#MHForAll Webinar - Perspectives on Decolonising Global Mental Health
In a recent #MHForAll webinar, diverse experts and a big international audience from 99 countries gathered to delve into the nuanced and complex topic of decolonising global mental health. Throughout the discussion, each panellist offered invaluable insights, illuminating various dimensions of this critical issue.
Panellists:
Raj Mariwala: Director, Mariwala Health Initiative (India)
Emma Rawson Te-Patu: President-Elect, World Federation of Public Health Associations (New Zealand)
Rami Rmeileh: Palestinian Liberation Psychologist, Writer, and Researcher (Palestine & Lebanon)
Victor Ugo: MHPSS and Youth Advisor, MHPSS Collaborative (Denmark/International)
Margianta Surahman: Youth Advocacy and Mental Health Consultant, Founder Emancipate Indonesia (Indonesia)
Prof Bettina Borisch: CEO, World Federation for Public Health Associations (Switzerland)
Replay the session:
Session notes:
In introducing the webinar, Raj Mariwala acknowledged that certain biomedical and eurocentric perspectives have dominated the shaping of the mental health agenda and our mental health narratives often make it seem like illness and disability impact all people equally. In doing so, there is a constant risk of obscuring different structural injustices. Unless we change this power dynamic and the model of knowledge production itself, we cannot talk about decolonising mental health.
Prioritising Systemic Change
Bettina Borisch, representing the World Federation of Public Health Associations, addressed the organisation's approach to the decolonisation of public health as a strategic objective. Highlighting commonalities between global mental health and decolonising efforts, Bettina emphasised three key aspects: asymmetry of power, 'othering', and the imperative for structural change. 'Othering', a term denoting the categorisation of individuals or groups as fundamentally different, historically served colonial powers to justify domination and social hierarchies.
To counteract this, Bettina advocated for fostering a sense of belongingness through inclusive practices, stressing the institutionalisation of membership and inclusivity beyond mere expression. She emphasised the need to cultivate new identities and narratives supporting all individuals and promoting political change, aiming to dismantle systemic barriers perpetuated by colonial legacies within public health.
Centering Indigenous Perspectives
In addressing the topic of decolonisation within the World Federation of Public Health Associations, Emma Rawson-Te Patu highlighted the Federation's significant steps toward decolonisation, including the establishment of an Indigenous Working Group in 2017, representing a pivotal move within the organisation.
Emma emphasised the importance of leadership in driving authentic conversations around decolonising public health and the necessity of acknowledging indigeneity from the outset of these discussions. She stressed the need for clarity in understanding the concept of decolonisation, especially in navigating distractions from other social justice initiatives. Drawing from her own experiences as an indigenous woman, she urged allies to comprehend the context and history of decolonisation to facilitate meaningful action. She underscored the Federation's commitment to institutionalising change, as evidenced by its adoption of a goal for systems change and the forthcoming policy position statement on indigenous health and decolonising public health. These statements are envisioned as practical tools for Federation members worldwide to apply within their respective associations and countries, fostering collaboration and partnership in advancing decolonisation efforts on a global scale.
Challenging Power Dynamics: Lessons from Palestine
Rami Rmeileh provided valuable insights into the concept of decolonisation in mental health and psychology, drawing from his extensive work in Palestine and beyond. He highlighted the pervasive influence of coloniality, which continues to oppress and dominate communities globally. Rami emphasised the importance of critically examining power structures and fostering awareness of colonial legacies within institutions and academia.
He shed light on the indigenous Palestinian practice of "Sumud," meaning steadfastness, which has served as a vital form of resistance against oppression and a symbol of cultural resilience. Sumud reflects Palestinians' deep connection to their land and unwavering commitment to justice, even in the face of displacement and adversity. Rami underscored the significance of healthcare as a site of resistance and the urgent need to challenge the systems of knowledge production.
Youth-Centred Decolonisation in Global Mental Health
In response to the question about centering youth as the foundation for a decolonised future in global mental health, Victor Ugo from the MHPSS Collaborative emphasised the imperative of prioritising youth voices. He argued against the notion that decolonisation is merely a buzzword, stressing its profound departure from colonial mindsets that have marginalised traditional healing practices. Victor advocated for revisiting language, diagnostic systems, and recovery approaches through a culturally sensitive lens, highlighting the importance of moving beyond tokenistic engagement with youth and recognising their potential as problem solvers and innovators in mental health discourse.
Insights from collaborative research were shared, revealing a strong desire among young people to contribute to mental health solutions within their communities. However, systemic barriers that hinder youth-led initiatives, such as lack of trust and resources from traditional donors, were highlighted. In response, Victor proposed a paradigm shift towards sustainable pathways that facilitate youth leadership in mental health, introducing a new initiative aimed at equipping young people with practical skills to drive bottom-up approaches. Ultimately, centering youth in the vision for global mental health is crucial for lasting change and meaningful progress.
Rethinking Mental Health Solutions
The subsequent speaker, Margianta Surahman, echoing Rami's earlier points, delved into the critical examination of knowledge production in mental health contexts. Drawing from personal experiences, Margianta highlighted the inherent power dynamics in development projects and the often-overlooked question of who truly benefits from such initiatives. Emphasising the limitations of relying solely on statistical data, Margianta advocated for embracing "warm data" that captures the complexities of historical context and indigenous cultures. Moreover, Margianta underscored the need to shift from viewing communities merely as beneficiaries to actively involving them as partners in problem-solving and decision-making processes. Ultimately, Margianta called for a radical rethinking of mental health funding and implementation practices, urging for solidarity with marginalised communities and a holistic understanding of mental health that acknowledges its inherently political nature.
Concluding thoughts
In closing, the #MHForAll webinar provided a critical exploration of decolonising global mental health, featuring diverse perspectives from international experts. From prioritising systemic change and centring indigenous perspectives to challenging power dynamics and advocating for youth-centred decolonisation, the discussions underscored the need for holistic approaches that address the complexities of historical context and cultural diversity. As our speakers highlighted, it is imperative to shift from viewing communities as mere beneficiaries to actively involving them as partners in shaping mental health solutions. This call for solidarity with marginalised communities and a nuanced understanding of mental health's inherently political nature resonates as a powerful mandate for driving meaningful progress in the field.
