Individual - local community and mental health: Towards a comprehensive community psychiatric model for prevention of mental problems and promotion of mental health

Abstract

Community psychiatric understanding points to complex-interactive contributions from a variety of community sectors concerning people's mental health. In the light of an ongoing fishery crisis in Lofoten, a mental health promotion project “Liv Laga i Lofoten” was planned. The theoretical basis of the “Liv Laga” model for mental health promotion is the interaction of recent strain situations, support from social networks, and personal resources; within a local community framework. The level of social integration-disintegration of the local community is dealt with both theoretically and in practice. The design of “Liv Laga i Lofoten” was developed through a process bringing the psychiatric out-patient clinic, the municipal health and social services, and local politicians together to secure local ownership and identification with the project. A main feature of the project work is the combination of close engagement, participation in planning and practical work, and the use of a scientific model as a continuous basis for understanding and implementation. External resources must be baked into local social networks, and programmes must emerge from locally felt needs. Structures of leadership and cooperation must always be an integral part of a community mental health project.

Key Words:

• Action research
• Community psychiatry
• Mental health promotion
• Social disintegration
• Social support