Mental health has emerged as a critical public health priority worldwide, demanding context-sensitive and urgent interventions due to rising rates of psychological distress, mental illness, and unmet care needs. The influence of a particular place on mental health and well-being is profound and multifaceted, shaped by physical, social, economic, and cultural conditions. From rural landscapes to urban centers, structural determinants such as housing, poverty, racism, and service access intertwine with individual experiences, impacting mental health outcomes. Current studies emphasize the importance of understanding these geographical and social nuances to address mental health wisely and effectively. Though notable efforts are underway, there remains a significant gap in connecting academic research with ground-level public health initiatives, particularly through community-driven efforts.

This Research Topic aims to bridge this gap by highlighting the significance of place-based approaches in enhancing mental health, especially those driven by community initiatives that are co-produced and sensitive to cultural contexts. By focusing on how mental health is perceived, experienced, and supported at local levels, this research seeks to illustrate the connection between academic findings and actionable public health strategies. We aim to foster discussions that engage with local realities, address structural inequalities, utilize community strengths, and incorporate interdisciplinary perspectives as well as those involving lived experiences.

The research scope delimits its range to community-driven and culturally contextualized mental health approaches and their underlying structural, social, and economic influences. To gather further insights in this realm, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o The role of place in shaping mental health, including geographical, identity, and environmental determinants

o Community-led or co-produced mental health initiatives

o Structural determinants of mental health such as housing, poverty, racism, and trauma

o Mental health needs and disparities in rural, urban, and coastal settings

o Culturally grounded practices and indigenous knowledge in mental health care

o Asset-based approaches to promoting community wellbeing

o The intersection between mental health, housing, work, and living conditions

o Supporting mental health across the life course: addressing the needs of children, adults, and older adults

o Experiences of trauma, displacement, and marginalization

o Mental health considerations for vulnerable groups, including substance users

o Health equity and intersectionality in mental health service delivery

o Implementation research, population health assessments, and evaluative studies of local interventions

o Approaches to public and patient involvement (PPIE) and participatory research

We invite contributions that reflect varied methodological perspectives and illustrate how place-based, culturally attuned, and community-responsive mental health approaches can advance public health goals.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Roots of Resilience: Exploring Community-Focused Mental Health Through Place