These are times of political turbulence across the world. For example, in North America and elsewhere, populist democracy is on the rise (again). The European Union is facing difficulties, as illustrated by Brexit and more. Parts of Asia and Africa are still struggling with basic human rights adversities. And the Middle East seems as challenged as ever with intra- and international hostilities. Yet it is not sufficiently clear to what extent such political turbulence and more generally politics and its correlates such as politically determined economics are related to mental health and its challenges. Hence, research on the relation(s) of politics and mental health is required.
One general direction of research on politics and mental health addresses the impact of politics on mental health. For example, how if at all do newly elected governments at all levels–municipal, regional, and national–impact the mental health of voters as well as informed and interested nonvoters such as mature minors? And how if at all does Universal Basic Income (as provided in Nairobi, Kenya), its withdrawal (as occurred in Namibia in 2009 after a year of piloting), and its withholding (as upheld in most countries such as by a 2016 referendum in Switzerland), impact the mental health of the population at large and of particular individuals? Another general direction of research on politics and mental health addresses the impact of mental health on politics. For example, how if at all is voting impacted by mental illness (knowing that even psychiatric inpatients vote in some jurisdictions such as in Israel)? And how, if at all, does mental health and its challenges impact politicians’ behaviors such as their decision making and public communication?
There may be other general directions of research on politics and mental health to examine. Be that as it may, there is a clear need to conduct research on the relation(s) of politics and mental health, as much is at stake with politics. The International Journal of Mental Health is prepared to contribute to this research by publishing rigorously done and well written studies on politics and mental health. A theme issue on the relation(s) between politics and mental health–preferably addressing low, middle, and high income countries–would also be considered. I look forward to learning about others’ interest and work in this area of research.