Session 1 and 2 Deconstructing Mental Health

MSc MH,PSI,CAF
2019/20
Module: NU 7412 Deconstructing

Mental Health and Distress
Session 1/2
• Introduction of the module,
• learning outcomes,
• timetable,
• assessment,
• lecturers/facilitators
What is ‘deconstructing?’
• reduce (something) to its constituent parts in

order to reinterpret it
• to take apart or examine (something) in order to reveal the
basis or composition often with the intention of exposing
biases, flaws, or inconsistencies
• to analyse a practice by deconstruction or in such a way as
to expose its underlying assumptions or implicit ideological
stance
https://www.google.ie/search?q=deconstructing+meaning&oq=deconstructing&aqs=chrome.4.69i57j0l5.13897j1j8&sourceid=chrome
&ie=UTF-8
Why ‘deconstructing?’
• It is useful to question:
– how you work;
– what your decision making is based on;
– which implicit perspectives are involved; and
– what your limitations and opportunities for change are.
• to enhance your practice
• N.B.:
– Be prepared that this process may generate inner
turmoil.
– Be aware of your own defensiveness in this process.
Aims of the module
• Examine and re-examine theory, research and
practice on mental health and distress through
immersion in debate and reading
• More than anything it is intended as a unique
opportunity to debate, question, challenge and
reconsider your own fundamental
understanding of mental health and distress
• Aim is ‘a process’ which will benefit your
practice
Learning Outcomes:
on successful completion of this module, participants should be able to:
1. critically appraise the key schools of thought and areas of research concerning
the nature of, and responses to human distress
2. critique the historical, political sociological and cultural factors that have shaped
mental health in Ireland
3. evaluate contemporary perspectives on human distress with particular reference
to the emergence of recovery and the service user movement in Ireland
4. evaluate mental health policy and legalisation in the context of a human rights
framework
5. apply the spectrum of theoretical perspectives when understanding and
responding to experiences such as sadness, absence of pleasure, hopelessness,
anxiety and unusual thoughts & perceptions
6. work from a well informed holistic understanding of the nature of human mental
health and distress, making use of evidence from various perspectives
7. draw from the various theoretical perspectives when appraising and supporting
people who are experiencing human distress
Assessment: Essay (3000 words)
• You are required to provide a critical account of a mental

health care practice issue or intervention as encountered in
your own practice.
• Further Instructions:
– Introduction: Outline a mental health care issue or intervention
and its contemporary relevance
– Main body of Assignment: Apply relevant theoretical perspectives
and empirical evidence as introduced in the module and the
broader literature to critically discuss the issue(s) you have
introduced.
– Conclusions and Implications: Draw conclusions and suggest
implications for practice based on your discussion.
Web Assignments

• Inventory web supports for mental health and mental health difficulties (3
hrs)
– Browse the Internet for relevant web sites, support materials, organisations,
interactive materials, etc.
– Make notes and save links
– Comment on each finding in terms of what it offers, how useful it is, and for whom.
Note fundamental assumptions about mental health as expressed in these materials.
• On line Mental Health Hazards (3 hrs)
– Again browse the Internet for relevant Web Sites, support materials, organisations,
interactive materials, etc.
– Make notes and save links (you may revisit materials for Assignment 1)
– This time try to establish whether the materials or its use present hazards to the
mental health of the public. What are the hazards?
Introductions
Who are we?
– Agnes Higgins
– Brian Keogh
– Damien Brennan
– Jan de Vries
Who are you?

Small group Work
• Discussion 1:
– Brief introduction of students, hopes and expectations – report
to class (flipcharts)
• Discussion 2:
– Which aspects of your work do you question? – report to class
(flipcharts)
Getting started
• Notes
• Read, debate and question
• Start with Web assignment 1
• Start making notes for your assessment by relating
your work to what is addressed here
• Please email us if you have a query
• Blackboard
• We have only two months: start now!

• Prof. Agnes Higgins (ahiggins@tcd.ie )
• Dr. Damien Brennan ( dbrennan@tcd.ie )
• Dr. Brian Keogh ( keoghbj@tcd.ie )
• Dr. Jan de Vries ( jan.devries@tcd.ie )

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MSc MH,PSI,CAF

Module: NU 7412 Deconstructing

• reduce (something) to its constituent parts in

• You are required to provide a critical account of a mental

Who are you?

• We have only two months: start now!

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