
2013 Awards for Excellence
Article Type: 2013 Awards for Excellence From: Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Volume 18, Issue 1.
The following article was selected for this year's Outstanding Paper Award for Mental Health and Social Inclusion
“The philosophy of greencare: why it matters for our mental health”
Rex Haigh
Slough Therapeutic Community, Wexham Park Hospital and Iver Environment Centre, Slough, UK
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the confluence of thinking across several areas, in their critique of modernity,
with potential solutions in the mental health field.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses case and organisational examples related to relevant theory and clinical practice to demonstrate relevant
contradictions and paradoxes in “modernised” mental health care. This is based on the author's experience as a public sector
psychiatrist specialising in “personality disorder” to lead a government programme of new service developments in the field.
Findings – Modern methods of management, focusing on measurement, prediction and control – in the service of efficiency and economy
– are not sufficient to meet the needs of a population with high incidence of “personality disorder”. A major change of attitude
is required, to an authentic biopsychosocial approach, including spiritual and other non-verbal considerations.
Research limitations/implications – Hitherto, research has not combined these elements in a way that has made it easy to capture and analyse them. New methodologies
and paradigms may be called for.
Practical implications – Mental health care should not be considered an entirely rational process that can be measured and manualised; considerations
of how to better manage complexity and uncertainty are urgently needed.
Social implications – Destigmatisation and normalisation of mental distress and “illness” should occur.
Originality/value – The paper introduces two new terms to mental health discourse: “greencare” and “biopsychosocialism”.
Keywords Biopsychosocial approach, Complexity theory, Greencare, Health services, Mental health care service provision, Mental illness,
Postmodernism, Spirituality, Therapeutic community, UK
www.emeraldinsight.com/10.1108/20428301211255400
This article originally appeared in Volume 16 Number 3 2012, Mental Health and Social Inclusion
The following articles were selected for this year's Highly Commended Award
"Employment - hope and reality"
Alex Williams
This article originally appeared in Volume 16 Number 4, 2012, Mental Health and Social Inclusion
"Flying high - using trapeze to promote recovery, employment and social inclusion"
Joanne Rixom
This article originally appeared in Volume 16 Number 3, 2012, Mental Health and Social Inclusion
"Remarkable lives: Peter Bullimore in conversation with Jerome Carson"
Peter Bullimore and Jerome Carson
This article originally appeared in Volume 16 Number 3, 2012, Mental Health and Social Inclusion