Mental health under occupation: an analysis of the de-politicization of the mental health discourse in Palestine and a call for a human rights approach

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to look at the effects of the Israeli occupation on the mental health of Palestinians and examine the link between political oppression and the occurrence of mental health disorders. It argues that, as human rights violations in Palestine are connected to psychological distress, the root causes of social suffering need to be considered in order not to pathologize Palestinians. The purpose of this paper lies in connecting the mental health discourse with a human rights approach to better understand this connection within the context of political violence.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents the viewpoint and perspectives of the authors on significant mental health issues in Palestine. The methodology is based on a literature review of the de-politicization of the mental health discourse and on the theoretical framework of a human rights approach. At the base of this discourse lies the demand for social justice and professional solidarity.FindingsThe study highlights that to truly understand social suffering in Palestine, it needs to be related to the prevalence of human rights violations, which in turn have a conceivable impact on the mental health well-being of individuals. It advocates for a shift from a de-contextualized, de-politicized and individualistic approach to mental health to acknowledging the importance of the social and political context in which trauma develops. It further illustrates how the adaptation of a human rights approach can strengthen demands of social justice and oppose the victimization of Palestinians.Originality/valueThe value of the works lies in putting the prevalence of mental health disorders in Palestine in relation to human rights violations as a consequence of the ongoing Israeli occupation and in highlighting the role that international organizations play in the de-politicization of the mental health discourse.