Democracy and mental health ‐ a psychoanalytic contribution

In this paper, the author comments on the influence of political structures on public mental health. Using psychoanalytic theory and a Kleinian framework, the author suggests that current political systems and culture can be inhibiting of mental development and health. The paper explores the concept of democracy as an ideal and the effects it has on public mental health. The paper raises the question of political restructuring as a means of promoting mental health and suggests that there is a role for further interdisciplinary work in this area.