Prose not Prozac? The role of book prescription schemes and healthy reading schemes in the treatment of mental illness in Ireland

Abstract

Book prescription schemes and healthy reading schemes are public mental health initiatives that are inspired by the bibliotherapeutic principle of ‘the guided use of reading, always with a therapeutic outcome in mind’ (Katz & Watz, 1992). These initiatives were originally developed in the UK as an example of care in the community for the treatment of mild to moderate mental health problems. This involves the creation of a collection of self-help books in a local library which members of the public can access free of charge to help with their recovery from mental illness. Ireland’s first Book Prescription Scheme was established in Dublin City in 2007. This article presents a critical assessment of the contribution that these reading schemes offer the treatment of mental illness in Ireland. While advocates commend this new service, a critical discourse analysis of Irish self-help reading schemes reveals that offering guided reading for the treatment of mental illness provides an individualistic and neo-liberal construction of mental illness and well-being.

Keywords:

• critical discourse analysis
• institutionalisation
• bibliotherapy
• book prescription schemes
• healthy reading schemes
• Irish mental health services