Viewpoint Blog

In Viewpoint you will find blogs that express views and opinions on the mental health issues that affect people within society - including topics discussing media related and created issues such as "moral panics".

All blogs and posts on Viewpoint are influenced by the social model of mental health: underpinned by a socialist left-wing perspective. Therefore, reference to social work and its value within the blogs and society will often be made. However, Talking Minds will attempt to remain objective and provide fact in all its discussions, backed up by reference to appropriate sources of further information.

Viewpoint is the Talking Minds blog that seeks to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of mental illness: tackling discrimination. Viewpoint aims to include discussions and debate on areas such as poverty, inequality, sociological theory, power differentials, and social work, to put into context where inequality, stigma, and discrimination can transcend society. It is hoped that Viewpoint will deliver a balanced and objective perspective that develops your understanding of the stigma that is often attached to: people with a mental illness; mental health services; and people associated with someone that has a mental illness such as a family member.

Viewpoint seeks to include discussions on the many issues that influence and have an impact on how our society functions. An example would be: Talking Minds believes that our capitalist society fails to provide the materialistic means for a majority of people to lead a dignified lifestyle leading to the stigmatisation of lower class or unemployed individuals. That is, the greed of billionaires ensures that less fortunate people within society continue to live in poverty. Corporate greed often ensures that junior employees are paid as little as is legally allowed; receive as little benefit as possible; and have to endure the needs of the business as a priority - above individual personal need.

Viewpoint is designed to support the main mental health support, debate, and educational resources of Talking Minds. If you feel that a particular topic should be covered on the Viewpoint blog, or if you have any ideas or comments, then please get in contact. Also, if you feel strongly about a particular subject, or wish to make your point of view heard, you can: leave your comments at the end of all the blogs and posts published on viewpoint; register and leave your thoughts and ideas on Wordspace; or join in one of the many discussions.

It is hoped that you find Viewpoint interesting and inspiring