Mental Health is a constantly changing construct defined by prevalent social views, values and ideologies. When analysing its definitions through time we can see how modern perspectives on mental health reflect current Western values. They are emphasizing individualistic mentality, productivity, prosperity, socially appropriate behaviour and successful overcoming of obstacles and problems. This vision is simultaneously followed by the field of mental health practices which often disregards the holistic perspective of a human being defined by his needs, wishes and social determination and focuses solely on indicators of mental distress and the consequent ways of treating it.
The following thesis thus presents the interaction of biological, psychological and sociological factors influencing the occurrence of mental distress within the population of children and adolescents with special needs. We pay extra attention to the mental health of those with intellectual disabilities as they are recognized as being one of the most neglected groups in the context of mental health care and frequently misunderstood in their communication of sadness, anger or even severe trauma. These expressions are often interpreted as inherent to intellectual disabilities as such and not as a call for help or as a need to be heard. Problematising this we also stress the role of early traumatic experiences in the occurrence of intellectual disabilities.
Through epistemological analysis, we take a critical stance toward the term »comorbidity« for implying the coexistence of two separate disorders or states and thus overlooking the possibility of both being only different manifestations of one common underlying impairment. Our case study with the adolescent girl who has moderate intellectual disabilities and who is also experiencing mental distress shows the role and importance of the interaction of different psychosocial factors for the occurrence and maintenance of her mental health issues. Based on her experiences and theoretical findings the importance of conversation in alleviating mental distress is emphasised. Consequently, we make an appeal for the improved accessibility of psychotherapeutic help for people with intellectual disabilities.
We also stress the importance of protective factors from the perspectives of preventive action and support for already existing mental distresses. Namely, they are always accessible to us, even when the influencing risk factors are not.
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