Occupying space: mental health geography and global directions

McGeachan, C. and Philo, C. (2017) Occupying space: mental health geography and global directions. In: White, R. G., Jain, S., Orr, D. M.R. and Read, U. M. (eds.) The Palgrave Handbook of Sociocultural Perspectives on Global Mental Health. Series: Palgrave handbooks. Palgrave Macmillan: London, pp. 31-50. ISBN 9781137395092 (doi: 10.1057/978-1-137-39510-8_2)

Abstract

This chapter highlights the significance of thinking geographically about mental health and aims to demonstrate what a geographically informed analysis of mental health can offer to future debates within global mental health. Beginning with an overview of mental health geography, the chapter focuses upon four interconnecting strands of the subfield, that of ‘spatial epidemiologies’ and the ‘psychiatric city’, provision and the complex spaces of care, and therapeutic landscapes, to highlight the significance of a geographical approach. A range of examples from the work in mental health geography and beyond are presented to illustrate the different geographical components revealed by these studies. Finally, future challenges in and agendas for further critical exploration into global mental health from this perspective are suggested, particularly with reference to the lack of attention currently given to those sites, spaces and voices in the Global South.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Philo, Professor Christopher and McGeachan, Dr Cheryl
• Authors: McGeachan, C., and Philo, C.
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology; G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General); R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences > Geography
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• ISBN: 9781137395092